jessebeckham

the guy here seems to be using something similar to layout his belt design at the beginning of this video.

looks good to me. Are you going to put keepers on them?

need an image...

Luck you, I've been wanting to get ahold of some ostrich leather myself. could always make a nice narrow dress belt. Wallet, magnet money clips, something small to get an idea of how workable it is..

i felt like I had been doing everything wrong before I Started using the copper rivets. Looking back on some of my first projects that I used the little flimsy Tandy rivets, I truly don't know if they are still holding up. The copper rivets do cost a little more, but they add structural integrity to any project, and that is a great selling point for a lot of people. As far as heavy duty thread goes, you can check out http://weaverleather.com/default.aspx I am sure there are many different suppliers of good thread but Weaver has a great selection. Also, check this link http://www.tippmannindustrial.com/needleandthread.php for helpful info on thread sizes and needle sizes.

Yeah I'll be in if for the long haul on Saturday hoping they call my name for the $250. I was kind of ignorant to the leather world when I went last year, this year i am definatly going to have to leave the credit and debit cards at home and just take a responsible amount of cash. It's kinda funny, I posted this thread earlier today at work and had a flyer in the mail forthe show when I got home today!

Very interesting.... The other day I saw some tilapia leather on some random site and though it was rather odd. I think it's awesome you made the entire project leather included! I'm hoping I'll get a good buck this season to do the same.

Remember that's just how I do it, others may have different/better processes... Be sure and keep us updated!

The Indian headdress seat is incredible! Really great work!

Yeah, Saturday is all that I'll make.... I'll be at a Museum Conference in Nebraska that week and will be leaving early so I can make it on Saturday! You can see where my priorities are! HA!

Anyone planning on attending this event? If you are in the area I highly advise attending. I had only been working with leather a couple months when I went last year.... All that I have learned since has me kicking myself in the butt for not buying more while I was there! Any ways, its a great show, vendors from all over. And some really good deals on tools and leather! Here is a link to their page. http://www.bootandsaddlemakertradeshow.com/

I would say dye after wet forming. IUf you are using water based dyes, Like most, then that will prevent the dye from running. I usually, layout, mold, dye, then stitch. I stitch last because I like a good clean white stitch.

I'm sure you can find someone on here that would be interested in buying some. Figure out some prices and let me know, I'd probably take a few as well.

Welcome! You'll find tons of info on here! And some really great advice!

Tippmann sells some threads on their site, the prices seem pretty reasonable. Check out Weaver too they have quite a variety to choose from.

great looking rig! I am about to take on my first holster rig with bullet loops! I hope mine turns out half as good as yours.

did you come up with anything for a patter? Started the bag yet? Progress?

i really like the raised image. I like the color too, very rich! Only thing I would suggest would be to finish the edges along the zipper. All other edges and joints look good!

very nice work!

Great attention to detail! I really like the little key slip! Its the small things in life!

hey, it looks better than a lot of my first projects! Keep up the work and you will be amazed at the transformation in your craft!

Benlilly- yes it used a ton of leather! I understand now why some many bags out ther are multiple pieces sewn together. This bag has 8 pieces: 2xend caps, large body piece, 2x strap supports, 2x handles and lining material inside. The large body pieces made for awkward sewing.

Thanks all. I appreciate the complements. Hopefully I won't have to use the spots again anytime soon.

ive never used the cast alum strap cutter, only the wooden one. I have been told, and as far as i can see in design, that since the leather is set between two pieces of wood, lets call the adjustable vise? That they are much easier to use and guide than the metal ones.