cjartist

Looks great Stetson. You've got a lot of colors going on there too. Did you have to wait on the carrageenan to set up?

It is not tagging a person like facebook. This is about keyword tags for SEO (search engine optimization)

Oh, okay. That sounds a little better than poo

I'm confused. Do you guys know each other? Is this just some friendly ribbing or an inside joke?

Trudi, you should update your profile to show your location. Then maybe someone on here can show you what machines the have for sale near you.

Looks great. Oh so shiny too!

If people would start using Tags when writing a post, that should eventually help to sort out search. Very few people use that feature though.

So much better than the notebook cover I just made as a thank you gift. Something about the colors of the contrasting inner pockets with the outer just doesn't work for me. Feels kind of cold (outer shade) and warm (inner pockets). Nice job though and great photography too.

I curious for others to chime in on what makes a "quality" swivel knife? I have been using a tandy knife from the 90s I believe, that I got second hand. Seems to work fine. So Are there better knives? The only improvements I can think of would be blade (which is changeable), ease of rotation, or maybe thickness, weight?

Looks great. I can tell you put a lot of time into this. You didn't ask for a critique, so forgive me for pointing this out ... I would do a second coat of paint on those pipes. It may help smooth out the brush marks.

Packing (shipping) tape on the back

Cool. Please share some of your pics.

I have never used those products, so I can't speak of them. After you dye, make sure that you buff the belt well with a rag before you seal it to remove any excess dye. I know that that super sheen will prevent rub off. I would apply at least two coats though.

If you are using Fiebings dye, it shouldn't rub off even if the finish eventually does. All finishes will eventually wear off. There are other options for a top coat. You can use the super sheen or resolene, they are both acrylic finishes. You can use a beeswax mixed with neatsfoot oil (has to be melted together. Some on here have been using Mop N Glo, which you can buy from the grocery store. I'm not sure about mixing dye with antique. Maybe someone else can help with that. Depends on what shade of dye you are using compared to the shade of antique. But basically the antique just fills in the depressions and is usually sealed with one of the acrylic finishes mentioned above.

I agree. That slanted side was a little more vibrant before I used a bit of neatsfoot oil on it.

Thanks Stetson. The front of it was where I tried some oil and it came out a little faded. Resolene is definitely the way to go with these inks.

Here as my go at a simple wallet. Thanks JLS for the pattern

UPDATE +++ So today I had the first chance to do some tooling with this leather. Not so good. Takes a stamp great but my swivel knife drags awful. I stropped it twice and when that made no difference I sharpened it and stropped again. Drags horribly. Al of my cuts are coming out very choppy and I find i am having to force it along. I have to wonder if there was something from the tanning process that is gumming it up. Anyhow, I won't buy it again.

Beautiful work and I love seeing the raw tooled versions

I would look at what jewelers use. You know for sure that would be a tried and true method.

I can now see the tooling on some. A little harder to see on the lake scene and evil queen one.

These look fantastic. Couple of questions if I may ... Is there any tooling in your design, or is it strictly paint? I also notice that most people stitch these but you have chosen to use the Chicago screws for assembly. I suppose this would better allow for a collar repair or saving the outer art, maybe even after the pet has gone. Were these ideas considered n this design or is it some other? Thanks for sharing!

Very Nice

I bought some sumi brushes and used those. Just need a brush that holds a good deal of ink. Having the pointed tip like the Asian ones do, helps also.

I tried fiebings leather dye first. Seems like it should have worked because it is alcohol based, but it didn't work for me. So yes, I used suminagshi inks on top of straight water. I have not experienced any rub off, but I have found is that using oil after these inks is not good. It tends to fade the color. Sealing it with resolene or super shene works quite well though. It really is a fun little project.