JJs Leatherworks

For those of you on chat a couple evenings ago, as promised here are a couple pics of my current 'in the works' project of my first custom guitar strap. Will add updates as work progresses. Background will be 'saddle tan' antiqued, star and barb wire concho between name and brand, buckle end on back guitar attachment, will also be lined with thin sheepskin by request. JJ Sorry, got two front pictures and no back. JJ

Here are the finished products. Open to comments JJ

I have had several made (maker and custom ones) and always pleased with the imprint. Many say they won't outlast a metal one, but if I have to replace it every '1000' projects, I will. I have learned though that the larger ones are better made to work with a press (if you have access to one) as if you try to hit it too hard to get a deep impression, it is easy to have it bounce and give a ghost impression - really doesn't look professional. JJ

Good looking wallet. Amazing editing in video work - fun to watch. Question - What is the proper name for the two sided tape you use to hold interior piect folds in place for sewing and where do you get it? I have never seen anyone use this adhesive on leather and it is a whole lot faster and cleaner than any liquid glue. JJ Kevin, Sorry for duplicate question, hadn't looked at second page of posts. JJ

Just found this thread. I too, ordered a set of burnishers on e-bay last spring, worked excellent. Great e-bayer. Would recommend tools to anyone. RIP

No 'kidnap-able' kids of the right size close. Did have brand new jeans, purchased at OshKosh in Vegas during NFR, ready to wrap for Xmas. Worked good for making a pattern. Will try to attach pic from phone of work in progress. Managed to finish chaps in time and they were a hit. Pics of finished project are still on New camera and will try to post when downloaded to computer.

Thanks Renee & Bruce for the tips so far.All good info. Hoping I can find time today to try some more practice pieces. If anyone else wants to weigh in and add what has worked for them, my ears are open to all suggestions. There are some pretty impressive pics of belts on this site. Thanks again guys. JJ's

I make items for our local rodeo, trophy bronc halters and last year, belts for many of the sponsors, as well as promotional items. I have been trying to come up with ideas for this year's items and would really like to incorporate hair-on items. Problem - to date I have never used this medium. I have searched the site and found many good ideas, but still have lots of unanswered questions. I have played with some scrap pieces experimenting with what I have picked up on so far, but am a long way from being happy with results and going head long into making an actual belt. Really hoping Bruce will come in as in past topics, he has seemed to be the site officianado on this topic, not that I want to deter anyone else from adding their two cents, all input is welcome. Questions I still have; - What weights of veg tan is being used on outside and as liner/backer? I want to be able to do some tooling on outside where hair is not exposed - Is the hair-on leather being used full weight, or is it being split thinner? Skived on edges only? I don't want the belt to get too thick - In a previous posting, I have read that one recommendation was to glue hair-on to the backing first, then cut belt width strips - last year I made 30+ belts of the same pattern - how much hair-on to backing would you do in one step? Double shoulder? Side? Enough for 5 belts? Could be a lot of glue to spread and try to manage even matching of two layers -Are the edges of the hair-on trimmed back a bit of hair? Need surface suitable for gluing - What is the minimum width (or nominal width) the edges of the top layer can (should) be cut to allow for two rows of stitching -I will be sewing with a cobra, what combination of presser foot/base would you recommend? Using left presser, sewing close to edge, top layer is rolling out on me so far I am certain that as I proceed, more questions will surface, but if the above concerns are answered, I am ready to use up some more scraps and thread. Belts need to be done by the middle of April! Thanks JJ's

Having purchased a Cobra a year ago (and love it), the frames look identical - different color paint and different name attached. My guess is they are the same machine except for maybe some of the tweaking done prior to sale. Would have to get Steve and Bob to weigh in on their respective machines to know for sure. I know they are capable of sewing even thicker than the samples shown in th video!

Not sure the vintage of the picture, but this really looks like a sample of the 'nature tanned' leather that was very popular for all types of projects in the 70's. The leather came in the gold/light brown color that is in the middle of the project, and you could die the edges with any oil dye color to highlight. Using either a sponge or block, starting from the edges and as the applicator dried, moving towards the middle, provided the shading like is shown in the picture. On items that were tooled/stamped, when the dye was applied with this method, all of the depressed areas stayed the natural leather color. Often wish this type of leather was still available. Anyone else remember working with this type of leather? Anyone else remember the 70's?

Looking for suggestions on making pattern for small boys batwing chaps. I have some patterns for adult sizes - though I have yet to make a pair. Unable to visualize them in sizes to fit a 5 and 6 year old. My grandsons would each like a pair for Christmas, so Santa's workshop will be busy, if I can get a starting point. All the leather and hardware is on hand, just need a pattern. Any help, links, or suggestions greatly appreciated. Only three leatherworking days till Christmas!

I also agree with Billymac. I have personalized virtually all of my work for years, but only in the last couple years purchased actual makers stamps. With all the thoughts and considerations mentioned in this discussion, I had three different sizes of stamps made as well as a very small one with just my initials. I try to place as discreetly as possible, but always make a point of marking. It's my work, I try to do my best, and I am proud of my projects!

Aaron, New to the site and just saw your question. I too purchased some of the goat hides when on special, with the idea of cutting some lace from them. My intention was to use the lace on horse headstalls. Wondering if you ended up trying to cut and use the lace on any of your projects and how it turned out? Jens