Widget

Hi everyone... This is my first attempt at my own pattern/template, and thought I'd share it, either for constructive criticism or for others to use if you like it. Full disclosure, the grapevine pattern was found on OTBPatterns.com as a free pattern, and according to his terms can be used and distributed freely. I've left a space on the front for some initials and am just going to do a basket-weave on the back of mine, but you could just as easily flip the grapevine and do that on the back as well. Anyway, let me know what ya'll think, Widget Checkbook Cover Pattern.pdf

Totally, I get that! And admire your ability to do so...just thought it might give perspective to see how another artist "did it." Good luck, and I hope to see your finished product at some point.

In addition to the Stohlman book, there's one called the Lucky Eight Belt Book. You can get it at Tandy or an e-copy leathercraftlibrary.com. Not as many patterns as Stohlman, but some nice floral work in there.

First off, great drawing...you're obviously a gifted sketcher... Since I can't draw except for stick figures that look like they've been in a horrible accident...I have to rely on patterns for near everything I attempt. I found a (I think) neat Craftaid at Tandy for an oak leaf belt where the borders are the branches of a tree. You can have a (low rez unfortunately) look on Tandy's website...Just search for "oakleaf belt craftaid" (and yes oakleaf is one word as is craftaid). I'm not saying it's better than your design or what you want for that matter, just thought another artists "view" might help you out. Good luck, and make sure you post a picture of the finished carving when you're done!

Hey Renee! Small world...if you ever see a 40 year old guy riding around town on a red bicycle, that's me! :-)

Hi all, I had posted a bit back about the order of operations concerning a belt, and with your feedback, have given it a start. Today I didn't do anything other than cut in the border and transfer the pattern to the belt. In this type of design, where does the beveling of the border come in? In other words, do I bevel the border next, then do the knife work on the design and bevel that? Or do I cut the design, then bevel the border and design? Or does it not relaly matter? :-) Here's a small pic of the transferred design. Thanks for any help you might offer. -Widget

Happy weekend everyone, I'm a very new to the leather world and so far have either only stamped belts, or attempted Sheridan style carving on small items (a checkbook back and a wallet). While my skill leaves quite a bit to be desired, I'm going to attempt a Sheridan belt next. Here's my question...I have a 60-hour a week job and three small kids, so my leather working time is sporadic at best and generally doesn't come in long periods of time. If I'm working a repeating belt pattern (it's a 1" pattern from Al Stohlman's book that I've blown up to a 1.5" pattern....what's the best way for a good result? Should I 1) Do all the cutting in a sitting (figuring I won't get more than that), then next time do the beveling, next time the shading, etc., or 2) try to do the full work on one repetition of the pattern, and next time I work try to finish another repetition of the pattern? Also, is there any "danger" in having to re-case a piece multiple times? I'm figuring it would probably take me about 7 of my normal "sessions" to finish a belt...but sometimes I can only fit in one "session" per week. I hope my question is clear-ish, I'm not quite sure how to say what I'm trying to say :-) Thanks for any advice!

If you have a hard time finding a granite slab (I tried my local counter place, but apparently someone uses them for something around here and they sell the cutouts for $300 apiece...yikes), I got a tip from a thread on here (sorry I can't find it to link it) to build a tooling slab on the cheap...so this is NOT my idea, I got it from someone else on the forum (don't want to steal someone's idea). Go to Home Depot and buy two concrete pavers 12x12 and one 12x12 granite floor tile. Then use a strong adhesive to glue them all together... I put one together for about $12, including the glue (which was the most expensive part...). It has helped a ton, both with noise, and with the cleanness of my tooling. Hope it helps!

Hey Natalie, Thanks, I'd love a copy. I sent you a PM with my email address...thanks again.

I'm currently enjoying messing around with belt designs, etc. What recommendations do ya'll have for 1.5" blanks? I've used Tandy (one close-ish) but am not overly thrilled with them. Does anyone have experience with Springfield Leather's blanks? They have two levels...I'm talking about the Hermann Oak ones, not the "Low Grade cut from various and miscellaneous leathers." Any other suppliers I should try? Thanks for the advice.

JLS, it was a pretty crappy piece of leather to be honest. This was the last piece of one of the Tandy kits that got me started...so I'm going to be investing in some new leather soon. The good news is I'm enjoying the practice...and my friends and relatives are getting plenty of non-holiday gifts :-) Thanks again for your advice, and to anyone else, let me have it...I'm thick skinned :-)

Hi all, After my first attempt at a checkbook, I decided to try a simpler design this time on a wallet. On my first shot, you guys gave me some great advice, and I want to say thanks. Especially to JLSleather who advised me to not just copy the design, but to find the logic in it. I think I did a bit better this time, I still need to practice with the beveler (some parts look ROUGH)...but I think the main flower came out much better than last time. Again, I'm really new to this (just started at Christmas), and I don't have the chance to work much, but am willing to take any criticism in order to get better...so have at it, and thanks in advance! The photo is of the carving before dying/finishing/sewing liners, etc....

I too love the design. I love the "Sailor Jerry" anchor at the billet end....did you carve that or was it a 3D stamp? If it was a stamp, do you remember where you got it? I'd love to do some nautical stuff for some friends of mine that sail on a tall ship...