MonicaJacobson

Nice bag! I'm always impressed when someone actually makes an overnight bag. As you say, they require so much stitching. I want to do one, but I'm not sure if I can face it. But, truth be told, the more you do, the faster you get, and the less you mind it. Especially with a show or listening to 24/7 comedy on the radio.

I agree, if you go with your name, you'll never get tired of it. In ten years you won't be annoyed at yourself for choosing a name that you might not feel truly represents you anymore. That said, I'm quite fond of non-name names...

We'll miss you, Jazzman! Come back, soon!

They both look lovely!

I like the distinctive look you've got going.

Beautiful bag, Matt! Yeah, I was going to say, just because one customer backs out doesn't mean there aren't lots who would love that bag. Congrats.

Wow, that is so cool!

Ha, that is so cool! I do agree with Grey, though. It seems like you could just as easily tie it to the bridle rather than under the chin.

Really cool!

The contrast between the brown and the white is lovely.

I'm not telling my Mom about this. She'd be jealous. ;-)

The inverted carving is very interesting. I've never seen that. I recently ran across a dye tip that really has helped me; cut up a kitchen sponge, wet it, and apply dye in a circular motion. Apply it thoroughly with more and more dye until the whole surface looks even. Then use a slightly wet sponge to buff it and meld the colors together. Slightly wet sponge and/or a dry cloth. Buff it until your cloth doesn't pick up any more dye (or as close to it as your patience allows). Then, when it's dry, apply oil. 24 hours later, apply 3 light coats of resolene with 12 hours in between each coat.

It looks good. The black edge is really nice.

Wow, it was awesome seeing pictures of this. I've seen several in-process pictures of Western saddles, but none of English. Thanks!

I agree with Cyberwolfe - makes it make more sense. Cool idea!

Cool, thanks Matt.

Cool! I like how the carving wraps around to the back side.

Awl (diamond shaped blade, not round) needles (John James are good) Edge burnishing supplies (saddle soap (or gum trag), sandpaper, and burnishing tool, or beeswax, paraffin, sandpaper, and burnishing tool) - see tutorial thread edge beveler pricking iron (6spi for belts, 7-9 spi for wallets) - for marking consistent stitching, or even going all the way through thinner leather. Compass Box cutter or utility knife Some sort of skiver If you're planning to use veg tan: Dye resolene (or mop-n-glow) or other finish Good luck! I spent $1200 the first year (including leather), and I was depriving myself of a lot of very helpful tools. Don't worry, you can make it back pretty fast if you end up liking leatherworking. If not, sell the stuff on ebay!

Ha, thanks - I still haven't gotten up the courage to make a briefcase like the one on your blog. I was looking really closely at the gusset to see how it went together.

Nice job, Frederiek, it looks practically tasty.

What they said. I love the horses, and that's a cool and interesting way to close the bag.

I tend to think David is right about the name... you could masculinize it by coming up with a tattoo-ish, crow-like magpie. . . or start making some products for women, too. I also agree about the pictures of process and tools. If people are going to pay more, they're paying, in part, for the experience of something hand-made, and knowledge of the artisan. If they don't care about that, they might as well buy from Wal-Mart. Your website is about as impersonal as a shopping center right now, but it's a very easy fix.

Shaun, you should also branch out a bit in your product line. The more variety you have in your products, the more interest you gain.

Wow, and the braiding is awesome!

Thor, I just ran across this and saw what you're planning with the sax case. I'm very interested to see how it turns out, as I've thought a couple of times about doing the same thing with a mandolin case. At the time, I thought I'd muff it and ruin the leather, but I'm very interested to see how you manage all the details on yours.