Chitin

On nonpourous surfaces (like the counter) I've always been able to scrub it off with one of those green gritty sponges.

I was under the impression that you couldn't use carnauba cream on a carving because it would do strange things? Was I wrong?

What are your rates like? I've been thinking about getting a logo stamp made, but I don't really need it badly enough to get one of the $70 ones I've seen kicking around.

How are the rhinestones set? Those aren't the Tandy fake crystal dealies, so I'm curious where you found a stone or - dare I dream - empty sockets that are capable of going through what looks to be relatively thick leather?

My first instinct in that situation would be to use a ballpoint stylus and go over it that way, which is what I do for my own items. But my items tend to be way smaller.

Actually, the URL is http://www.ohiotravelbag.com/

Thanks everyone! That's what I figured, I just wanted to be sure before I started putting stuff up on my website.

The Tandy site says you're not allowed to use their free designs on items you intend to sell. However, I can't figure out if purchasing a Craftaid gives you the right to resell items on which you've carved a design from a Craftaid, either in full or in part (like clipart on the computer). I realize this isn't something they're going to prosecute over, but I'd like to know the legal ramifications.

That's a really good idea! How do you make your straps adjustable? I've seen the way Tandy's kit does it, and I'm not really a fan. Also, where'd you get the swivel?

Celtic knot font!?!

I've also had good experiences with 1and1.com - their basic package is three bucks a month and comes with a free URL.

So I've been coloring with spirit dyes, and I'm running into the same problem everyone else does - the moment they get wet, they bleed all over you. I've been told that Fiebing's oil dyes are MUCH more resistant to this sort of thing, is that true? If so, are there any special concerns in terms of using them? Also, while looking for sources for said oil dyes (since Tandy doesn't have the full line), I found that Fiebings also makes acrylic-based leather dyes. Does anyone have any experience with these? How'd they work out?

Oh wow - that sounds like a great idea! I'll have to look it up in New York.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. I didn't know I needed to finish it first... Will Super/Satin shene work? Or someone mentioned Neat Lac, what about Neat's Foot oil? If someone knows a good tutorial for this online, that would be great!

That's what I've been doing! It just seems to make the leather wetter and doesn't remove anything. Should I be treating it or something beforehand? I followed the instructions on the bottle, which say you should apply with a damp sponge, wait 5-10 minutes, and wipe with a damp sponge. Am I just not putting enough elbow grease into the wiping?

So I'm giving Tandy's antiquing stain a first go... I'm following the instructions on the bottle: apply with damp sponge, wait five minutes, and wipe the stain off the raised bits. Thing is, it's not wiping off, and my pieces keep coming out a uniform brown! What am I doing wrong? Have I misunderstood this whole "antiquing" business entirely?

I've always just used a t-shirt to clean my glasses. I lose those little cloths in days.

This is a lace-up bracer I just finished. The skull and wings are actually gilded (albeit with imitation gold and aluminum), and the lettering and wing backs were done in acrylics. Critiques welcome!

Fantastic! That's exactly what I needed to know. Also, if someone is going to be wearing something, do you coat the flesh side as well?

How long should I wait after oiling my leather to put a top finish on it?

So, I haven't been carving for very long but I thought I'd take a crack at this old Sailor Jerry design I saw in a book. This will eventually become a bracer that I plan on wearing to a pirate-themed Ren Fest coming up this month, but I'm not sure how I want to finish it. My original plan was to leaf it, with the skull and lettering silver and the crown and wings gold on a black (or maybe bright red) background. What do y'all think?

I've been hangin' around here long enough that I've decided to take the plunge and post a few of the pictures of my stuff I've got hanging around. Comments and critiques are welcome! p.s. The collar with all the spikes is covered in cobra skin.

Actually, that sounds about right to me. In my experience, Latigo dyes alright (with a couple of coats) but doesn't stamp well at all. You might also want to watch out for the dye bleeding when it rains onto white clothing.

I actually just made a leather armband for a welder friend of mine. I'll report back how it works out for him!

Really phenomenal! I've only been carving for a couple of months (and even that off and on) and it excites me to see how good one can get in just a year! Gives me something to aspire to, as they say... keep up the good work!