Regis

Bruce, Art, Thank you both for the insight into analyzing a carving. That kind of detail will definately help me improve my details. It was obvious to me that the petals on the left were carved better because they had more form but, I could not articulate "why". Thanks for the education, especially on a peice that hasn't be painted a lot. Regis

Well, I like the stem work and background shading on the one on the right. The one on the left has more/better detail in the petals and I like the more random seeds. I really like those cuts in the petals (on the left). Of course, that is from my un-trained eye and actually, I'm envious of both and wish I could come somewhere close. Regis

Thank you. Quote: "If I have to rewet a previously partially tooled section to finish it, I lose detail and toolability in that section. " That is what I believe has happened to me as I practice on different parts of the same scrap piece. What you say about dividing up the project for tooling makes a lot of sense. And apparently re-wetting ahead of yourself does not have the same affect. Thanks agin Regis

After looking at tha saddle that Bruce posted, I am perplexed as to the right way to carve any project with large or integrates scenes. I'm at a point that I can carve individual items and it is time to put some togather in an oveall scene. Assuming I create a satisfactory layout where do I begin carving and how do I progress. For example a mountain scene with trees near and far and a cougar creeping toward a mule deer. Instinct tells me to carve the most difficult animal 1st then the other animal. Then start carving trees and mountains from the animals outward. Then begin tooling in the same order. Is the a good approach, or should I work from one side caeving and tooling and working my way across. That makes sese if I should not be laying hands and arms on completed work. Would I do the same if I had lots of detiled leaves covering the entire peice? Could I get a little guidance here?

Just an amazing work of art. Thank you for sharing tohse photo's. Regis

If using online pictures, then I'd suggest having top 3 or 4 entries sent to judges (validation of WYSIWYG) prior to final announcement. That will assure that better photography doesn't edge out better leatherwork. Regis

Thanks Johanna. I wasn't complaining as much as I was/am anxious to learn. Nashville makes sense for me because IF our house ever sell, we are moving to Nashville. Yes, Panama City Beach is only 90 miles but, a 3 hour drive (4-5 hours in tourist season). Most of all this forum, you, and Clay have brought me from ( embarrassing 1st project to now, I'm up to beginner status. I've really learned a lot here and those "step-by-step" carvings that Clay did are tremendously helpful. With that said though, it would be nice to sit and carve under teaching/supervision and actually see how to....... You can bet that I'm one that will toss my current project into the contest ring if that materializes. By-the-way, is there a way for my 1st picture posts to be deleted? Regis

For permanent gluing, is Barges the end-all? Or will any good contact cement work equally? Thanks, Regis

Thanks Art. Just got e-mail back from Nashville TL and they have classes every Saturday which makes it easy for me to plan. Mornings for beginner and after 2PM for more advanced. I don't know that they're committed to that all the time but, sounded like general thing. A few hours on some things would be a big help. And, "if" our house ever sells, we're moving to Nashville. Regis

Thanks Art. I really hadn't thought about Tandy store as there aren't any around here. But, I do go to Atlanta and Nashville a few times a year and should check their schedules. If I don't make Sheridan (probably not) I plan on going to Ft Worth for the Ifolg in the fall (and that's only 800mi). Regis

I live in USA and don't know of a class within a thousand miles of home. :book: Regis

Thanks for all the info. Kate, that board is simply beautiful. Every day there is just a weath of information in this forum. And that comes from knowledgable people that are willing and able to help. Regis

Very nice clean lines and work. Regis

Ditto and then ditto, ditto, ditti, & ditto. :book: Regis

I'm left handed so I must have missed something in the training manual[lol]. If you skive pushing, then safety skiver is in right hand. If you pull, then skiver is in your left hand. It is not like using an open knife blade. Although I'm not very experienced, it's pretty easy to use either hand because working with both hands on solid surface. But, like other tools, if it doesn't feel just right to us, we're in search of something that does the job and does feel right. After all, I started this thread about how wet to get leather for proper skiving. Just skiving dry was a tremendous improvement for me. Regis

One good way to meet folks that are online is to schedule a meeting time/place at one of the existing major show/events. No, everyone won't be there but, there is no place outside cyberspace that everyone can get to. For example, everyone that goes to the Ifolg in Texas can meet on Friday...at 4PM at one of the hotel resturants. Could easily have a sign-up list in this forum. But, I still think the graded online contest is excellent idea (if we can find willing judges). Judging is a lot of work (personal experience in jewelry designs). Might be easier online??? Regis

This is all a great idea as "something to strive for" beyond personal (or customer) satisfaction. That member's or "Best in Show" would be a hoot. Some thoughts...... - entries would have to be something not posted previously - define beginner (e.g. 1, 2, or 5 years experience or perhaps anyone started since last contest) - giving points or rank to all entries so participants would really know how they grade or stack up (close to winning or long long way to improve) Really tough job for the judges and any entry fee should go to the judges or split between judges and leatherworker.net Regis

Just got the Safety Skiver in and tried it. Wow! Wow! I was skiving very carefully with knife and worked ok (especially after learning to skive dry). I had thrown a few dollars away on Super Skiver and it was so bad that I gave up that there was anything better than a sharp knife. But, then I gave the Safety Skive a try and it really does a great job. It takes me about 45 min to an hour to skive a CC holder with a knife. Looks like maybe 5 minutes with the Safety Skiver. Thanks for this great tip. Regis

I don't know about the lace but, the 2" wide strip of leather is grain side up. There have been a few discussions in this forum about sharpening and a lot of folks use a business card or folder stock impregnated with rouge. I've tried that and it has improved my sharpening. It seems that with a softer surface, you round the edge when stropping. So if you use leather, use a light weight rather than that 8oz. I watched the same video and am curious about the lace also. Best of luck, as I am finally getting a "sharp" edge for the 1st time ever. Regis

Very nice work and welcome. Regis

-->And, I use it a lot now too. It helps me smooth out my beveling and where light beveling is proper, it is easier for me to do (without going tooo deep). You can feel your way along very nicely. If I press too hard, I do end up burnishing where I don't want to though. Oscar, what did you use for the wood color? Regis

Here is a discussion about one or search for delrin.. Delrin tip on Swivel knife

This has me thinking a lot about the whole concept of maker marks. I always signed (hand engraved) gold & silver jewelry with my first name only. I thought the stamps on jewelry looked too much like "factory" and not custom. But, the leather stamps I see here seem to allow for a lot more personalization. Simply because there is a lot more room to work, even if hidden in corner of design. It will probably will be some time before I qualify to make something for "outside the famly" but, for the 1st time, I'm considering a stamp. If you use a stamp, do you have more than one size? If you made a belt and chaps, would you stamp both with the same size? "Inquiring (or wandering) minds want too know" [LOL] Regis

I have sewn 2-3 oz leather on my home mmachine, with walking foot and leather needle. I don't think I'd try more than 2 layers of 3 oz though. Also, I have tried the paking tape and it seems to work just fine. Regis

Great work. What is that color? White stitching really shows it off. Regis