VonTannin

Your lettering is terrific! I always have a rough time getting my white acrylics to really pop like yours do.

Out of curiosity, why do you mix the antique with Tan-Kote? What's the benefit?

Yeah I noticed the big flower "flow" problem as soon as I put the two pieces together. Not sure I understand what you are meaning with the "coarse to fine and back to coarse" on the leaves though? I'm redrawing this pattern as we speak, but your input is still appreciated!

So I got it in my head a couple weeks ago that I want to "master" western floral / Sheridan style. Here's my first real attempt at an original pattern for a woman's headband. Critiquing is welcome. I have already noticed some areas I can redo. The red is just to help separate background from foreground. Drawn first in my sketchbook, then doubled and reversed on tracing paper to make the final pattern.

She might be a little old, not what I've been up to "lately", but I figured it was time I shared in this forum. This was the first thing I ever carved and tooled. Did it a little over a year ago. Still need to color her. I learned a lot from this little gal. Like how not to carve in thin leather, that casing my leather will get that burnished look, to tool a little deeper, etc.

I feel dirty saying this....but I want in

Very very clean work. Another tip when it comes to snaps, if you have a dremel or something similar in your shop, just grind down the post of the snap until its the appropriate length, then set it. Usually takes about 5 seconds on a dremel with a drum sanding head. If you cut or snip the post, it won't flare right when you set it, but grinding it doesn't effect the flare at all.

The stuff you produce is absurd. No other word for it. And absurd in a good way.

Very nice. Reminds me of the Uruk-hai headpieces for some reason. Great work!

Calligraphy pen with a fine point nib. Use dye instead of ink. Works like a charm.

I have had the absolute best results with those cheap foam chisel brushes you can get in almost any art or paint department of any store that has such a department. I mark on the wooden handle what color dye, or edge paint I used the brush for, wash it out when I'm finished, and they last for a very long time. If you're just careful when pulling the brush around you're edges you shouldn't have a problem. Occasionally it does go over the side, just prepared with a paper towel and wipe it off before it has time to set into the leather.

Honestly it's trial and error with all brands. I use about 5 different brands or sub-brands in my dyeing, as I've learnt very quickly that some brands produce a specific color the best, while brands do not. Experiment on scraps

You mention using different wheels wrapped in either canvas or denim. How does one wrap something with canvas and keep the canvas on at high revolutions?