MikeG

Nice job there, Luke! I like that border tool and how you fit your monogram in at the bottom.

Very cool! You have done a great job of capturing the essence of the rabbit in your work. Looking forward to seeing the finished project!

Kevin, I can just see you now in the store buying L'eggs! "and what size does your wife wear?" "Oh, no, they are for me when I do my sewing."

Where do you get the miniature guns? So cool!!

I'd be interested in knowing if this type mask is totally for display or if people actually wear them? If so, how do you put a strap or other retainer on? Great work! Yes, if you can find a prettier model, they would display better. Until you find that female mannequin, maybe you could do a self portrait?

Welcome! I'm pretty new to the leatherwork, too; but I have learned one thing, and that is how to sharpen tools. I signed up for my first leatherworking class and before I went I sharpened all my tools. When I was trying to cut out a pattern, the instructor said "You look like you're having trouble, can I see your knife?" I handed him my knife and he said "this is horrible, do you mind if I sharpen it?" Anyway, I discovered at that first class that if you are going to do leatherwork, your tools have to be surgically sharp. Now I even sharpen new scalpel blades. Sharp tools are a joy to use, just keep your fingers out of the way! Have fun and enjoy the learning process! Looking forward to seeing your work on the board!

I do the same thing, and I use the glass as a platform for sharpening tools with fine grade wet/dry sandpaper. Works great!

OK TwoCrow, you do this for PRACTICE? I have a lot of those tools if you are needing more practice. . . . If not, how did you get started doing this? Or, to cut to the chase, how do I do this? I may have to catch the next flight out to wherever you are and bring a six pack & spend a couple of days. Good looking work -- I want to do that, too!! Mike -- Jealous in Manchester, TN

This vase was made using Cheryl Smeja's methods. The band around it is a leather bracelet I made in a class with Rene Berends. The vase needed something, the bracelet was handy & it was a match.

Sorry, just couldn't resist

Look for a lever action punch that gives you a mechanical advantage. They look something like this: I have had one for quite a while now and use it regularly to punch leather that would crush the sheet metal punches. I haven't been able to bend it yet. With my advancing arthritis, it is also much easier to use. I bought mine off e-bay for something like fifteen bucks.

Love the designs - I especially like the fish, as that is a local theme. The colors on all these look right at home on the leather, too. Stelmackr, on items like your eagle, do you do any tooling, or do you just swivel knife the lines and then color? Pip, I, too would like the ISBN. As I do searches for this type of art I find it fascinating that the Caribbean and Polynesian art is so similar to the NA Indian. I guess they got out a lot more than I seem to these days!

Those should sell like hotcakes, Kevin! I really like the unique liners you keep coming up with!

Cool - can you show how it works? (No parley vous)

Art, thanks for the reply. There's so many different options. I guess you need about 3 separate machines to get the light, medium, heavy, and portable options covered. Sounds like this would be a good one, tho. Thanks, -- Mike

Art, your old avatar had what looked like a Classic or No. 9. I haven't seen any information on this board pro or con. Thoughts? Thanks, -- Mike

I've been toying with the same idea. Here's a deal I found on a 20 ton air/hydraulic press. It will cost about $90 - $150 to ship depending on how far you are from one of their warehouses, but for me that still works out to be about the same as a Northern Tool manual 20 ton press. http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Shop-Press-s/40.htm

I'm curious how it holds up to heavy whacking on metal tools. I believe most wood carving tools have wood or plastic handles that are much larger than the leather tools. Do the leather tools put dents in the poly surface?

Clay, What kind of machine are you using (and please don't say a rolling pin)? Very neat idea! -- Mike

Somewhere along the way I downloaded a bunch of files that are in a folder I call "stamp index." The files are all .jpg files. I've attached an example called "501.jpg" The folder also includes some Hackbarth & others. I have no idea where it came from. The folder has 2,310 images. I don't know any way to post it. I'd be glad to send you a CD if you'll PM your address. If one of the administrators here is willing to post the folder, I'll send them a CD also.

Clay, send ME that beautiful belt - I'll trade you for a black one & you can tell him when you're deep sea fishing those fish are way down deep where you can't see them! BEE-YU-TI-MOUS work!!!

Thanks - makes sense.

If it's any help, the Tandy rep told me basically that you can't effectively dye leather a lighter color than it already is. That is right in line with what everybody else said.

The posts about sewing machine thread size usually reply with a small top thread and a larger bobbin thread? I'm sure this is in the "First Book of Leather Sewing," but why? How about a sheath where you can see both sides of the finished product? Thanks!

Very nice work! I really like "simple" and "clean." You meet both with these. BTW, "simple" does not mean "easy!" Post some more!