indypbear

Longer hair but no CA tan and had to model them also. Pretty nice-girly girl. Who took the picture? Thanks for the bobbins. Later, Indy

Damian, A wise man recently reminded me the a good leather crafter just know how to cover their mistakes better. Get a mentor, stick with us, find a convenient supplier whether in person or mail order and get started. There are some really good books and pamphlets on the basics. The nearest Tandy is a great start. Ask the manager for a booklet by Tony Laier for $2-3. Start with the seven basic tools-Swivel knife, camoflage tool, beveler, pear shader, veiner, seeder and background tool. A good medium rawhide or poly mallet for starters also. Take it slow, work with these then build with experience. We're all here to help you so ask any question you want and we'll do our best to get you up to speed! Let us know where you live and maybe someone is close or a store for help also. Welcome to our world and Happy "Toolin'". Indy

Mike, Pretty nice Mr. Cubmaster. $0.02 worth you might slick the inside of the filigree a little to eliminate the raw inside edge. Also seem to have some challenges with the stitching. They show more with that much contrast in color, don't cha know. An over stitch wheel of choice, 1/16" drive punch with a sharpened end and some beeswax makes great stitching holes. I hope that didn't offend but you are doing some really good work. I'm an oak nut. I love oak and grape leaves. How's that Tiger Cub doing? Happy toolin' Indy

Spider, CA has a different gold standard. Everything costs twice as much there doughnchano:) indy

Alph, Good job! With those edges beveled and slicked I'd say $10-12.00. Check and see if that falls in the calculation arena of material x 3 or 4= selling price. Don't sell yourself short. You have a custom product with your name/maker's mark on it that will have value to the owner as "made for them". $0.02 worth. Indy

Try Siegels of CA, Weaver Leather or Hide Crafter Leather Craft. Hide Crafter was one of the best until they changed hands. Check with Ron Stuhlman there and see what he can do for you. Good luck with your quest. Indy

Clair, The tools you want are the Pro Crafters PA003, PA004 & PA005 @US$10.00ea + S&H. Indy

Hilly, never seen a book on this but Andy Stasiak made a good video on the subject that Hide Crafter has in stock as item #0085-01 DVD. Or, you can contact Andy at the San Mateo TLF store 800-642-0923. Indy

Ask Bill the next time you speak to him- "WANNA BY A CHICKEN?" If you know Bill you'll understand, if not, you're in for an experience plus a wealth of knowledge gained. His health (breathing) is much better now but he is still has his good and bad days. Those who have taken a personal saddle or carving class with him have had an experience kin to working with Al Stohlman that you will treasure. Indy

Brent, Wanna see pictures! Maybe can help. Don't remember a Nannette but a visual might help us older folks remember. Indy

What is your question regarding Bill Gomer? Indy

That's great! Sounds like the start of a new TLF (Tully Leather Factory) Indy

Mike, I don't think he'll have any problems making wallets for kids at schoola nd he'll only get better. With your help, it appears he is so far past the basics. He should also be able to start teaching his Cub Scout buddies basics for the Craftsman badge in Webelos. I know they're older but that would give him status with the older guys. That's what Cub Scouts is all about anyway crafts and group social skills. little Tiger dude! YIS/V, John aka Indy

Cecil, If you have his email address guide him to one of the Leather Guilds in CA. It might be better for him to work with someone close to his school or home. They are listed in the back of Leather Crafter and Saddlers Journal. I'd help him but I'm in Texas. John aka Indy

Brent, Sand paper would be a medium grit to even the edge and rough it some for burnishing/slicking. The wax I use is Leather Balm w/ Atom Wax. Beeswax I use for my hand sewing and awl work. Take some pieces of scrap and try what works best for your style of leatherwork. After all, it's what makes you and your customer/recipient happy! If you're using a round dauber, light it with a match and burn some off until you get a small crusty ball. Wrap that ball(when cool) in a paper towel folded and remove the black crustiness. It will make a dauber that you can control the edge dye better. More $0.02!! Happy Toolin', John aka Indy

Kevin, As usual a nice job! Unless they use it for a sanding block that will outlast the owner. What did you use for the ID window? I am making badge cases and am looking for something to sew in for the photo ID. John aka Indy

Mike, Tell your Tiger Cub "Good Job" from an old Eagle Scout. I didn't start my leatherwork until 1956 and I was getting on my mothers last nerve. She bought me a Lucky 7 starter kit and the rest is history as they say. I never was your son's level of good at 14. I'm wishing he was a little older so I could meet him at the 2010 National Jamboree (100th Anniv.). Now he can teach it to his fellow Tiger Cubs. You're a great Dad! You keep up the good work also. We're ALL proud of both of you. Indy

Dave, Where are you located in UK? I have very good friends in Warwickshire. David is retired Chief of Criminal Investigations for Warwickshire County PD. This is a contact for leather, tools, dyes, finishes, etc. in North Hampton www.theidentitystore.co.uk/. It is headquartered in Derbyshire and owned by Peter and Jackie Laight (good people). Tell Jackie that John and Cathey from Texas refered you. She'll take good care of your leather supply needs. Hope this helps. we can be reached at <front_line42@yahoo.com>. Indy aka John

Tempus, Check a local or close Tandy store for snap & rivet anvil (8056-00) and Line 24 snap setter (8058-00). The best option is the Deluxe Snap-All Setter (8105-00) that will prepare you for any common snap or rivet need except copper rivets & burrs. You might also call Ron Stuhlman at Hide Crafter (888-263-5277) to see what he might be able to supply. Hope this helps. Indy

Ohio Travel Bag is the best answer at 800-800-1941. They do have a minimum but they have a lot of items that can make up your minimum. Get a catalog and see what you might need from them. Indy

Beautiful job on the sheath and I like the bow tie idea also. It's unique. Where did you get the small Sam Brown post? I've not seen it from my suppliers before. I've got to create two sheaths for twin knives that a friend made with the Scottish Rite Double Eagle embedded in the handle. Your sheaths are an inspiration! Thanks for sharing with us. Indy

Tazz, Check out pages 65-76 of the latest Leather Crafters & Saddlers Journal for Guilds or just go to www.pslac.org. Bob Stelmack is a good contact for them at <stelmack@nwlink.com>. They meet in Issaquah, WA (usually) on the 2nd Sunday. Hope that helps! To start one in your area contact Ernie Wayman, Exec. Dir. IFoLG at <erniehot@aol.com> Indy

David, Hamilton, being outside of Cincinnati, is about 900 miles @ 65 mph is nearly 14 hrs from Fort Worth. Now remember, you have to survive the trip through KY & TN-two beautiful States. OH has its own beauty also! I'm originally from IN, go figure that, but I like TX too. A lot of family history here from the Republic of TX and the TX Rangers. Indy

Froggie, That looks really good. I'm a sucker for symetry and originality. The S & C are Civil War vintage, don't cha know. I'm not a bettin' man but if I were I'd, also, bet this isn't the last we'll see of Froghunter belts!!! Happy Toolin' Brother Noble , Indy

Felix, Try Hide Crafter Leather Co. (www.hidecrafter.com) and look for traditional Wesern Leather Carving by George Hurst 0001-00 VHS or 0001-01 DVD. You can also email Ron Stuhlman <ron@hidecrafter.com>. Good luck and "Happy Toolin' " Indy