Cecil

Thanks for the compliment. I finde that detail tends to show up better in photos of items finished in light colors. It may be my photograpic skills.

That fish is great. I love the colors Yak Lady.

I just ordered some from the local drug store. They did not know what it was, but they checked and they could order the crystals.

Al Stohlman says to use 1 teaspoon of oxalic acid crystals in a pint of water on page 3 of How to Color Leather. It is used to clean the leather before dying. Hope this is useful.

Thanks Ken. I was so slow at responding because my system failed last week and I had to replace it. I have been in a recovery mode. Thanks again.

Thanks for the suggestions I will try them on my next belts.

Thanks Ken

I see a lot if belts that use stitching as a border for the belt. What can you do in the backside of the belt to prevent the stitching from wearing out from friction, before the belt is worn out.

Nice work. I like the basket weave.

How could I contact Browns daughters?

Really nice work. The tooling is great and I like the stitching as a border.

That's a nice piece of work. I like the way you matched the silver to silver at the bottom.

David - I am interested in the early history of the craft. Has any of this been documented in a single volume? If not, what sources are available to get this information. I am interested in collected and compiling this information so that it is not lost.

This project was two firsts for me. It is the first time I have used multiple shades off color on a piece and the first time I have used a Mexican basket weave - round braid to lace a project. I would appreciate any suggestions for improving next time.

I bought an elephant leather wallet when I was in Viet Nam. It lasted about 5 years, the longest of any billfold I have ever owned.

That is a real beauty. Brings back memories of my childhood.

Here are a few projects I had posted.

I like the buckle. The colors bring the bear to life.

Thanks for the tutorial Clay. The discussion about the sequence in which you use tools I found very interesting. I have always used the beveler first. I will try alternative sequences.

I started leatherworking again earlier this year after a 40 year break. I have noticed a lot of Tandy bashing which surprised me. I have noticed the quality of there figure carving stamps is not what it was. Be that as it may, the craft would not be where it is were it not for Tandy. The person that tought me in 1062 and everyone I have known since then that does or has ever done leatherwork, until I joined this forum, got started using Tandy tools and materials. I can't work but, I would be interested in teaching at a Tandy Store.

Jeff - The Tech-Tips book by Al Stohlman is very helpful. It covers the use of each class of basic tools in detail. If you want to do figure carving I would recommend starting with pictorial carving by Al as an introduction to animals and Scenery. Then advancing to Pictorial Carving Finesse for advanced Scenery and Figure Carving Finesse for advanced Animal and Portrait carving. Good lucK with the carving.

Brent- The IPOD case amazing for your second piece.

Thats a beautiful saddle.

Hi Dave - welcome to the forum your work is very nice. You will find a lot of good people a good information here.