Johanna

David started doing leatherwork when he was making knives, and one day, a few years ago, he decided to make seats. A zillion seats later, he has developed his own carving style and specialty "old school" custom seats. He is very casual and nonchalant about his work, but it's really very good, and since he is not the type to brag on himself, I decided to do it for him. I was tickled to see David and ClayB's awards at the show, and here is a pic of David's seat, ribbons and plaque. (I am getting ready to put up show pics in a few minutes!) Way to go, David! Congratulations! ~J

I'm not promising anything spectacular, but I've got a little Sony Handycam and I intend to upload some video from the show... I'll take regular pics like always of the displays and competition pieces. Maybe Jim or George or Allan or someone will let me film all or part of a workshop? Maybe Jerry from Artisan can demonstrate a Toro for you sewing machine junkies? I am just upset. Nylon camera bag (made in China). Nylon laptop case (Made in Thaiwan). Penneys purse made out of plastic....aaarrrggghhh I mean, here I am, knowing the bestest leatherworkers in the world, and this is embarassing! Now, no more suggestions that I get my butt into the shop and make something- ain't gonna happen. You guys are gonna have to trust my credit and set up payment plans for me so I can go around leather land not looking like a tourist. I know what I want- I just can't afford you. *sigh... Johanna

We have a forum devoted to special events, classes and shows here. We encourage people to list events on our calendar, too. You will find it on the bottom of the main page of the forum or here. Johanna

You should fill out your profile on LW too. Click "My Controls" at the top of the page. List your site in your profile, list it in your signature- but list it on LW. The search engines are constantly here, and they note site links. If someone comes to LW looking for a custom made whatchamacallit, make it easy for them to get in contact with you! Johanna (I have a lot more to say on this subject- excellent topic Ray!- but I'm rushed for time at the moment. I will be back!)

Jeremiah Watt Vandyke Ranch HC1, Box 34 Coalinga, CA 93210 559-935-2172

Allan is one of the best geometric stampers I've ever seen, and he is also the president of the Buckeye Leathercrafter Guild of Central Ohio. I've known him for 15 years, and he is always willing to share what he knows and learn from others- a true gentleman of Leather Land! If you get the chance, Allan is teaching at the Prairie States Leather Guild Show in IL next weekend. Thanks for sharing, Allan- keep posting. We like seeing your work! Johanna

There were a couple of business card suggestions, but nothing we could use right now. Maybe inspiration will just hit someone-zap- and we'll get lucky. I can't open the one you sent me, and I tried everything. ~J

Please don't let babies or children or pets chew on leather or rawhide. ~J

Hey Steve! If he calls you right away, we don't learn anything! Post here on the forum so that we can all benefit. I've been thinking about how great it would be to have a class 3 machine. Tell me what I'll be able to do with it- tell me if a class 4 is better and why. Everybody knows that you know these machines backwards and forwards. Tell us what to expect, then we'll know what to ask you when we call. Johanna

I spoke with Linda Zavala and Bob Chambers, the show co-chairs today. Linda said they can accept entries up to the last minute (you DON'T have to belong to a guild to enter!) She absolutely needs to have banquet reservations by Thursday- call her immediately if you want to attend the banquet! Vendors planning to attend are Tandy Leather Factory, Hidecrafters, (Jim and George are teaching workshops) Artisan Sewing Machines, Neil Cowan "Sharp Shop" (bring the tools you always wanted sharpened but didn't have time or know how to do!) and some others that I can't recall off the top of my head. The workshops are pretty good, and not expensive- c'mon- many of you don't live too far away from the hotel- you're gonna have fun if you plan to go! Johanna

I am sorry people, I missed this thread somehow. The browsers will hang on such a big file (almost 16MB) because they are coming up by default in the pdf readers most people have. To download the file directly, right click this link and choose "save target as". A box will ask you where you want to save it to- once you download the file you won't need the Internet to deliver it to you in your browser. You can just open it with whatever pdf reader you use. It's a 15.69MB download. Johanna

I looked on the shelf, and I have the exact same book, too. Mine still has the Tandy stock # 1891 and price of $5.99 sticker. I have no idea who the other two authors of the book are, but I think (and I may be wrong!) that this book was used in the Al Stohlman Home Study Course at one time. It's written as a textbook, in a style unlike AS's other books. I hope someone can fill in the missing details- I'm curious now! Johanna

I don't even want to think about double loop lacing upside down! I'd miss the whole movie! But you do start in the middle for a buckstitch, for example. The middle of your lace goes at the belt tip. Buckstitching is the only important "no splice!" lacing, unless you're going to hide it with a liner. Most of the time, like doing wallets and checkbooks and purses and so forth, you are better off splicing. The drag on the lace shows the wear after too many pulls. A good splice cannot be seen. You hide the ends inside the leathers when double loop lacing. If you must splice a simpler item, you can skive the ends of the laces and use a drop of leather weld. That's pretty much what they do at the factory anyway. I pull off a little more than an arm's reach from the spool, so I don't know how helpful the chart is going to be. These are estimates- your mileage may vary, of course. But learning to splice is a key to good lacing. Johanna

You know you have selected the right price when the customers gasps, and reaches for his wallet. ~J

Whipstitch: 3.5X Running Stitch: 1.5X Buckstitch: 2.5X Single Loop: 6.5X Double Loop: 8.5X Round Braid: 8X

I second that "Thank you!" You folks have made LW the most interesting and educational leatherworking resource EVER and I am honored to pour the coffee here. A big round of applause is in order for all the people who work behind the scenes- without your help, none of this would be possible. God bless you all! Johanna

Steve completely sold out of stock, and is waiting on a new shipment. Rumor has it that the next set of machines will be a distinctive color. Contact Steve through the forum (Cobra Steve) or his website leathermachineco.com. He's never too busy for his customers and friends. Johanna

What happened, Joane? Did you let the domain name expire? If you still own the domain name, you can get your site back! If I can help you recover what is yours, or if you need a new domain name and hosting, holler. Johanna

Greg is one of the pioneers of getting leatherworkers online and talking, and he is also a sweet leather artist. You lucked out, Luke! You coulda got something from me! Really nice job, now you know you gotta explain the lacing a little. That makes the piece really pop. ~J

You can clean off the copper rivets with any copper cleaner (do NOT get it on the leather unless you test in an inconspicous place first!) We always put a drop or two of Neat lac on them to prevent them from tarnishing. Maybe someone else has a better idea? Johanna

Clarification: The guy that owns Zack White's is named Tim. Kevin Hopkins, in case you haven't figured it out yet, is the owner of Springfield Leather in Springfield, MO. Johanna

I think it's fixed. Everybody jump in and let's see.

I've submitted a ticket to Parachat.

Okay- We've got room reservations...we're going! Try to conceal your laughter at my crappy JC Penney purse, please? Johanna