Johanna

Here are some teasers. There were three of these awrds made by Roz "The Dragon Lady" for best of category. She won the Masters. These are Tina's entries: I'll upload all the pics in the morning- I'm beat! Going through them tonight, I can't take cradit for the photography. My daughter Jane took quite a few good ones, and she must have been particularly fascinated by Roz's work. I'm going to have to ask Roz if I can make her a special page. She's an incredibly creative artist. She took the time to explain to Jane how she made the water effect, and showed her the "secret ingredient". What talent, and loaded with class. Yeah, I've been a Dragon Lady fan for years. Johanna

By the time we got here at 2 or so the competition room had been emptied for the workshops that went on all day. The entries that needed to be shipped back to their owners were packed up and put away, so I never saw any of the four pieces ClayB won ribbons dreamcatchers for. The other competition pieces were spread around the display room, mostly on the tables of the guilds they belonged on. I took lots of pics, but they are kinda unorganized becaue of that. HowardB (Brent)won so many certificates I lost count. Way to go, Brent! Alex Madsen, who served as head judge in Bob Beard's place, said there were 150 entries. That's quite a bit for a small regional show like this one. There are lots of raffle items going tomorrow- remind me to buy some more tickets! It's the raffles that provide the income to make these shows possible. Carol Higgins really stepped up to the plate and got people to donate quite a variety of goodies. There were a few conspicuous absences- Bea & Ernie Wayman are still in Florida, George Hurst and Hidecrafters didn't come, no Bob Beard...but- there were lots of familiar faces and quite a few new folks. I enjoyed having the chance to meet some new folks and catching up with old friends. Allan Scheiderer had Columbus IFoLG show packets available. He said Roz, the dragon lady, agreed to be head judge in September. She made the special award trophies for best of catagory for this show- wait until you see them! Titled "Revenge", it is a cow pounding a human hide complete with the workshop. Prairie States Guild is planning a regional show next year, somewhere in the southern part of the Chicago area. More details will be announced as we know them. Yes,I have lots of pics, but I'm headed back downstairs for the flea market/swap meet/ all night gab fest. Pics will have to wait until I get them off the camera. hahahahaha Great show, wonderful people- I'm very glad to be here. Hasta manana! Johanna

Well, we made it! There are quite a few folks here, and some nice leatherwork too. I found Tina and her husband almost immediately- we just knew each other right away. She won four blue ribbons- anyone surprised? Ha ha! I've seen a few friends already, but classes are going on right now, and I don't want to interrupt anyone. I'm going downstairs to get some pictures, and I'll upload them poolside (of course, that's where my kids want to be RIGHT NOW MOM!) The award ceremony is at 7 Indy time, and I can't wait to see everyone. Woody & Jerry made it from Georgia (okay, I had to interrupt them!) I'm outta here...will keep you folks posted. Johanna and yes, that is the real Billy 2shews that registered today. whooo-hoooo Hi Billy! You know we love you, right? (no, he's not here at the show)

Oh, Roo- what a handsome young man! God bless the patriots from all countries. Thanks for sharing. Johanna

I'll be there tomorrow afternoon- wish I could leave today!! Usually I tell people to look for the short lady with the long hair, but I cut most of my hair off this week (it is now the shortest it has been in 27 years!) I'm looking forward to meeting new friends and catching up with old ones. Look for the lady with the two kids, Wal Mart purse and the camera- that will be me! Johanna

http://www.hidecrafter.com/

WOW!! Those saddles are beautiful! I don't know much about saddles, but I know leatherwork, and I am amazed at the workmanship. I see what you mean about the quality of the photos, and the angles used. I recognize all but one or two of the names in the credits- and I would be happy to ask all the makers for permission to use that guide as a lesson in representing work to the best advantage. Wow, just wow. I have no ideas what those pictured saddles cost, but I'm sure they are worth it and then some. If those pics can impress me so much, imagine how someone who knew what they were looking at would feel. I suspect they would be even happier about whipping out their checkbook. Johanna

Well, can I see it? admin@leatherworker.net ~J

Ben, If you think people could understand what you are trying to say better with the pdf, send it to me and I'll upload it. Presentation is everything, and I've seen some saddle sites that don't do the actual work justice. In order to justify the value in the customer's mind, and compete with other custom saddlers, good photography skills are important. Some makers could probably command better prices by using pictures and explanations as to why their work is superior in quality. Improving the marketing of their work would be a good investment that would pay off for years to come. Adding text to explain what to look for in a well-built saddle not only piques the readers' interest, but gives a site valuable keywords. Thanks for putting this together- this is the future, people. Marketing is done on the Internet now, and you have to look professional to compete. Johanna

We're not going to have a storefront! But I can see a page on the front of the site that lets a potential customer visit the sites of leatherworkers who can make or repair what they are looking for . I want to break the long list I have into some general categories, and then John Q. Public can browse the links for leatherworkers in business who can be contacted for purses, belts, saddles, armor, fireman suspenders or what have you. Number one, it might help some of you folks get some extra business. Two, it will help your site and LW in Google's rankings. Three, it will be easy for me to point people there when they ask me who can make a belt (or something else) for them. What can I say? I can't tell them "Call Moe, Curly or Larry", and not mention Tom, Dick and Harry, or the other 500 people who could do what they want. I don't want to say, "His work is the best, he's too expensive, he's good with scrolls-lousy with snaps..." etc. I'd rather say, "Look here to get some ideas!" Then it is up to the customer to decide from his options and contact that person directly. It's up to you guys to make your site represent you and your work in a way that will attract the business you want. And we appreciate the kind words about this site. We try hard to make it a place you will want to visit and participate in. I think of it as being like the back table in my old store, where people wandered in and out all day, drank coffee and swapped stories. We want to maintain that friendly atmosphere, where people can show off or get help, and everyone feels like they were among friends. Many of you have told us that this site feels like "home". That makes all of the work worth it to me- that you folks are getting something useful out of this site, and having a good time. If LW can help your business get more attention- that's a bonus. I hate to hear when a leatherworker has to hang up his hammer and get a day job. Johanna

Chuck- I have "Wild Rose Trading Company" listed already. I will put your name next to it. That's an old one, I've admired your work for a long time. Johanna Anyone else??

A friend sent me this link the other day and I read through the site, laughing the whole way. http://www.vegetariansareevil.com/aggression.html I don't think LW is ever going to evolve into a store, but I'd like to see a gallery here that directs interested customer and buyers to the appropriate websites of people who can help them. You would not believe the mail I get asking for help to find items and supplies! I would be happy to discuss ways to partner with reputable sites like etsy to help leatherworkers and customers hook up. That was one of the original goals of LW, a legacy of when I had a shop (pre-internet) and some weeks we were flush, and others we were broke. It would be great to use the power of the internet to help people spend money with member leatherworkers- then you guys will all get rich and famous and will remember LW, right? Johanna

Myriam- yours was the first one I fixed- but I fixed it on the server, not my back up. Then I edited my back up and uploaded it and overwrote the files...DUH! Well, it's fixed now. I just want to say how much we appreciate the link back to us. I have noticed a few of our regulars linking to us, and it means a lot. THANK YOU! Mad Tailor- got you added under bikes just now. Nice work- I hadn't seen your site until now. Glad to have you on the list. Everybody- remind me- heck, nag me- if I'm supposed to do something and I haven't gotten to it yet. I try to stay organized, but this site is growing by leaps and bounds, and occasionally something slips through the cracks. If I did forget you, don't take it personally, just shoot me a note, and I'll get it right ASAP. Johanna

Who did I forget? http://www.leatherworker.net/leatherworkers.htm Let me know if your site needs to be here...or if you want changes. I'll sort it and format it when the list is as complete as I can get it. Johanna

We're working on something right now....a way for people to upload content w/o having to do it as forum posts. A cyber- encyclopedia...our own leather knowledge base. This is pretty neat, and pretty easy to use as well. We'll keep you posted! Johanna

The Columbus workshop schedule isn't announced yet, but I will be sure to put it here and on the Buckeye Leathercrafters' website ASAP. Johanna PS Kathy, are yaks home on the range? Do they play with deer and antelope?

Wow, Dave, you just saved me a bunch of work! I can update the links pages now. >smooch< Johanna

Here are some explanations by the late great Verlane Desgrange. skiving_sequence_150.pdf skiving_front_view_150.pdf lap_skiving_jig.pdf skiving_sequence_150.pdf skiving_front_view_150.pdf lap_skiving_jig.pdf

From my notes- not a complete list, but a start. This is from The Leather Industries of America. ANILINE FINISH or ANILINE-DYED LEATHER Leather which has been colored by dyes as distinguished from other leather treated by pigments or other opaque materials. BARK OR VEGETABLE TANNED Leathers which have been tanned with vegetable materials that are derived from certain plants and woods. BELTING LEATHER For the manufacturers of leather belts for transmitting power in machinery. Made from the butts of high grade cattle hides. BUFFED Leather which has been smoothed or sueded by mechanical sanding. CALFSKIN LEATHER Leather made from the skins of the young cattle and characterized by distinct grain or fiber structure. COWHIDE LEATHER Term specifically applied to leather made from hides of cows, although it is generally loosely used to designate any leather tanned from hides of animals of the bovine species. EMBOSSED LEATHERS Hides or skins finished with designs stamped on by etched, engraved, or electrotyped plates or rollers. A mechanical process of permanently imprinting a great variety of unique effects to the leathers surface. Done under considerable heat and pressure. Embossed designs may be an imitation of the natural grain or different animal skins, or designs of an artificial nature. FULL GRAIN Outer cut taken from the hair side of the hide from which nothing except the hair and the associate epidermis have been removed. GLAZED FINISHED A leather with polished surface produced by heavy pressure of a roller of agate, glass, metal or other suitable material on a selected finish formulation. GRAIN The outer or hair side of the hide or skin. Also the pattern of the outer surface after the hair or wool and epidermal tissue have been removed. GRAINED LEATHER Any leather on which the original grain has been highlighted by a finishing process. IMITATION LEATHER Materials so made and finished as to resemble leather. Included are coated fabrics, rubber and rubber compositions, and plastic materials. Terms connoting genuine leather should be used in trade names, as for the example "plastic calf," "plastic leather," "Compo-leather," "leatherlike" or "leatherette." LAMBSKIN LEATHER Describes leather made from either lamb or sheepskin, in as much as the skin is identical in appearance after tanning. MINERAL TANNED Leathers which have been tanned by mineral substances, notably the salts of chromium, aluminum, and zirconium. MOROCCO LEATHER Vegetable tanned fancy goatskins having a distinctive grain produced by boarding or graining. Embossed imitation of natural goat grain on other kinds of leather sometimes is called Morocco grained. NAPPA LEATHER Chrome, alum or combination tanned grain sheep or lambskin glove leather, drum colored. OIL TANNED Leathers tanned with certain fish oils. Produces a very soft, pliable leather such a chamois. PATENT LEATHER Leather with a finish which is mirror-like, flexible and waterproof. Also leather of this appearance made by film lamination. PEBBLE GRAIN An embossed-leather grain finish resembling a pebble surface, ranging from fine pebbled Morocco goat to heavy scotch grain upper leather. REVERSED CALF Terms applied to calf leather of heavier weights, finished on flesh side, containing oils to make it more water-resistant than suede, used for shoes where a nappy leather is required. Originally called "Trench Calf" in England, the term "Hunting Calf" is also used in that country. The term "Service Leathers" is used but is generally applied to splits and side leather. SADDLE LEATHER As used in the manufacture of harness and saddlery, this is a vegetable tanned cattlehide. The leather is usually a tan shade, is produced in various thicknesses and is also used outside the saddlery trade for leather goods of various types. In connection with other tannages, the term should be used to specify the leather as "saddle color," "saddle shade," or "saddle finish." "California Saddle Leather" is a registered trade name restricted to leather tanned by a tanner located in the State of California. SHARKSKIN Genuine sharkskin leather is made from the top grain of the hides of certain species of sharks and is used principally in shoes, belts, wristwatch straps, luggage, fine leather goods and for industrial purposes. It has varying, natural grain markings, or fine, smooth mesh like grain similar to pin seal. The term "sharkskin leather" should not be applied to other leathers, such as horse butts, embossed with shark grain. SPLIT A term used to describe the under portion of a hide or skin, split into two or more thicknesses. Devoid of a natural grain, it may be either sueded or pigment finished and embossed. Under ruling of the Federal Trade Commission, a split must be so marked and cannot be called "genuine leather" or "genuine cowhide." TOP GRAIN The grain split of a hide from which nothing has been removed except the hair and associated epidermis. TRAVELING BAG, SUITCASE & STRAP LEATHER A general term for leather used in traveling bags and suitcases. It does not include the light leather employed for women's handbags. The staple material for bag and case leather at present is leather made from the hides of animals of the bovine species, but other skins, including heavy sealskins and goatskins, are also used for this purpose. WATER REPELLENT LEATHER A leather which has been treated with any of several chemical compounds which repel the absorption of external water. WAX FINISH A method of finishing heavier weights of upper leather on the flesh side by working wax into the substance. For more information on leather terminology, contact the Leather Industries of America, 1000 Thomas Jefferson St., N. W., Suite 515, Washington, DC 20007. Phone (202) 342-8086, fax (202) 342-9063

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=2254

Brent- how to we get banquet tickets? Tina- Just made my reservation, too! See you next week! Johanna

Wade (my husband) was up and about, getting ready for work this morning, when our Toby started dancing and prancing like he wanted to go outside. Toby doesn't ordinarily get up with Wade, he gets up with me and the kids later on. Wade opened the back door for him, and Toby stopped, spun around, and went behind the couch. Wade tried to coax him out, but he wouldn't budge. Wade finished his coffee and headed out the door at 6 am, and he said he never felt any shaking or heard anything unusual. At work today people were talking about pictures on the walls being crooked, and things falling down from shelves. Only a few said they woke up and felt it. Our village is right smack dab on the Anna-Champaign fault, the busiest seismic area in Ohio, but the only earthquakes I've ever felt were in Charleston, South Carolina, 25 years ago in my wilder days. I was in a 7-Eleven late one night, and the floor rippled for what seemed like quite awhile and all the shelves shook. I took that unsteadiness as a sign that I'd done enough partying for the night, and went home to bed. Johanna

The link to the tutorial Beaverslayer graciously labored on is here: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?s...amp;#entry36163 He gave me permission to make a separate set of pages for it that we could feature on the front page of the site and that members could use for quick reference. Stay tuned- I'm working on it! Johanna

By now everyone has noticed that you don't cut a 1 1/2 inch strap for a 1 1/2 inch buckle. It won't fit. Straps have to be cut an RCH smaller than the buckle. If you have used a strap cutter before, you have also noticed that the measurements on the arm don't mean much compared to the actual size strap you are about to cut. Here's what to do: Get a few pieces of scrap and some buckles, and make a short strap to fit each size buckle. Write the magic number on the backs with a Sharpie, punch a hole through them and tie them together. The next time you need to cut a 1 1/4 inch strap for a belt, simply slide your 1 1/4 template scrap strap into the strap cutter, and tighten the screw. No guesswork or measuring involved, just cut your strap. If you make a lot of belts, the few minutes invested making this cheat pays off. Johanna