Johanna

Glad you found us! The forum is just a year old now, and I am happy to say we have some of the best leatherworkers in the world participating, as well as all sorts of new-to-leather folks who are eager to learn. Glad to have you here, and please make yourself comfortable (feet are allowed on the coffee table). Which firearm forums do you recommend for the gun enthusiasts, by the way? Johanna

The forum uses a cookie to log you in automatically if you have the "remember me" box ticked. Do you have software that might be clearning your cookies when your browser exits? When you exit the site, are you clicking the X to leave or using the "log out" button? If you have the "remember me" box checked, you shouldn't need to log in every time you visit the forum. Johanna

Remember the audio recording of the guy who tried to cancel his AOL account? I'm trying to find it. Now, that is worse than a telemarketer! I can just imagine what you do with stupid phone calls when you're bored, Monkey... Johanna

My dad speaks several languages fluently, and will speak Polish or Hungarian to telemarketers for as long as it takes them to hang up in desperation. He will say "Visa" a few times, just to keep them on the line. If he's bored, the conversations are hysterical- he'll be asking them about marrying off his ugly daughter and how many goats do they have to trade...but I understand enough Polish to get the jokes. The typical telemarketer does not. I know these folks have to make a living, too, but I think Caller ID was one of the best inventions the phone company ever came up with. If I wanted a home security system, new siding for the house, or to give a charitable gift, I would initiate the call, thank you. Johanna

I know we kinda did this in another thread...but to serve saddler members better, please take the time to answer the polls and leave your comments. It can't hurt to introduce ourselves again, either! Johanna (who is not a saddler and does not play one on TV!)

After the judging on Friday night, the names of the entrants are displayed next to the work, to be admired all day Saturday by the show's visitors and the public. There are also Guild displays and vendor displays to look at, too. Johanna

Usually masking tape is used, since it doesn't leave residue. Many of the experienced judges recognize a regular entrant's stuff, anyway, though, so it's not exactly foolproof, but judges are known for behaving with honor. Johanna

Are you planning to restore it at all? It looks so dry in the pictures. I'd hate to see such a family heirloom crumble from age. If you decide to take it apart, make paper tracings of the pattern. I have had lots of requests for bellows patterns and never had a source. Johanna

National Do Not Call Registry is available for cell phones and landlines either online at www.donotcall.gov or by calling toll-free 1-888-382-1222 from the telephone number they wish to register. (Remember all sales calls from companies who do not have established sales with you or any family member who uses the phone will be affected) Registrations become effective within 31 days of signing up and are active for five years. There is no cut-off date or deadline for registrations. This a FREE service. Business-to-business calls are not covered under the Registry. For More Information To learn more about the National Do Not Call Registry and the rules that enforce it, visit the FTC at www.ftc.gov or the FCC at www.fcc.gov. The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish (bilingual counselors are available to take complaints), or to get free information on any of 150 consumer topics, call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357), or use the complaint form at www.ftc.gov. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. Thanks, Rick for sharing the info with us. Check it out at Snopes. Johanna

Just an idea...could you take pics of a horse and then use a computer to mark certain reference points. It would seem to me that superimposing a template with known parameters over the horse image would allow accurate measurements and degrees of angle to be configured. This post was made by a tech, not a saddler, but from the tech point of view, a program like that would be relatively easy to construct, and would still allow for the consistency desired in the industry. Just an idea...any thoughts? Johanna

Hmmm...I think some of you "tidied up" before you took pictures. And where are the coffeepots? Do you guys all have to go back into the kitchen for a refill? Seriously, those of you who are designing work shops, running water is a big plus, like many members have mentioned. Also, don't underestimate your electrical needs. It is better to have too many outlets than not enough! I notice many of you take advantage of natural light, too. It's great to be able to adjust your lighting specifically for whatever you are working on- maybe someone could start a new thread about what has worked (and not worked) with different styles of lights for them? Keep the pics and descriptions coming. I'm enjoying seeing the hidden lairs of leatherworkers (even if I think you guys all got out your brooms for the "show and tell! ) Johanna Pics of my shop: http://www.leatherworker.net/forum/index.p...findpost&p=4635

Hi, Harlan! Glad you like this place! It's full of interesting people and good information. If you are over 18 and want access to the adult area, let me know. Fair warning (I tell everyone this!) the jokes are really baaaad. Johanna

from Steve Davis:

Ken...any chance of getting you to do some demos or maybe just post a scrap piece with the different types of stitches and what their names are, that you commonly use? It would be great if you would start a topic about decorative stitches and functional ones, and how much lace you can expect to use for each, and any other thing that comes into your head...hint hint You do great work, and I feel very qualified to say that because I love lacing and all the patterns. Not only is it attractive, you can charge more for items with it, and I find the work soothing and relaxing- it's just a pattern, like knitting or crocheting...right? LOL I wonder if some members may not realize the options we have to choose from like when you are designing a piece, or what goes into your considerations ( stress on seam, weight of leather, the way you pull all your designs together) I really appreciate the pics of the variety of work you do, and I know I'm not the only one who would love to learn more about how you do the magic you do. Thanks for sharing with us, Ken. Johanna

Put you and Mrs. S in the chaps and take pics of each other. Or find handsome people down the street to dress up. Chaps display best on a person or mannequin. not hanging, and not on a table. Good idea to start a thread like this, too. Not only will we get to admire your work as it's produced, we'll rag you unmercifully when you're slacking off. Really nice work, as usual, thanks for sharing. Johanna

Just watch those clips so that they don't mar the good side of the leather. I always use a scrap in between a clip and the work to protect it. Johanna

Fold the top piece and begin to glue outward from the center. You can always do a final trim later, if need be. Pocket items can be done with fingers, but on larger items, a plain old rolling pin can be quite handy. HTH Johanna

If you can unplug children and grandchildren from their gadgets, they have fun working with "scrap". I discovered this by accident during an ice storm that left us without electricity for a few days a couple of years ago. Johanna

Hey, carve practice pieces and make a ring for the shop so you have examples of a customers options. Or carve something pretty, put it in a frame and call it art. I double dog dare ya to put your wife to work without using extreme charm. First thing I learned in a working shop- there is no such thing as scrap. You never know what you will need tomorrow or next week, if for nothing else than to slip behind something you need to pound a hole into. My new hubby ( a metal worker) threw away 3 large boxes of "scrap" that were in the basement because he thought all the odds and end leather pieces were junk. I nearly cried when I realized all my treasured "this and thats" were gone, even though I don't run a shop any more, I knew what 15 years had accumulated. I had already gotten rid of the utterly useless stuff...the three boxes were the keeper scrap, but there is no such thing as scrap. But, like we do, I started a new box, and it's collecting some here and there. Hair pieces, watch straps, wristbands, dog collars, key fobs, glasses cases, Christmas tree ornaments...there is, after all, no such thing as scrap- you are only limited by imagination. Johanna

No way! I make more coffee here than a 7-Eleven! Every 30 minutes, fresh pot, whether we need it or not! There is even half & half in the fridge! You can put down leatherworker.net any way we deserve it, but our coffee is the very best. Choc Full o' Nuts and clean Ohio water....doesn't get any better than that. Johanna (if anyone want to take over doughnut duty, we'd be grateful. Clay's dog will be disappointed, but, oh well!)

Hi ArtS and welcome! Are you a member of the Ga. Leathercrafters Guild? I like your work, and your rose, too. Here is a link to a workshop we used to do in Macon for flowers and masks. http://www.leatherworker.net/moldingworkshop.htm Hope you have fun here! Johanna PS don't eat the doughnuts ClayB brings. They are always late, stale, and I think he lets the dog lick off the icing. The coffee, however, is fresh.

ClayB's Open Mouthed Bear The narrative is at the bottom of each full picture. I was impressed at the degrees of depth Clay worked into the bear's snout. Johanna

I'm doing a website for an old friend, a member here at leatherworker.net named Neil Cowan. (The guy in the kilt in the CIL show pics!) He can sharpen anything, and you will be satisfied with his work. He's that good! From Neil: I have been sharpening all kinds of blades and edges for over 30 years. I can put an edge on most type of blade or metal. Low cost shipping and handling between Macon, GA and your location. Call or E-Mail me for a quote. Examples of work I regularly do: Knives-Kitchen Steak, Utility, Boning, Butcher, Cleaver, Paring, Serrated, Kitchen & Poultry Shears Tools Axe, Chainsaw, Double Bit Axe, Hunting Knife, Splitting Maul, Pocket Knife, Hoe, Shovel, Machete, Drill Bits, Pruning and Lopping Shears Also Throwing Hawks, Stars, Boot Knives, Swords, Scimitar, Rapier, Samurai, Claymore, Double Edged Swords, Scissors Dress Makers Shears Pinking Shears Standard Shears Electric Hair Trimmers Hair Shears Thinning Shears Chunking Shears Nippers Razors Clipper Blades Straight Razor Please let me know what other specific information you need. You can call me at: 478-719-4711, or E-Mail me. Neil If you are looking for a pro to do a good job with a fast turnaround, call Neil. If you have an unusual item that requires special treatment, call Neil. He's done one before. Johanna (back to work on his website!)

Alex, thank you for the support and encouragement! None of this would be possible without the help and participation of so many friends and new folks, and I'm glad you all like it here well enough to keep returning. I'm grateful to those of you who keep the spirit of fellowship, and generously contribute your time and knowledge to answer questions from leatherworkers who aren't quite as experienced. Some of you have graciously given permission for me to share your teaching materials with the world- WOW! I don't think there is another place like this on the Internet. I am humbled by the kind words from the members. leatherworker.net!! and to all of you who make this possible! Special thanks to the staff here: ClayB, Bruce, Kate, Holly, Art & the Monkey. There is no substitute for their good sense and assistance, which they freely give, every day. Johanna :flowers:

What would you have done differently? Do him another one and send that one to me. I'd proudly hang it up. I like it. So what do you think is wrong with it? Johanna