Johanna

Yes, I have a whole box of metal templates- everything from wallets to cigarette cases to checkbooks. A friend gave them to me as a gift, and they have been very handy through the years. Each one is labeled with a Sharpie pen, and they do not wear out or leave marks on the leather. For your needs, Ed, it's still not going to be as fast as clicking, but it will probably reduce hide waste. Johanna

Ben Hughes, of Philadelphia, PA, passed away peacefully this week after a long illness. Some of you may remember him from his term at the IILG as webmaster. He was a gifted leather artist, friend to many of us, and a man of character and grace. I will be sending condolences to his family, and if you would also like to, please PM me for the address and details. Johanna

Ahhh... I really like when leather looks like leather...nice work, Steve! Thanks for sharing with us! Johanna (off to look at Steve's saddle blog...)

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