Johanna

If you decide to visit the Pittsburgh Tandy Leather Store during the IFoLG show... Picture the Pittsburgh area as a clock, with downtown Pgh. being where the hands meet in the middle (center). The airport is at nine, the show is at twelve and the Tandy is at three o'clock. The distance between the airport and the Tandy as the crow flies is maybe 80 or 100 miles. You can't go anywhere in southwestern Pa. "as the crow flies", thanks to bridges, mountains and PennDot. I would allow at least an hour to drive one way from the hotel, maybe more. The store is in Dormont, about 15 miles east of the Monroeville exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and Rte 22 is, as we say in Pgh. is "tore up". That means PennDot is "making improvements", and usually we think they are just playing with where to put their orange barrels, but they have removed slabs of the road several feet thick on Rte. 22, and I don't think they are going to be finished any time soon. I worked at the "old" Pittsburgh store when I was first hired by Tandy in 1994. The store was located closer to Monroeville then, and bigger. The whole time I was shopping last Friday, not a soul came in, but the phone rang constantly. One of the employees (I don't want to get anyone in trouble) said that business was still brisk, but it wasn't coming from walk-ins like before, primarily sales come from mail order, phone and the internet now. I guess I was surprised to see that store empty (even after navigating down Rte 22's nightmare of construction) because it was always busy with people when I worked there, before being transferred to Macon. A word about the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The PA Turnpike (I76) is officially an "east-west" highway, (thus the even number designation) but it doesn't really do that. It runs more northwest-southeast after the I70 New Stanton interchange, becoming the Ohio Turnpike some 70 miles northwest of the city. Rte. 22 is technically the same road as the airport is on, but you can't drive from the airport to the Tandy on Rte. 22 directly because Rte. 22 becomes the famous Parkway going through Pittsburgh, and that road is not for nervous or distracted drivers. (Everyone from Pittsburgh is nodding their heads right now!) If I were going to the Tandy from the hotel, I would use the Turnpike, because the extra miles will at least be spent moving, instead of gingerly going through one neighborhood after another on the secondary roads. That being said, there isn't much to see at the "new" Tandy if you already have a catalog. There are more tools and hardware in the store than leather, but the people who work there are friendly and helpful. There is no longer a Tandy in the North Hills, for those of you with long memories. If anyone has questions about getting around Pittsburgh, or wants info on other things to do during their visit, just ask. I lived in Washington County (south of the city) for 15 years and can provide directions to just about anywhere. If you have time to kill and want some additional activities, I'm making a list (my son wants to see the dinosaur collection at the Carnegie Museum) and if there is any interest, I'll post it. Johanna

I would love to hear more about the history and designs of the different whips from you, Victor, because I don't know much about whips, but I sure admire how you braiders construct them so elegantly, but with specific intent in mind. I've enjoyed reading the info you share on your website, and I'm hungry for more. Johanna tickle~tickle

We have an adult area on this site with biker flash (nudes and fantasy art), bondage gear (BDSM) topics and the some of the most tasteless, but funny, jokes on the internet. I can add other categories as you think of them. Okay, well, this area is growing, and anyone who wants access please send me a PM (private message) so that I can add you. The point of the adult area is for legitimate leatherwork conversation and sharing, even on the more risqué techniques and trade tricks of our leather art, without losing the main board's family friendly status. If you're a grown up, you're allowed in. If you change your mind and want the adult content part of the site invisible to you again, a PM will make it so. Just let me know. Johanna

The Bladeturner Armoury is one of those interesting sites on the net where you can learn something, and the man in charge is quite knowledgeable about making period pieces. specifically: http://www.bladeturner.com/pattern/perfect...rfect_arm2.html This is very similar to work I remember John Henry doing in Georgia for the SCA folks. I have never personally done it, but I know the results can be outstanding, and the description above is pretty much what John did. You get a feel for the leather and the temps and just kind of know after awhile just how to get the effect you want. Further on down the page, the reader is given excellent advice: start on a small scale with scraps. I will have to say that some of John's projects failed miserably, resulting in useless wasted leather, but you learn as you go, and sometimes you have to dive in to swim. If anyone else has done this kind of work, I would be interested in knowing if this technique has/hasn't worked for them, or suggestions for better results. I have a canteen on the wall that holds potable water using this hardening process. (Sigh. If I ever dust it, I'll take a picture of it.) We also made armor using the hot water. We tried cuirboulli for some projects, but they weren't more than decorative, and they still needed sealed from the inside. Once John had the brilliant idea of microwaving a piece of formed wet leather. Don't ever do this. That was one reject that never even made it to the scrap box. It was a disaster, and a shame, because it had been carved so nicely. He did keep it around for classes he taught as an example as what NOT to do, but I can't find it anywhere now. I liked to point to it when he said "Oh, I just got an idea!" You married ladies know exactly what I mean. Pour a cup of coffee and enjoy Bladeturner's site. I'm going to ask him to say hello. Johanna

Well, Steph, how did it go? Are there other students in your class or are you being taught one-on-one? How many hours go into a saddle class? Did you get a course outline? I wonder where one would even start with such a complicated project as a saddle? Let us know how you like the work and the class, as you can see, I have a million questions. Johanna

Coyotero, I visited the Tandy in Pittsburgh (Dormont) over the weekend and examined the kits/bags. I have to agree with your assessment above. I recognized the leather before I touched it- and I was right. It is that dyed all the way through black, probably 6-7 oz, and not suitable for either carving or molding (forming). Maybe Tandy plans to call this black leather "weather resistant" or wanted a leather that would not show a scratch, but the leather they chose feels like thick plastic. I looked at one of the bigger kits and realized I could buy a "real" hide cheaper than the kit, and have leather left over, plus be able to trick it out any way the customer wanted. A customer who can afford a Harley can afford good quality leather, and usually knows the difference, or they would have bought the steel and chrome saddlebags with the bike. (Ugh! Those are ugly!) If I were in a hurry, and those kits came in 8-9 oz veggie tanned, I might consider a purchase, but there is no way I could justify spending $100 for clicker service, and I do not care for pre punched round holes in kits. Johanna

Awesome tool holder! All the items... Wow!! Welcome to Leatherworker.net, candyleather. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your work. Glad to have you here. Johanna

Joe, I'm glad you figured it out. I like the piece you posted. Do you do a lot of figure carving? I like work that's "out of the box". Now that you know how, no excuse for not sharing what you've been up to! Are you familiar with Darwin Ohlerking? His work has been featured in the LC &SJ many times, and he has received IFoLG and Midwest Federation awards. He specialty is buildings, and angles and contrast of meticulous precision. If you haven't already seen his art, you may be interested in his style. I'll look him up and see if he will let me post some of his pictures, if anyone is interested. Johanna

Wow, Jim, can't tell you're not a born basketweaver. Nice nice work. "Laying brick", huh? I never thought of it that way, but that's such a good description! I'm filing that one away for the next time I need to give an explanation. Wait until you start playing with the barbed wire and the tri-weave stamps. LOL Johanna

I have always admired your work, with your clean designs and natural colors. The beauty of the leather shows, and gets more attractive as time passes. Please post the links of how people can get your instructional materials. I know that you have earned an excellent reputation for documenting how you achieve functional works of art, and don't be so modest! I have been a fan for a long time because of your fabrication techniques. (If it doesn't work, it's junk, you know.) I hope you keep posting pictures, because I know others will enjoy looking at your work, too. You are a great teacher, and I have learned quite a bit from you. Johanna :book:

There are times pictures say a thousand words. The idea of "resists" is to coat part of the design with Neat Lac (or some sort of Shene which will prevent the antique from penetrating the leather) in order to bring out the contrast. These two pictures are from Dave Howell, Tandy Manager in Nashville, used with permission. Note the differences are subtle, but present. Johanna

Purple rabbit fur is easy. Buy some white ones and use fabric dye like RIT. You may want to cut one up and experiment with scraps (rabbits are cheap enough!) Charge double because they only breed purple rabbits on one special hybrid naugha farm (tongue planted firmly in cheek) I'm curious about the buffalo or elk hide request. The two kinds of leathers aren't interchangeable. Be careful when customers ask for stuff- they often don't know what exactly they want, or what the right thing is for a project, but their sister's girlfriend's hairdresser's brother told them they need "THIS" (insert odd request here) I would try to find out more about that one so you don't order an expensive piece of leather and get stuck with it. The average customer does not know elk from deer, either, and do they want fur on or off? Did they mention a size? Unless you know their check will clear, be careful with this one. Johanna

It was never my intention to "take you to task", and if I have offended you, I am sorry. I agree, everyone has their own styles of training their pets. Someday I would like to write a book with a "using your dog for practice before becoming a parent" theme, because I have found many of the same principles have been transferable, and I see an increasing number of ill mannered dogs and children in my small village. As a former retail manager, I learned that time invested in training saved me immeasurable time as the years went on, and I feel the same way about my dogs and kids. If I sounded like I was on a soapbox, I apologize, for it was not my intention. You are correct, and I regret going off topic. Johanna

I guess I would rather have my purse break than have some thug drag me off with it while stealing it, but it has never happened. I do not use low quality hardware because I know that leather (properly cared for) is forever. Cheap hardware demeans the value, both aesthetic and function, of the work. Cheap hardware can also affect the safety of an animal or a person. (Ask the horse enthusiasts!) One of my Rotts was a rescue from a skinhead family, and until I retrained her, I had to depend on her gear to keep her in control. No one is going to panic at a poodle on the loose, but your pup could have been hit by a car. My dog could have caused serious injury or death to an innocent person, but the consistent training I provided her was more effective than any leather contraption I could have designed, for the protection of people she was taught to attack without provocation before I adopted her and retrained her at 2 years of age. What bothers me about your post, as a mother and a dog lover, is that a 5 month old pup does not understand "time on the chain" as a punishment. Dogs do not have that kind of thinking. A better solution is an immediate correction (with my Rottweilers I used pennies inside a Coke can to reinforce my "No!") and lavish praise for desirable behavior. Dogs have an inherent desire to please, so the trick is to guide them to the acceptable ways of earning your approval. To reward appropriately, you don't need a pocket full of treats, just gentle words and head or belly rubs. Johanna

You will find as many different opinions as leatherworkers, but here is how I was taught: 1. Complete the carving 2. Dye the backgrounds (let the leather pull the dye off of the brush) 3. Neat Lac any areas you want to emphasize (like scrolls and flowers) for a resist. 4. Use antique for a final color, and keep washing it and playing with it until it "looks right". Make sure you get all the grooves. 5. Seal the leather (lots of choices- what you pick depends on how much stress the item is expected to take and what kind of weather it will see) 6. Buff until your arm gets tired, then buff some more. I prefer natural colors for leatherwork, but some of the artists who successfully use color are Peter Main, Rod Stanger, Silva Fox, Billy 2-shews, just to name a few. You will find their sites in the links area. Obviously, you have a good eye for style, so you shouldn't have too much trouble deciding what suits your taste. Hope this helps a little, Johanna

I really like your work, and your website- I just wish my German were better. The sporran with fur caught my eye. I like the way you combined the fur with the leather for a truly one-of-a-kind item! Thanks for sharing, and welcome to leatherworker.net. Johanna

Try to come to the IFoLG show in Pittsburgh in October if you can. You will see outstanding work, meet amazing people and have an opportunity to browse through the wares of lots of vendors, including George Hurst, president of Hidecrafters. The Saturday all night carving tradition is a fun way to see different people "doing their thing", too. You just have to pick and choose what works for you from, oh, dozens of "masters". Hope to see you there! Johanna (and welcome to leatherworker.net!)

Tandy Leather has come out with motorcycle bag kits: They have added conchos with skull and crossbone themes to decorate the bags. If it's the leather I think it is, I don't think the leather can be tooled even if soaked in a bathtub for a week. If I were still a Tandy manager, I would be organizing lacing classes because lacing these kits is going to be intimidating to a novice. For those of you who do shows and need ready made items for display, I think the kits are priced rather high to be useful. Even factoring in the time spent doing it from scratch, my guestimate is that it will still be cheaper to do the bags from scratch. Johanna

Most of the leather we work with is a byproduct of the huge meat industry. Here are two sides to a recent controversy: Horse Slaughterhouses: 'America's Dirty Little Secret' by Laura Marquez ABC News http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=2235175&page=1 Johanna

Google Toolbar has lots of features like a translator, pop up blocker, autofill, spell check http://toolbar.google.com/ Iespell Internet spell checker http://www.iespell.com/ Privacy Bird Find out exactly what their privacy policy is http://www.privacybird.com/ Adobe Reader You need at least a pdf reader http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html Copy Url puts a right click option to save a link to your clipboard http://www.moonsoftware.com/freeware.asp Stripmail Clean up forwards http://www.dsoft.com.tr/stripmail/ Open Office Free Alternative to MS Office http://www.openoffice.org/ Mike Lin's Start up Control Panel add on. Decide what you want to load when you boot the computer. http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml Atomic Clock Synch to the World Timeserver http://www.worldtimeserver.com/atomic-clock/ Weatherbug Get weather alerts and forecasts instantly http://www.weatherbug.com/aws/index.asp MP3 Extensions adds icons revealing bitrate http://www.mutschler.de/mp3ext/ FavOrg Keep your IE icons (favicons) http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,108438,00.asp WinAmp Versatile Media Player http://www.winamp.com/ ( www.Shoutcast.com for some of the BEST Internet radio) Sun Java http://www.java.com/en/index.jsp Irfanview Graphics Editor http://www.irfanview.com/ Chainsaw Splits big files neatly http://www.schmeusser.siw.de/software/chainsaw.html Gadwin Print Screen Easy screencaps http://www.gadwin.com/printscreen/ Belarc reveals software and product keys. Run & print periodically in the event you need to restore your computer. http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html Motherboard Monitor puts your system temps in the Notification Area http://mbm.livewiredev.com/ MoveOnBoot Delete stubborn files before Windows starts http://www.snapfiles.com/get/moveonboot.html TweakUI Features lots of tweaks, and despite the warnings, both versions run well on XP (the two have different tweaks) http://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/tweakui Java Tester helpful to diagnose java problems http://www.javatester.org/version.html All of the above programs are free to use for personal use, spyware free and compatible with XP systems. Johanna

OZ MM Fraction Decimal 1 0.40 1/64 0.016 2 080 1/32 0.031 3 1.20 3/64 0.047 4 1.60 1/16 0.063 5 2.00 5/64 0.078 6 2.40 3/32 0.094 7 2.80 7/64 0.109 8 3.20 1/8 0.125 9 3.60 9/64 0.141 10 4.00 5/32 0.156 11 4.40 11/64 0.172 12 4.80 3.16 0.188 1oz=.4mm 1/4 oz=.1mm 2 1/2 oz= 1.0mm to convert decimeters to sq. ft divide amount by 9.29

I met Billy on his first trip to the US at my first (and his) IFoLG show in Springfield, Mo. He and my first husband quickly hit it off- recognizing that they were eccentric kindred spirits (sounded better than "crazy old men"!) and among the very best toolers in the world. I remember going to bed on one of the nights, very late, while they were still happily carving, talking and drinking in the bar. Since Little Jon didn't like or trust too many people, I knew right away that Billy was special. I was so green to the art of leatherwork that I had no idea how good either of them were. I was more concerned with getting the fledgling Georgia Leathercrafters' Guild accepted into the IFoLG, and God bless Blanche Byrne for her graciousness and patience, as she introduced and guided me through all the subtleties of the cliques and companies. Like Little Jon, Billy's life is naturally interesting- neither of them ever had to embellish a tale. I enjoy Billy's wit and wisdom about life even more than leather stuff. Maybe he is such an artist because he interperets the world a little differently than the conventional mainstream? The technique he developed came from wandering into a Hobby Lobby during a break from that show, and being curious about how the custom t-shirts were being made from people's personal pictures. The fabric to leather transition was a natural progression, and since he already possessed the skills to do any kind of leather decoration, so he knew he could dress up the coloring (tooling and embossing) pretty easily. Then he looked around and realized that no one had thought of this yet in Leatherland. My husband would have loved Billy's new technique, because it allows quality results at a faster production time. Little Jon knew he was limited by what his own two hands could produce. His earning power was dependent on time spent at the bench, which is why I got the delegated dyeing, lacing, billing and other duties of the shop. Time is money, huh Shirley? You are doing seats now, and the time you spend away from the shop is not putting cash in your pocket until you have a waiting list (and if you keep getting better, looking at the work you are doing now, after only one year, you will have a list as long as Santa Claus) you will not worry about paying bills. In fact, you will have to raise all of your prices just to make that list shrink some! Wayne Christensen has been sucessfully teaching classes using Billy's technique. WC is also a very accomplished tooler, and he uses the transfer mainly for emphasis. I'll ask him if I can share his pics here for those of you that haven't seen them because you don't belong to the Yahoo IILG lists. He did a tribute to Chuck Smith and one with John Wayne that are pretty exceptional pieces even without the extra personalization of the transfer. (In my humble opinion, WC is one of the top ten toolers in the world today) Frank Zaherek is supposed to teach a class at the IFoLG show in October, and I will be interested to see how the students do. I promised Billy pictures, too. Johanna

Billy came to the US confident that all the folks who promised to sponsor him and his workshops meant what they said. No one made any attempt to put together anything meaningful for him to do, and after a year of living in Goshen, Indiana, working out of a flea market type shopping center, he went home for a visa renewal and to see his beloved wife, Mary, terribly disappointed that the people who said that they would do things, didn't. I doubt he is ever coming back to this country. Meanwhile, he had a lung transplant. Billy is not doing leatherwork right now, but he is very interested in the classes that Wayne Christensen and Frank Zaharek are teaching. He never finished his website, but you can see what did get done at www.2shews.com (use Internet Explorer, not Firefox- I've never gotten around to fixing it since he "quit" on me.) He keeps in touch, but he's more interested in graphic arts right now than cowhide. He doesn't read leather mail except for what I forward him. I think perhaps he feels like a dream died? Johanna

HidehandlerDyeingBlack.pdf This is from Hidehandler, aka Dave Howell, of Nashville, Tenn. Used with permission, all rights reserved. Johanna HidehandlerDyeingBlack.pdf

How to properly sharpen and use your headknife. headknifeTANDY.zip headknifeTANDY.zip