Johanna

Click on Ronnie's (Techsew) or Steve's (Cobra) banners on the top of the page- they have both made their videos available to anyone interested. Anyone that wants to make more videos is welcome to post them here on LW. We've got plenty of bandwidth, and lots of interested people. Whiz, Thank you for this. All the sewing machine guys are cheering you, and that tells me all I need to know about the accuracy of the info. You are helping people now and in the future by explaining in plain English the mysteries of leather sewing machines, and we appreciate the time and effort you're putting into the series. Johanna

I've had trouble with java updates before. I go to the control panel, addremove programs and uninstall the old java, reboot, and then install the newest version. I know they released an update this week addressing a security issue, so I would go ahead and follow Ar's advice to update it. ~J

Okay, all of you that asked are added. If you don't see the NSFW area by the Marketplace, log out, then back in again. Standard disclaimer- we take no responsibility for the really baaad jokes! ;-) ~J

Steve Tayrien of Leather Machine Co. (Cobra Sewing Machines) graciously sent me this picture taken at the 17th Annual Rocky Mountain Leatherworkers Tradeshow in May 2010 in Sheridan, Wyoming. These five saddlers are all Al Stohlman Award Winners or nominees. From left to right: Jesse Smith, Al Gould, Bob Klenda, Don Butler, & Pete Gorrell. I had the honor of being invited to the ASMA breakfast, and had a chance to speak with these men, and a few other notable saddlers, and I appreciated the way they answered my questions and explained their work to me. Saddle makers do more than "make it look pretty", they value function and design. Thank you, Steve, for thinking of me! Johanna PS Steve mentioned that these five saddlers each own a Cobra class 4 "Dream Machine".

Russell, DaveD, JWGlover & Leather Ink: I turned the adult section on for you shortly after I got your message. If you don't see the NSFW section by the Marketplace while logged in, try logging out, then in again. Fair warning- jokes are really baaaad. Johanna

Call Tippmann and explain the problem. Tippmann is known for outstanding customer service, before and after the sale, so I'm sure they will make things right with you. Johanna

We added a Leather History section as a result of this suggestion. I haven't heard from Xavier (candyleather) in a long time, and his email address bounces. I do hope all is well with him and he is just busy! We are kicking around the idea of expanding the sewing machine section. We do have quite a few experienced people that answer questions, so be sure to post any problems or ideas in that section, and you should be whizzing along with your new sewing machine in no time. Gerry, thank you for the kind words and your participation and support of LW. A pat on the back is better than a paycheck. Johanna

Nice work, Rusty! Is it for you, a friend or a customer? I like the good brass hardware you used too. Johanna

No wonder your friend is tickled. The knife is sharp and you made a fancy new pouch for it. It's fun to make things for people who appreciate them. Doesn't sound like such a bad day except the scorched supper part. Johanna

Thank you Somawas for explaining what the object was and how it was used. Looking at it with your description, it makes sense. Johanna

Who have you contacted already? Are they out of stock or something? Johanna

Well, of course I'm MUCH younger than you gentlemen, so I haven't experienced the rivalry or prejudice between the disciplines. I get just as awed by looking at Bob's carving as I do the handstitched at 12 to an inch or fancy seat you sit on when riding a horse. One thing I have noticed with our members is all the crossover. Many of you make knives, tools, are luthiers, farriers, do wood projects, maybe gunsmiths, stained glass artists, painters, metalsmiths, pottery, whatever caught your artistic attention. Some of you are experts at combining skills- I'm thinking of the Stangers with wood and leather and Jeremiah Watt with saddles and silver and the like. It's great that The Art of the Cowboy is recognizing the whole scope, and adding a carving category will make old Bob ramp it up a notch. I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to Bob and Casey in Wickenburg (they live a mile apart somewhere near Phoenix) and they patiently answered all my newbie questions with the dignity and class I've noticed all the real cowboys have. (I met a bunch more of them in Wyoming!) I think it's important that we as a community sponsor events and shows like this, or the people who take the time to produce them won't want to bother, and we would all be poorer for that. Trade shows, art shows, guild shows- not only do they give us a chance to learn from our peers and get inspired to improve, but they bring us together in fellowship. Many of us work as loners, and it's good to make friends and get fresh ideas. Johanna PS I'd also like to point out that Bob Park is very brave. In February Mrs. Park decided she wanted his tapadero lamp in her living room, and I know for a fact right now it's sitting in Lee's Hermann Oak's office right now looking pretty. If my old man would have done that...well, it wouldn't have been good. He should have given the Mrs. that first one and made another for display, but I guess he likes living dangerously. If I could buy that lamp I wouldn't let the dog or the kids breathe on it. Pictures don't do it justice. It's one of those things you won't get tired of looking at. The lamp was in Sheridan, and I thought about smuggling it to the rightful owner, Mrs. Park, but everyone was enjoying it too much. Plus Lee is a really nice guy. I did take detailed pics, Mrs. Park, in case you want an exact duplicate. muhahahaha (luv ya Bob!)

Hope the BBC doesn't mind- here is the picture:

BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science_and_environment/10281908.stm

9th World Leather Debut pics here in the Gallery! Johanna

Hi Grov! Welcome to LW! You are showing a lot of potential already. The people here are quite friendly and many have lots of experience. Take close up pics of work you want them to analyze and post in the "Critique My Work" section. Some folks don't want to say too much at first because they don't want to discourage anyone who has been recently bitten by the leather bug. I noticed you chose a tri weave stamp for the belt. Those are hard, and from what I see, you did a nice job of it. Keep up the good work, and make yourself at home. The coffee is always fresh and the cookies are good. Johanna

AND THE WINNERS ARE: 2010 Art of the Cowboy Makers winners: Bits:1st - Kevin Peebler2nd - Bill Madole 3rd - Les IversonPeople's Choice - Gary Wiggins Boots:1st - Schwarz Custom Boots 2nd - Bill Niemczyk3rd - Lisa Sorrell People's Choice - Schwarz Custom Boots Braiding:1st - Nate Wald2nd - Ed Pass3rd - Ray Huffman Peopl...e's Choice - Ed Pass Engraving:1st - D.L. Moss 2nd - Rex Crawford3rd - Kevin Elkins People's Choice - Fluff Wood Saddles:1st - Jesse Smith 2nd - Gary Parrish 3rd - Box Bar Cross Saddlery People's Choice - Casey Jordan Spurs:1st - Jim Mower & Denny Lytle ( L&M Spurs) 2nd - George Blackwood3rd - Henry Ellis People's Choice - Gary Wiggins Congratulations folks! A lot of talent in one show! Johanna

Steve Siegel said he'd honor any Friday Special all week if the caller mentions they heard it here on leatherworker.net. http://siegelofca.com/fridayspecial/SP060110/060410.htm Red latigo, skirting sides, chap leather in all colors, goat rawhide etc. plus a bargain of a deal with his dad's old leather stock. Scroll down to the "Leather History" offer. Johanna