Johanna
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Posts posted by Johanna
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You want a workbench that is sturdy with no give. If it has four legs, build two more in the center. If you have to pound on the edge (where the leg is) and can't use the center because of the bounce, it's not good enough.
Go to a monument company and ask for a scrap piece of marble (they will have a pile that chipped, cracked or had a mistake, and often they will give it to you if you can carry it) and buy a piece of Poundo for the other end of the bench. It will save you from looking for a scrap every time you want to punch a hole or slot. Lighting is more of an issue with me now than it used to be 20 years ago. I got some overhead shop lights on sale, but I like having a gooseneck lamp I can focus so I don't work in a shadow. You also need a radio or cd player and a coffeepot, and you should be good to go.
Johanna
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That looks sharp, Ed. Is it big enough to tote a laptop and a bunch of cords and chargers? If I had velcro closures instead of the buckles, no shoulder pad (I have one!
)and a zipper under the flap, what would it cost me, and how long would it take to get it? (You can PM me if you want!) I could see putting Clay's shoulder pad on a fine looking case like that, instead of the mass produced nylon bag I haul around. My hubby really screwed up this week (and it's Mother's Day to boot!) and I want some new leather! Anyone have Shawn's (The Major) phone number, too, while we're at it?Johanna
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I wouldn't worry about posting something like that on the forum. If Disney would notice, they'd look at the situation in context. Now if you lined up 50 Harley Davidson seats with wings, you might want to refrain from posting that! Traditionally, most companies have not bothered to copyright police leatherworkers unless there is mass production and sales involved (like some people began doing w/ HD) Making a Bugs Bunny keychain or a Tigger wallet as a gift is small potatoes, and isn't going to attract the attention of any lawyers.
Johanna
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I've been playing, and this is no where near done, but have a look and see what you think so far...
http://leatherworker.net/teasers/index.htm
I needed to clean up the links page to get the gallery in order, and I had to check links and sites...so I threw a pic from most of the sites into a folder...here are 60 pics so far
Johanna
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Well, my name is Johanna, and I am working on a special "Gallery" section for the front page. http://leatherworker.net
I have ClayB, Dale Hietala, Dan Hammons, and Xavier just about ready to upload. I need permission from more of you guys and gals looking for work to make you a page, if you want one, and some contact info and extra pics and/or copy to brag on you would be helpful, too.
I wish I could post beautiful pictures of my leatherwork, but I'm just a tech, and I only play in the shop these days. However, the reason I am here is to help you folks get to know each other, see what others are doing and with luck, help you get some work. Put your link in your profile and/or your signature, and drive some extra traffic to your site while you enjoy entertaining and educational conversation with peers and mentors. Hey, use this board! Google and the other search engines love us.
A big welcome to all you new folks, and hugs to my old friends. Now, it's back to work. You folks are keeping my busy and I LOVE IT!!!
Johanna
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Hundreds of years ago, in Europe, tradespeople organized themselves into Guilds to protect their interests. Today's modern leather guild is not a closed society of people in business. Today's leather guilds are clubs of friends who enjoy the fellowship and educational efforts of their fellow guild members. Many of the US guilds belong to an umbrella organization called the International Federation of Leather Guilds, which sponsors an annual competition and show. Individuals do not belong to the IFoLG, only guilds. Show hosting is rotated among member guilds. You don't have to belong to a guild to enjoy a show, but you do need to belong to a member guild to enter a piece in competition. Be aware that the host guild sets the rules for the competition, not the IFoLG, so each year there are subtle variations on the theme.
Many guilds accept members that can't attend the meetings, most have nominal dues, and some guilds have newsletters. Some guilds are focused on teaching and archiving information, and hire instructors when they can. (The Columbine guild just had a class taught by Jim Linnell.) Some guilds are friends that drink coffee and work on small projects. A person can belong to as many guilds as they want, but if a piece is entered into competition at the IFoLG, they have to "declare" a guild to enter it under.
PSLAC is not a Federation Guild, but they are a dynamic group of people who have compiled some great online resources. (Click the "Rawhide Gazette" link at the bottom of this page for more info.) The South Central Leathercrafters Guild is applying for membership into the IFoLG this fall. Keep an eye on this guild, because like the Prairie States Guild, the dedication of the members is fantastic, and they are also gathering information to share online with leatherworkers who are interested. The Pitt Pounders publish a monthly newsletter online. The Lonestar Guild is hosting the 2007 IFoLG show. For more guilds, and contact info, click here. Please send me updates, corrections, omissions etc. so I can keep this listing as accurate as possible.
Leatherworker.net is not a guild, and wishes to support any leather guild in any way possible. Guilds should feel free to use the Live Chat feature at their convenience. If your guild is doing something, let us know so that we can spread the word! If your guild does not have a website and wants one, please let me know. If your guild needs assistance with a website. please let me know. Leather guilds have the opportunity to represent themselves in their community as ambassadors of our craft, and with the collective effort of the group, everyone can learn something from someone else. The biggest advantage to joining a guild is the friendship of the other folks in it. As you can see from the board, leatherland is full of interesting, creative, helpful and genuinely wonderful people.
And life is good.
Johanna
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Well, you know this guy, and obviously you are confident the check will clear. But some customers (and you leatherworkers know who I mean!) just aren't worth it. It is better to smile sweetly and hand them a list of other leatherworkers who might be willing (or stupid enough) to do business with them. There are some jobs that it is actually more profitable to say, "No!" than to waste the time and energy trying to please the "no matter what you do, I'm gonna be unhappy" customer. Send them to WalMart!
Johanna
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I would use a white leather rather than try to dye a veggie tanned piece white. Yes, I know there is white leather dye, but it just never looks right in white.
A piece of white latigo woul look good and wear well, or a white upholstery type leather (or a split or pigskin etc.) stitched to a heavier underlayer (like veggie tanned) would work, too. Acrylics are not a practical solution since a guitar strap has to flex in so many places.
This is just my opinion...your mileage may vary. Maybe somebody else has had better luck with white dye, or has another idea. But white leather is better looking when it isn't vegetable tanned (the absorbent leather used for carving). Again, just my opinion.
Johanna
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I recently bought a wide screen monitor, and no matter what, my Explorer windows work their way to the left, too. Drives me crazy. Here is a temporary fix: Use the drag method to position the window the way you want it, then hold down the control key while you "X" out. Windows will remember the position for awhile (maybe the next 10 times?) I figure out how to lock them into opening where I want them, I'll let you know. (All the other applications and software I use remember where they are supposed to be, why can't Explorer?)
Johanna
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Hey, Shawn, this isn't directed at you, because you've been in the business long enough to need to rant occasionally...
But, sometimes "Do what you want!" is the biggest compliment a leatherworker can receive. You do nice work, he knows it, and trusts you to make the best decision because he knows he hasn't got the faintest idea what to ask for, and he's too embarrassed to ask his wife, who knows. (Sometimes it's easier just to talk to her.)
But on those jobs where big or little things like buckles aren't agreed on, you draw up a plan and a itemized bill, have him sign it and collect a deposit. That way, if later he hates the buckles you chose, or has some other issue, he won't be back to complain, and if he does, you have a piece of paper showing you did what you said you would, down to the leather and hardware used and the dates you agreed on the job and delivered it. For every 100 good customers, you will get a knothead or two. It's inevitable. CYA and do the paperwork, and get it signed. (Hey, Shawn, put in there purple and pink and see if he picks up on it! LOL)
Johanna
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I have no idea what actual difference there is going to be in power consumption, but the things that eat up electricity are appliances that create heat or cold. Refrigerators, freezers, ovens, dehumidifiers, air conditioners etc. I once figured out the network power consumption of the network at church (20+ computers and a server) and it was less than the kitchen used.
Just out of curiosity, are you making your briefcases in an assembly line fashion, or one-at-a time? Have you calculated out cost of materials and rate of time per unit? Most leatherworkers figure out a "shop rate", money they need to generate to pay rent, utilities, insurance, advertising etc (expenses divided by hours worked) and add that into the price.
As an example:
Price of materials+shop rate= actual base cost + either your profit % margin or your rate of pay per hour= wholesale price.
Is that as clear as mud? Bruce, where are you?
Johanna
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I don't think it's fair to hold the SCA responsible for this- it's impractical for them to run background checks and ascertain the legitimacy of every visitor and participant. Besides, we are talking about people who develop alternative personas and enjoy hitting each other with swords and sticks! (SCA humor- no one get offended, please!)
Like Whinewine pointed out, it's people we "trust" that get away with molesting children, and it's statistically usually someone the child knows. It is our job, as parents, to diligently be aware of our kids' friends and activities, and to pay attention to the environments and people our children are around. Sure, even a careful parent can miss a clue, but this man assualted eleven children over four years. I can't help but wonder why someone didn't catch on, and why the children weren't taught to tell a trusted adult immediately when the sexual activity began? My seven and eight year old kids know that certain parts of their bodies are private, and that anyone interested in an area a bathing suit covers isn't anyone's business without mom and dad's okay (like at the doctor's office). It bothers me that these kids didn't tell, or, if they did, they were ignored.
Off my soapbox now.
Johanna
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Do NOT cease and desist. I love seeing your work, and anyone who doesn't want to see it can skip the click. David, thank you for sharing! It's folks like you that make this a fun place to hang out.
Johanna
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(817) 516-8789
This is the lady in charge of IFoLG classes for the Lonestar IFoLG show in October 2007, Ft. Worth Texas. If anyone gets a confirmed list, please post it.Official Show site
Johanna
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I used to really enjoy doing the beadwork on Regalia. It was an honor to be asked. This site is fun to play with, and lets you make your own beading patterns for free on your screen. It's easier to use than graph paper! Enjoy!
http://www.nativetech.org/beadwork/beadgraph/index.html
Johanna
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Everyone here is good people with a crap load of points of views and we try to bounce ideas of leather making and various crafts off each other. Talking down to folks isnt a very good way of teaching.Romey made a very good point- and I hope we can all get on with discussing the subject rather than ridiculing each other. I don't know much about horses and saddles, but many of you do. Please, guys, teach me and all the others here, what you know, and why you chose to do things the way you do. Everyone in this thread has valuable experience to share, so please quit fighting and start explaining, so that newbies like me can understand, and everyone else can learn a thing or two. I don't expect anyone to agree, but we're not helping any horses if we all throw our suckers in the sand and stomp off of the playground.
Johanna
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This shows the braided strap a little better. Linda told me it was yours, Shawn, and I figured you wouldn't mind me photographing it. (There's an unwritten "look, don't touch" protocol at shows for display items.) I was already smitten with it anyway, but when I picked it up I knew for sure I wanted it. I know it's worth two or three times what you quoted me, times are just tight right now. Understand I am carrying a $10 Wal-Mart purse that has all the charm and elegance of a mass produced import piece of crap. If I would have had the money, I would have given Linda a check for you and moved into that purse before the banquet!
Johanna
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It seems that since I returned from the Indiana show my personal life got really complicated and busy, and I am sorry my report is so late. I know I have a couple of the pics sideways, too- thanks to all who pointed it out. I have them "on the list", which is getting so long it's about to hit the floor!
I got to the hotel Friday afternoon, and registered. The CIL Guild did an excellent job coordinating and organizing the show, and all their members were wearing maroon polo shirts, so it was easy to find help and ask questions. When folks would turn around, there were lots of smiles as old friends greeted each other. One of the first people I ran into was Ernie Wayman, President of the IFoLG, and he filled me in on what I missed earlier in the week. The classes were well attended, and comments were positive. I checked in, and started wandering around. The first room I came to was the vendor room. Paul Burnett and his wife, Karen, were there, and I was surprised at how quickly their daughter has grown up! Paul is an innovator in coloring leather, and it's always a treat to see him work. George Hurst was manning the Hidecrafters area, and doing a brisk business. Sadly, his wife, Jane, was not with him because of a death in the family. I found Gerald Woody, past president of the Georgia Leathercrafters Guild, negotiating tool prices with George. I squealed with delight- I haven't seen Woody since the 2003 show in Macon. Woody has been fighting a medical battle, but he still has his shop in Cochran, Georgia. Jerry, his wife, was there, too, and I was so glad to see them.
Then I saw this Jerry Garcia/ Santa Claus hippy dude and knew instantly it was Neil Cowan, current pres. of the GLCG. (He's the one in the kilt in the pics) Neil was there with his wife, Barb, and their son, Josh. Josh was telling everyone how I gave him his first job- counting inventory for Tandy when he was a teenager. (Do you know how long it takes to count rivets and rounders? LOL) He is a Nuclear Submarine Tech for the Navy, now, and not a kid any longer, but he and his family have managed to preserve the intellectual humor and outrageousness that makes them so fun to be with. Let me illustrate:
Andy Stasiak looked kind of lonely with a barren table of so-so hides for sale. Someone offered him a deal at the end of the show for the stock, but he refused, saying they had to be returned to the Tandy. I didn't see too many people even looking on his table. Bob Beard had a nice set up, and all his pretty tools gleaming. Leatherworkers were lined up drooling on them, so he didn't see me right away. But I did get my hug, and we snuck out for a few smoke breaks over the weekend. (The hotel was smoke free.) The doors to the competition room were blocked, and entries were arriving. I caught Edd Lucas in the hallway and volunteered to help with whatever needed done, and he said he'd let me know. Bob Beard served as Head Judge. They had plenty of judges and scribes, so a bunch of us went to Dennys and got some supper.
When we got back I went to the biggest room, where we had the banquet Saturday night, and a few Guilds had set displays up. I walked slowly from one end of the room to the other, taking pictures, and talking to all the great folks who were minding their displays and the ones who were setting up the raffle tables. I met Linda, who did those cardinals using pyrography (look carefully at that pic, there are no mistakes, and a lot of detail!) from The Prarie States Guild and then I saw The Major's (Shawn Zoladz ) purse:
He offered me a deep discount on it, and if I had the cash, I'd mail him a check. I'm saving my pennies and hoping it's still available when I have my money together, or he'll make me one like it. The picture doesn't show the clever strap very well. I think I have a better one somewhere. For some reason, that purse just stood out to me. Next was the Buckeye Leathercrafters. They will be the hosts of the 2008 show here in Ohio, about 90 miles from my house (Does anyone think we should just plan for a major party?) The Pitt Pounders and the Georgia guild didn't set up displays. The others are in the pics. Pay special attention to the one the CIL put together. They used wood and inlaid each member's work into the frame, and members' signatures are also included on the frame. It was a very well done display down to the inconspicous lighting they used to accent the work of their members. They also had photo albums to browse through, and I have seldoms seen displays at nice as that at the Federation show, so I wonder who will get the Trophy in Ft Worth this year? Lonestar (this year's IFoLG hosts) always puts up an effort, and so does the Bluegrass Guild. I have to say I was impressed with the CIL's ideas, and the the art and names brought back some memories. (They even had a memorial area.)
The raffle tables were loaded. All kinds of goodies, stretched around the back of the long room. I could have bought tickets, I should have bought tickets, but I don't even DO leatherwork any more. The thing that really tempted me were Ava Gannon's pictures. I'm still kicking myself for not buying tickets. On Saturday morning they opened the competition room and we got to see the pieces and the prizes. I methodically took pics from one end to the other, but I say Clay's Indian, and I knew I was in a hurry to see what it got.
All day Saturday I got to talk to people. Everyone was either in a class or informally starting one, and the only bad thing about that hotel was there was no decent coffee available. I left the hotel looking for coffee and I accidentally found the Indianapolis Tandy store. It was in a low rent shopping plaza, and I thought "That looks like a good place for a Tandy", and there it was. I went in, no one even greeted me. I looked around. I'd have been fired for having so much inventory, but maybe they had special permission because the show was in town. Maybe it's different now that the Leather Factory owns them. I saw a Tippman Boss in a small flat box and wondered how hard that was to put together? I almost bought some doo-dads , but there was going to be a long wait for someone to write a ticket. There was no one from the show in the store. I've worked in specialty retail for 15+ years, and it's not like the grocery store where the customers can gather their own things. Sales in Tandy stores depend on service and the ability to give people confidence about how to work the stuff. The easy orders to fill in the tandy get mailed, faxed or done online. Those customers know what they want, and do not need their hand held. I left after I got bored. It was the same old stock with higher prices, and I'm not a leatherworker any more, I have to keep reminding myself. I gave up on the hunt for coffee and just bought a can, since we had pots in our rooms. Maybe Indiana water is worse than ours, I don't know. Back at the hotel, there were impromptu classes still, and everyone was happily socializing. I inquired about Ron Ross, president of the IILG from St. Joe, Indiana. He had been scheduled to be one of the instructors, but no one signed up for his class, "Pick My Brain", so he didn't come to the show. I was a bit disappointed, because I had also heard the Hays, Jim & Pat, were coming, and they weren't there either. Wayne from the Bluegrass Guild was there, and it's always good to see him. It was nice to put faces with some names at last- and the thing I love about these shows are the friendliness and fellowship. Everybody does different kinds of leatherwork, but we all come together to appreciate the art and to learn from each other. It makes me want to go home and start playing in the shop until I remember that I don't do leatherwork. *sigh* ("Why not?" she asks herself. You don't have to carve to have fun!)
The banquet was a buffet, and a beautiful prayer was said. Pat Goodman played his bagpipes for us. When he played the Star Spangled Banner the entire room rose and put their hand over their heart. We ate as much as we could carry. There was a skit by the CIL afterwards, and "thank you"s. There was cheering and clapping for all the awards presented. The certificates were handed out, and everyone seemed pleased. George said a few words about the upcoming Federation Show. Special awards were presented made from the wood of the old tanning vats at Moser? (Someone correct me if I have the name wrong, it's been a few weeks and I've slept since then.) Edd explained all the history, but I was in the back of the room with all the rowdy folks, and we couldn't hear very well anyway. After the banquet there was a swap shop, all night carving and talking, the usual... I went to bed without using the hotel hot tub. Too tired. LOL
Sunday morning no one seemed to want to pack up. The vendor room was crowded, and the raffle started at 11, which was also check out time. We went to breakfast, then headed back to the hotel for the raffle and the goodbyes. I did not take the Interstate home. It was a beautiful day, and I just drove the back roads, nice and easy, and was glad I had the chance to go to the show. Now I gotta flip the pics before I forget.
Johanna
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not too fancy.My first thought was like Kate's: "Simplicity is elegance." It's leather, and it looks and feels like leather. It's clean and I like the stitching, too. I think it is beautiful.
I used to play music with a guitar player who said the secret was to know what not to play, and I've thought of that when looking at carving. This book was done a Federation Master and it won at the Indy show. Technically, it is perfect, but the combination of styles startled me.
Beeze, I think one of the reasons for your success with seats is that you aren't afraid to do different things for all sorts of looks. Your designs all seem custom. Do you like to see the bike before you make the seat, or do you work blind? I just wondered, because the seats are a work of art in themselves. Does the owner usually tell you what he wants, or does he follow your lead and trust you to get it right? Do you get to see your seats on bikes? I would imagine many of your seats appear in shows. The people who are buying them probably have very nice custom rides. Just curious about how your business works, hope I'm not getting too personal.
Johanna
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What's wrong with the spell check, guys? I'm not seeing any problems, so I need to know if something isn't working right on your end. Send me a PM so we don't clutter this interesting thread.
Johanna
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Geeze, Romey, didn't think you, of all people, would be posting spam!
Oh, well, as least your spam isn't offering to enlarge/shrink any body parts or phishing for my credit card number. Guess we'll let you slide this time.
Johanna
I need more coffee. :coffee:
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I would love to see the entire collection, based on what the site shows in pictures. Has anyone here ever been to this museum?
Johanna
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I posted the older leatherworking magazines I have in the "Resources" area. I also have most of the Leather Crafter & Saddlers Journal from the mid-nineties to 2002? or so. I will have additional slave labor this weekend, and the 13 year old will be assigned the LC &SJ inventory. If anyone is interested in older Tandy Doodle Pages, send me a PM.
Johanna
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Yep, you're gonna fit in here just fine. We have some pretty leather and great people. ClayB is in charge of the doughnuts, I just make the coffee. Shoot me a PM if you want access to the adult area. Welcome to the board, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of your work (I love fancy lacing!)
Johanna