Hilly

I've always used 3M clear packing tape without any problems. I do agree with the rubber cement not working well. The edges never stay stuck, even if I use 2 coats of cement, and let them dry or almost dry between. I've tried cementing both surfaces, and also just applying the cement to only the cardboard backing. Tape is much faster, neater and no glue buzz, either. Of course I don't case my leather, I just use a spray bottle, so moisture is never an issue. Hilly

I like it! Those hairy eyebrows.... Hilly

Anyone ever watch all the gross stuff that Andrew Zimmern puts in his mouth on that show called "Bizarre Foods"? Rotten shark meat, testicles of all kinds, eyeballs, etc. I wonder if he actually likes eating that stuff, or if he does it strictly for the shock value?

Here's a link to the LCSJ website so you can order a subscription: http://www.leathercraftersjournal.com/ I have never heard of the other mag, either. The hits I got with Google for Shop Talk were all for things other than leather, unless I missed something. Hilly

One of my all time favs is ruffed grouse. We fillet the breast, and then slice it to thin cutlets. Dip in egg and seasoned bread/cracker crumbs. Pan fry slowly till cooked through, and sprinkle on a little shredded cheese. Serve with brown and wild rice dressing, and some fresh aparagus tips and a nice glass of white zinfandel. Can't think of a better meal! Too bad those things are so hard to shoot! Hilly

Thank you all for the birthday wishes. It made my day so much brigher! Hilly

Thanks, Tom! I got something almost as good as leather tools! The husband got me a muzzle loader gun so I can deer hunt longer this season, and maybe shoot some more tasy little fuzzy animals. Mmmmm, I love eating tasty little animals.... and turning their skins into cool stuff.

Thanks!

Thank you so much for your kind thoughts and birthday wishes!

Happy Birthday to ScHwErv, brewersaddles and RustyMelton! Hope all of you have a great day! Hilly

A couple more for ya... - Never sneeze while cutting leather with a head knife. - Blood does NOT come out of leather. - Good leather = BAD puppy.

Alex gave you a great start for a list, but I would like to put in my .02 here... When it comes to stitching, get yourself some egg eye harness needles (also available from Tandy and C.S.Osborn) instead of regular stitching needles. I've tried the stitching needles, and I broke every single one (the eye always breaks) in no time flat. Harness needles are extremely tough. Just be aware that there are different sizes of harness needles, and the higher the number, the smaller the eye. For something small like those zippo cases, it might look better if you used a smaller thread and smaller needles. Here's a source for waxed linen thread just to get you started: http://www.royalwoodltd.com/cat14-17ar.htm You can get different weights of thread in tons of different colors, and you don't have to pay as much as if you were to buy a 1lb. ball of unwaxed thread from here: http://campbell-bosworth.com/catalog/index...e2d4987195ad393 If you write to (email), or call C.S. Osborn, they will send you a catalog and a list of suppliers where you can purchase leather tools, including different sized harness needles. Just tell them that you want a catalog for leather tools. Here's what a harness needle looks like: http://www.csosborne.com/no517.htm Also, if you go through old posts in the "Sewing Leather" forum here on Leatherworker.net, you will find lots of useful information. Enjoy your hobby! Hilly

I've never worked with tatto ink on leather, though I've wondered the same thing. I've heard of tatto artists learning on pieces of pig skin, as it is said that pig skin closely resembles human skin. Why not buy a few bottle of ink and give it a whirl?

What a wonderful "how to" Tom! Thanks so much for sharing. What are you using for the initials? Is that a stencil of some sort? I really love the way you did the initials! Hilly

:wtf: is that cow doing in your bath?

Corona with lime

Awwwww, what a cute dog! How did you get him to lay in that sink like that? And how did he get so DIRTY?

Ray, get yourself a SHIRT. A really BIG shirt, and put it on backwards. Sort of like we did in kindergarten before we used the finger paints. Wear rubber or plastic GLOVES. In your case, try the ones they use at veterinary school - you know - the kind that goes all the way to your shoulder. TAPE the backs of your projects. Cover the dog table with newspaper. Lock the DOG out of the room. Put the GOOP on your project. Wrap a ruler with clean paper towels and sort of SQUEEGEE the excess OFF. BUFF with a soft cloth. WAIT till the next day and then SEAL with your favorite sealer. Questions?

PM sent!

Wow, what a great idea! And to think, I would have used it to collect tracks for track soup. It's a tasty dish we have almost every year around the end of November/early December. Thought I'd start collecting them a little early so I have enough to make a big batch. Hilly

Tom, you are an amazing artist! You make me wish I still smoked (kidding)! Hilly

That IS a great idea! Not only can you do large items, you don't have to move them after every few inches of stitching! Thanks for sharing! You're giving me some ideas for my work space... I use something somewhat similar to this as a 45 degree beveling jig for beveling large pieces. I think I will install a "lip" under my work bench, and install bolts through it with wingnuts that will fit, and eliminate the clamps. That way I can switch between "stitching apparatus" and beveling jig. All I'd have to do is drill holes through both of them so that they'd fit on the bolts... Hilly

Hi Jim. I have always enjoyed reading your replies, and learning from them. Thanks you. Can you recommend a source for harness awls? I currently have only a diamond point awl from C.S.Osborn, but would really like to try a different (or a couple different) awls. Hilly

Welcome back, Kevin! Love your newest creation! Hilly

You have books by Peter Main? I never knew he made any. Okay, enquiring minds want to know...