Hilly

Those are the only good looking bug bites I've ever seen I got a shoulder like that once (internet order), and although it was some really UGLY leather, the stuff I made from it had lots of "character"

That is beautiful! You are truly talented. Thanks for sharing. How did you achive the texture on the inside cover? Hilly

No pounding? That doesn't sound like "No carving" to me! Why not practice some swivel knife skills? This would be a good time to sit down with a bunch of scrap pieces, and try all the swivel knife finesse lessons in the LCSJ. Painting Cow website also has some good info on carving. You can plan your next few projects, including making patterns. I highly recommend all the Stohlman books: "The Art of Making Leather Cases" It will give you so much info, and tons of ideas for future projects. Also, "The Art of Hand Sewing Leather" by Stohlman. These are some of the best investments you can make IMO. You might also want to take a trip down to your favorite leather supply store, and peruse all the stuff in there. Maybe you will find more inspiration. I hope your surgery and recovery go without a hitch, so you can get back to this addiction called leather. Hilly

Nice stitching horse, Marlon! Aren't they great? My father-in-law made me one using the plans by Al Stohlman. I really love mine! Hilly

When I first started sewing leather, I used the needles included in those Tandy kits... Broke every single one within 5 stitiches. Switched to harness needles, and have never had a problem since. You can drive em in like nails, and they won't break. The only time I've ever broken one was when I tried intentionally to bend it, and it broke in half, not at the eye. You can get them in different sizes, but the smaller the needle size, the smaller the eye, too, so you need to use thread size to match the needle eye. Made a big difference in my hand stitching now that I have choices other than that "rope" thread that Tandy sells I've also tried glover's needles, but they were too sharp, and if your aim was off the tiniest bit, they'd stick in the edge of the hole. Glover's needles do work well with thinner leathers, though, such as garment weight.

LOL!

I've only been working with leather for about a year, so I'm no expert. Here are my experiences.... I've never had neatsfoot come out splotchy as you described, unless it hasn't fully soaked in, or unless the application was uneven. If it were me, I'd wait another day to make sure it has "spread out" through the leather fibers, and if it's still splotchy after that, I'd apply another light coat using a piece of sheeps wool or a dauber, and use circular motion to apply. Wait another day afterwards before proceeding. I would say that yes, this will show later on if it's uneven looking now. I use Sheridan brown paste from Fiebings. It's the "traditional" antique to use. Can't give you a source for it though. If you have access to an air brush, I would use super sheen to seal. Using tan coat with a sheeps wool sort of smears the antique around a bit, and you could end up with streaks. If you do use Tan Coat, work quickly, as it doesn not take very long to dry. Also, make sure and leave the antique dry for a day or so before sealing. This may help a bit with the streaking issue. Good luck, and please post photos of your project! Hilly

WOO HOO! Congratulations on your new best buddy!Hilly Don't you mean a fine STROPPING young lad?

Love the scroll work! Thanks for posting. Hilly

I've used HC a few times. I was satisfied with the service, and really enjoyed chatting with the guy that answered the phones. Since their restructuring however, I find them a PITA, as it seems everything you need has been discontinued. Till they get a current CATALOG out, my money's going to Tandy, and other's who have a current CATALOG. (I really hope someone from HC reads this forum ) Hilly

Hi Fritzy. Welcome to the coolest place on the internet! There's so many wonderful people here with lots of leather knowledge. There's always more than one way to make something, isn't there? I've found a lot of answers on construction techniques in a book called "The Art of Making Leather Cases Vol. 1" by Al Stohlman. It gives very detailed information on making all sorts of small cases, and different approaches on the how to's, or gives you ideas on how to make your own patterns. It's somewhat dated, but the information is still sound. It's available almost anywhere you can buy leathercraft supplies, an also at online book sellers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.) Just be ready to become addicted to working with leather.... Have fun and post some photos of your finished project! Hilly

Chuck, that's a beautiful sheath. I hope my efforts turn out half as well.

I asked this question several days ago in a different forum with no replies, so I'll ask it again here... I want to upholster the bucket seats in my nephew's Corvette with chap hide. I want to do a rattlesnake inlay on the head rests. What is the best way to finish the edges of the inlay "window" on the chap hide? I don't want to just leave raw edges around the snake skin. Thanks for your replies. Hilly

Sorry I can't answer your R.C. question.... I've been buying small cans of C.C. from Tandy, but they get all thick and goobery after a month. I would like to get 1/2 gal from my local home building supply store for about $6, or less than the cost of shipping! What exactly do you use to thin C.C.? Hilly

Study this page, and you should get the idea. http://tandyleatherfactory.com/IMAGES/2008...olBdr-6-612.jpg

Fantastic work, thanks for sharing! Now I REALLY feel like an amature

A lot of places that do custom granite and marble counter tops will give you sink cut outs for little to nothing.

I store my chap hides on pieces of tubing that new carpet comes on. Usually free for the asking from home supply stores. Just roll 'em on there flesh side out. Tie them loosely with a bit of twine or lace, and stand them up in a corner, or suspend horizontally from the cieling in the shop. No wrinkles from folding, and they stay out of the way. This also works well for sides of veg tan if they aren't too thick.

Why not have him do a figure carving of Bert and Ernie?

I sent him a PM a few days ago, and haven't heard anything back. Hope he's doing okay.

I too, would like to know how you do these. Although I have a couple books on braiding, and think I could do a six strand round braid, I have no idea on how you would make the handle or attach a clip to it without it looking like I tied it in a knot. I have 3 large dogs I would like to make leashes for.

Johanna posted on this topic a while back: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?s...&hl=johanna

Maybe you could make a nice leather sign to hang on your fence saying "Beware of Yaks".

It's not backwards, it's a left handed guitar.

Very nice, Marlon. I like your dye job, too. I have a girl friend who has horses, and would probably really like a lamp like that. Where did you get the pattern/instructions? Hilly