Chuck

Here is a picture of the revised pattern, with the changes we talked about. Also included is the old for comparison. Thanks GH Chuck

GH, I am changing the flow pattern on the left, changing direction on the second flower and removing two leaves that block the flow. I will post the change when I get it done. Again Thanks. Chuck

Raptor, was my first thought seeing it. Chuck

Thanks for the comment, I really enjoy drawing the patterns and would love to see another leather workers interpretation of my patterns. Chuck

Here is a tooling pattern for a ladies handbag or carryall that I drew up last night that I thought I would share with the other users of leathernet. If you like it, fell free to use the pattern, if you wish to critique I would like that also. I have started tooling this piece and will show the result when done. The fold over flap pattern will come later when I decide what kind I want to use.

I am sure I will develope a style of my own over time, I know I did with wood carving(western caricature carving). I have collected books and a computer full of research on individual custom saddle makers tooling, and I am trying to learn as much as possible from that. I have a friend in town who is a Veach and he and his family has helped me collect some of the older styles, that I think were as you say more to fill space than an artistic approach. I still think as you say we all start out using someone elses ideas and patterns and develope our own. I do believe the more individual styles you study the better you can do in creating your own style. Right now I want to learn to be a good tooler, and I think that means trial and error and input from people who have been there. Thanks to the people of the leather worker net. Thanks Chuck

Pete, I found the original of the one that I tooled and will put that up too. Chuck

I guess my desire to learn Sheridan tooling is based in part on a personal goal as much as a love for the type of tooling. I do like the Sheridan style but I do think it can be to busy. I do think that If I can learn to do Sheridan in miniature I should be able to learn about any style and hopefully develope a style of my own. As a matter of fact, what other distinct styles are there. Does anyone know of a good book that has information on the different styles of tooling that have been identified over the years. I am talking mainly about Saddle tooling styles. I have lots of books on saddles and the history of the western saddle but there is very little infomation on tooling in the books. Any info that you can point me to I would be greatfull. Chuck

Pete, here is a couple of checkbook covers I roughed out a week or so ago. What I do is trace these over and clean up the flow and convergence of the lines. Hope they are what you are looking for. Thanks for the comments, I have been getting some good advice. Thanks Chuck

This is practice for me, my Goal is to build the finest miniature half scale saddles I can. A lot of what I am showing now is Sheridan style patterns that I have designed and drawn myself. I want to get the tooling correct first. I am also working out patterns for the various miniature trees that I have, both tooling and leather pieces. That said, I will I will try to clean up the knife cuts. I think I tend to follow the theory that if a little is good a lot is better, both with the knife cuts and the veiners. In the book Sheridan Style Carving by Bob Likewise he states that the vertical lined thumbprint is generally used in Sheridan tooling. However, when I look at the pictures in the book they seem to use the smooth, so I have tried both. I tend to agree with you, on the leaves it doesn't flow properly. I am working on the tooling pattern for the seat jockey and will post the pattern and the practice piece. I will try to use the sugestions that I have received from the people on the Leather Worker net. Thanks for all your comments. Chuck

After reading all the replies and being a self taught nut I think a good way to learn is find an older hand built saddle that is in need of repair and tear it down to the tree. I did this when I started 20 years ago and learned a lot from it. When you get tore down build it back the way it was. In the mean time build your library, because now you will be able to know a lot more abut what it is the book or saddle builder is trying to tell you. Just another idea. Chuck

Thanks Ken, I used a 959 TLF rope stamp and bordered it with a Barry King #1 concave checkered beveler. Works great. Chuck

Dave the scale is 1/2, the saddle s measure about 14 inches long. I have one that is basket stamped that I made to adjust my patterns, I am tearing it back down to learn from. Chuck

Ben, Since I did that fender I received a #0 and a #1 vertical lined thumbprint from Barry and I am using them ( take a look at the flowers in my other post of the checkbook cover), I also have the smaller of Barry's continues left and right curve mulefeet coming as I certinally agree with you about the size of the imprints. Will Keep working at it, Thanks for the Help. Chuck

The artboard is new to me will sure give it a try. I generally use around 8oz leather for the fenders and somewhat lighter for the rear jockeys and etc, this was just to see if I could get depth on the light leather. I will also try the two hit method with the tilt. Thanks Chuck

Indy Thanks for the tips, This piece of leather was only about 3 or 4 onces and a little thin to get too heavy with the undercut bevelers which I used first. I thought about going back and using them afterbeveling but on a scrap piece I was cutting through the leather. I agree that my finish cuts need improvement, and I am working on that. I will try for deeper thumbprints. Again thanks for the tips. Chuck

Ken, This was stained using about 2 parts Tandy Antique tan, 1 part mahagany antique stain mixed with about 2 parts TanKote. Put on liberally with a piece of sheepskin and wiped off quickly with a damp paper towel till you get about the color and shading you want. Let dry and put another coat of Tan Kote. Dries fast, just remember if you try it remove first coat quickly. Chuck

Thanks for the comments. I draw up at least two to three Sheridan patterns a week and try to tool all of them. I make up shapes that have all types of edges and fill with Sheridan tooling, drawing the patterns has taught me a lot about that style of tooling. I really enjoy looking at other peoples beautiful tooling and leather work, I study them and try to learn. Chuck

Thanks Dave, As an old wood carver I knew that the small size would present some problems, but with my goal being what it is I had no choice. I know every piece I tool I learn something. Chuck

Tina, its a 959 Leather Factory rope stamp. I use a Barry King concave checkered beveler on both edges, fits perfect. Chuck

Here are a few more practice pieces for your amusement and Critique. The miniature saddle fender is fender pattern I will be using , but still fine tuning the Sheridan tooling.

About six months ago I decided I wanted to build miniature saddles, twenty years ago I built regular but plain saddles. They were stout and rode very well, built mostly for family and friends. They lacked the look that I wanted. Now retired I want to learn to tool and I like the sheridan style carving so that is my goal. Please critique the practice Checkbook cover. Thanks Chuck

Ive put up some pictures in the show off section and answered some of the questions asked here, so please take a look there to better understand this ole timer. Thanks Chuck

Ken, I will try and send some pictures in a week or so of my latest half scale fender with sheridan carving. Looking forward to comments and helpful hints. Chuck