rdb

nice featherwork! another beauty...

You keep amazing us Kevin!

Johannna, managing your bookmarks in Firefox is slightly difficult. So I "Exported", from the "Bookmarks/Organize your Bookmarks" tab, all my bookmarks from firefox into one big html file. Then I took my html editor, and cut and paste the section about leather into it's own html file, then sent it up to you. It's probably easier if you have some sort of organization to your bookmarks in the first place. I'm hoping a few of you attempt this, because I think we all have things the others don't. Eventually it could lead to a massive database, or at least one Topic with a lot of resources. I've added at least 20 more sites to that list since I posted it. Mike...you cracked me up...!!!!!

I haven't heard if it's open yet, but this is the Press Release... "Tandy Leather Factory Inc announced that it intends to open a Tandy Leather Factory store in the United Kingdom in the 1st quarter of 2008. The Company is in the final stages of lease negotiations for a 10,000 square foot building located in Northampton. John McNiven, President of the Company's Canadian operation, has agreed to oversee the store opening and business development for the first year. This first store will operate as a combination wholesale and retail store. Once it is established and profitable, the Company intends to open several traditional Tandy Leather retail stores throughout the country. The Company cited several reasons for establishing a local presence in the UK as follows: • Sales into the UK and Europe by the Company is approximately $600,000 annually, even though the Company doesn't advertise internationally. Management believes that sales could increase significantly with a store located there and an advertising campaign directed toward the population. • The Company believes the timing is good given that the UK economy is strong and growing. Economic indicators suggest Retail Sales for the third quarter to be 6.2% and GDP, after second quarter growth of 0.8%, is expected to be 3.3% for the third quarter. • The Company has a highly-qualified employee in John McNiven who has agreed to oversee the UK endeavor. Mr. McNiven has 40+ years of experience in the leathercraft industry and has a proven track record establishing Leather Factory and Tandy Leather retail stores outside of the U.S."

She's a beauty, no doubt. I like the braidwork.

The way I am beginning to figger it, in the beginning, you can't keep up with demand. First, you have to work out your patterns. Then you have to reduce time in the making of your product, if you can. If you can't cut the time, then it is what it is. You have to build patterns, and stock. I'm trying to make $15 an hour. Right now, its about $1 an hour. I have no place to go but up...lol That sheath you made, will probably take you only an hour or two at most after you get it down, so let's say two hours, plus $2 material/restock, plus $5 overhead (if you had a shop...electricity, rent, etc.) Total $37. Now that's a lot for a sheath you could find in a store for $10, but with a custom carving, handstitched to last forever, made in the USA, by a human, ....that's Priceless!.

I like the border, and the notched out spine. Once again showing some design thinking. Good job.

Hope this works, I will try to upload my leather bookmarks Share and share alike..... bookmarks.html bookmarks.html

Beautiful job, I can't wait to see it..

This will be an "old school" street fair, yup, lop off the not needed part. I always hated that, but there's no way I can ramp up like I used to, in such a short time. Back in the crustacean period, I would make up about 20 in each size, from 26 for women up to 48 for men. They would be about half of the same design, the rest would be separate designs. This worked well back then. I would have some three/four hundred belts, 20 or so of each size. On a good day, I could sell a hundred. I was getting $10/12 when others were getting $5-8. A good weeks pay, when most were making 200 or 300 working for someone else. Time enough to be fussy,later. I'm going to have to pay for that Artisan somehow..

Not sure exactly what you mean Art. I haven't sold any belts for a very long time, so I'm not sure what widths, and what lengths will move. Normally I used to make a bunch to size, 32s, 34s, etc. I hate cut belts, but I just don't know what's out there, so I'm just going to cut this first bunch out on the streets. I've got about 30 other design belts, and I've got a slew of bridle leather belts I made up, brown, and black. I just edged them, bordered them, made them look rich. The first show will only have about a hundred belts, just to see, don't you know.

Hate to keep a thread going like this, but, well, I finally got around to finishing these damn belts up, and I promised a picture. For the most part they turned out okay, not sure the pic will show, but there's some rich colors. I got my GG Makers stamp. I think I'll get another one with the rdb a tad smaller, and the Rocky River Leather Co., a tad bigger. If by any chance you like any of these, Steal any of the designs you want...

I've seen them when I go, but haven't bought one. I have a ruger 9, I may bring it next time to see how it fits against the small 9mm they have... All his stuff he works with. There's a whole wall of made holsters. If you have a clicker die, you can send it to him, and he'll click them for you. He will have a die made from your pattern, to keep in the shop for your job orders...stuff like that happens cause he's a small 1-2 man shop. Tim's alright.

You did a great job. I think I looked at everything, and all the pix worked. My one suggestion..when you offer a bigger picture by clicking on a thumbnail, it should be a bigger clearer pic, not the same one...but you probably intend on doing that anyways. I know how it is just to get the framework up..Again good site, and some really nice stuff.

2 parts imagination 1 part non traditional tool work 5 parts pure work effort...great job.

Thanks for all the advice everyone...all good points. I'm no rookie to the fairs. I used to do quite well 35 years ago with the leather, and have since done the circuits as a potter, and again with my hypertufa container gardens and fountains. mostly good days, with a few "why did I bothers". Something outside the arts always brought things to an end. This time is going to be lasting one..full circle don't you know. And now I've invested...my Artisan 3000 will be here in two weeks (This is worse than being a kid waiting for Christmas). Today was dye day. I'll probably finish all the stuff tomorrow, and post a pic.

Two words...WOW!

Personally, I think that's the best piece you've shown on this forum to date. Excellent work. You deserve two pats on the back.

Zack White's... http://www.eleatherworks.com/home.php?cat=1000

Well Done! Expect more well dones....

Thanx Snuffy. The last time I went, there wasn't what I wanted, but maybe he got some new ones.

Take your time Johanna...muhhahaha

Good solid advice...thanx

Good suggestion...I couldn't make up my mind..to use a wider long strap, or a skinnier slot...

Congrats Tom! The last rod case I saw was selling for around $350. They ain't that easy to pump out, but th experience will make you a thousand percent better leather worker.