billybopp

The pack reminds me of seeing street salesmen in old movies where they carry something similar but in the form of a briefcase or suitcase. Mostly from the 1930s and 40s. I'd assume those movie depictions are based on reality - but have no way of really knowing! - Bill

I use 90% isopropyl in my burner. - Bill

It's kind of hard to nail down a date to celebrate. I don't remember some of the dates exactly, but you could argue that the day in early-mid June when they decided to do this thing would be the one. They appointed John Adams, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and two others whose names escape me to write the document which they did over the next several weeks. That document was presented on July 2 and approved with provision for a few minor changes and those changes were approved on July 4th, so either of those dates would be valid. The delegates left Philadelphia over the next few days and the public was informed on July 8th - that's when the Liberty bell was rung, etc. so that could be a good date to choose too. At that point, not all delegates had actually signed the declaration, and they did so over nearly two months. Choosing the day when the final signature went on could also be a valid choice to celebrate! In the end, it's a little complicated, but you still have to choose a date ... so the 4th it is!! John Adams was never happy with that, he insisted on the 2nd - and who knows - maybe the 4th was chosen just to tick him off! He was by all accounts blunt, opinionated, pushy and just plain not well liked - today we'd call him a prick! LOL - Bill

If you've got some letter stamps and a snap setter, a customized wristband might be nice and simple. - Bill

Awwwww. That's awesome! I bet they had a blast making those! - Bill

You may want to try "Dye Gone II" for removing dye from hands. It works great, and still available. - Bill

Looks great, but the problem that I see here is that two of those weights will gradually get lighter and lose effectiveness over time. The others look really great, too. You also triggered a thought - maybe make a weight that is "indented" - sort of like a donut filled in on one side of the hole - that would make a weight that would also be a safer coaster, and might even be good to hold your smaller dye bottles more safely. - Bill

If the leather is worn and not cracked, you might consider condition it and leave it alone. That wear tells a story! Just a though - Bill

I could be wrong, but I believe it is a shoe making tool used for trimming the leather around the sole. - Bill

Look for Arthur Porter on YouTube for bag making tutorials. There are also a number of books available. - Bill

Hmmm. I wasn't aware of this! Might be fascinating to check that out. Thanks. - Bill

Floral carving has been around for centuries. The differences are in how things are laid out, to some extent size, and a number of other factors. Some of it is individual style, some artists combine styles making it all the harder to pigeonhole things. So why pigeonhole them at all! Just as with paintings, styles and such can be hard to distinguish to the untrained eye but eventually it all starts to make sense. This may help - http://toolingtheus.com/ -Bill

Very nice indeed! - Bill

"There's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark out, we're wearing sunglasses and leather bowler hats." "Hit it"

@toprank your website English option isn't working, you may want to check with your webmaster. - Bill

Congrats! That's awesome! - Bill

There's actually a lot of truth in that one when that person also has a "work smarter not harder" mindset. - Bill

When I die I want to go nice and quiet in my sleep just like dear old grandpa. Not yelling and screaming like his passengers. - Bill

Well done! - Bill

This mask would look right at home on the set of "Hellraiser". - Bill

Looks great! Sometimes simple is just right. - Bill

I resemble that remark!

Sad news indeed! He will be terribly missed here and in our community in Philadelphia. Condolences to his family and friends.

LOL! Thanks for a good laugh to start my day! - Bill

Those are awesome guys! Thank you for sharing. - Bill