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Hey Pete, Merry Christmas I just about finished a wallet Christmas Eve for my brother but ran out of thread so his present is going to be late. I used the finishing procedure you helped me with and I'm very pleased with the result. I'm going tommorrow to get some thread a TLF and I'll be finished in a few days then I send you a photo. Thanks again for your help. I regards to your checkbook cover you finished, It's awesome, now I have a goal to achive. Happy Holidays, Pat

Hello all, Both of my brothers play guitar, and while looking at my new found hobby they mentioned that they have seem leather guitar pickguards. I did a google search and saw some, and they looked awesome. I'd like to attempt to make one for them. Could I get some help in leading me in right direction of attempting this project? The first questions (I'm sure they'll be more LOL) would be what weight of leather would be best for tooling, I'm assumeing you wouldn't want it to thick. Second, how would it be finished on the edges, and how would it be installed on the guitar so the edges of the leather won't lift up? I understand they are attached with several screws. I tried a search but didn't come up with any thing on this site (I could of missed it ) any help in starting this project would be appreciated. Thank you, Pat

Hi RDB, I'm from the North Shore also, Everett. I frequent the Tandy store in Chelmsford, it's my primary resource for the leather and tools. I have taken classes from that store also and know Tony. He's sends out notices for classes and I think he's given in to have a figure carving class since I asked him everytime I see him. Regards, Pat

Thanks for the replies, I'll send angle view of the same picture, which you will see the beveling and depth better, and let me know how I did. Indy, you mentioned some DVD's by Robert Beard, are they worth getting? I live in Massachusetts and noticed that advanced classes are not available in this area. Pat

Hello all, As a recently new member here and new to carving, about seven pieces I'm going to try to send a picture over and I'd to get some constructive advice on improving my work. This is my first figure carving I completed last night. Thank you, Pat

Hello Johanna, Thank you for the reply. I'll give it a shot. Pat

Hello all, I've been trying to upload a picture but it seems that the file is to large. Can somebody please give me some advice on attaching a photo to this forum. I see others have reduced images, but I don't have a clue how it's done. Thank you, Pat

Hello all, I'm pretty much a novice here and have about seven projects under my belt. All my projects as of now are small in size, example wallets, checkbook covers, and a few 5"x5" floral designs. I've experimented with different finishes on all to get an idea of the results. I did a black dye background and left the flowers untouched and finished off with super sheen. I've tried Eco Flo antique gel straight up, and another with blockout on the flower pedals. Another I used Eco Flo Chestnut highlite. All with pretty good results. Yesterday I finished what I would call my better of all carvings and used Eco Flo saddle tan straight up, and I was soooo dissapointed with the results. The background was so unconsistant with color ( some areas took different ) I couldn't get the uniform color through out the leather. I spent a lot of time on this project and before I finished it was planning of framing it, as of now it'll be a sample piece on color selection, which I don't think anyone would ever want LOL. Are there any books or advice I could get that would give me a predictable look of finish so I wouldn't ruin a carving again. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you, Pat

Thank you all for the replies. I'm debating whether to even do it now. It's one of those things that nobody else would notice it that much, but for me it's a thorn in me side to make it perfect. Again thank you, Pat

Hello all, Can you re case/wet leather for carving once the project is complete and dried completely. I have a carving which after sitting for a few days to dry out and has not yet been finished with anything. I'm thinking of altering it a little, but wanted to be sure there won't be any problems. I know that you don't want your project to dry out and keep moist while carving but wasn't sure if it dries out completely you couldn't recase the leather. Thank you in advance. Regards, Pat

Thank you for the replies. I had a feeling that would be the answers, after searching on the internet. I'll guess I'll have to treat myself to some large event which would be a show and workshop offering all in one, even if I have to travel for a few days. Thank you for the replies. Regards, Pat

Hello all, I'm a newbie here (approx 2 months of carving, when time permits) and live in Massachusetts. I've taking a few of the begginner classes that were offered at my local Tandy leather store, and find myself looking for some classes/workshops to expand my knowledge. I've looked up all the Leather guilds and workshops offered by others but I can't seem to find anything in Massachusetts or surrounding states. If I found one that was of driving distance and offered a weekend course I be happy to go to any attaching states. I'm hoping that someone can help me find any workshops/classes around my area. Also, if there are any leathercraft show schedules for the NorthEast, that may be a lead. Any information would be appreciated. Regards, Pat

Thank you for your prompt replies, In regards to the question, why place it behind glass. Your absolutely correct, why would I. I first thought I would show it like a picture, but after reading your replies I can see it would be a demeaner to the natural texture and beauty of the leather. Thank you for creating a different view on my part. Regards, Pat

Hello all, This is my first post and new to the forum. This is a new hobby for me ( two months ) and have been practicing my carving when I have time. I'd like some advice on types of finishes that would work well when a piece would be in a picture framed with a glass front. I don't know if there would be a problem with any finish but would rather ask than find out later. For example I just finished a flower piece and used ECO antique gel on it. My concern is that if I put a protective finish like leather wax or super sheen on it will I have a problem years down the road with A: the glass hazing due to any evaporation of the finish, if any. B: discoloration of the leather. Would any thing happen to the leather without a finish protectant behind glass? I would like the option of either putting on a protectant finish for a more luster look or leave it alone without a finish. I'd like to feel comfortable knowing that my finished project will look good years down the road. What have others used when placing leather in picture frames? Any input and suggestion would be appreciated. Best regards, Pat