TracyMoss

Nice job, those look too nice to get dirty.

I made one of those out of skirting, but I fitted it to a Hermann Oak desk pad that they send out every year. Do you have problems with your leather curling up with it being lighter leather?

Do you have a mold that you shape on? I've always wondered about those costume pieces and the body armor that gives everyone a six-pack.

You had better watch out or you'll be making alot of those. Good work. What type of snap is that?

I think that is a great idea. I can't wait to see what every one has in their collection. I have seen some pretty neat ideas on some old hand-made tools. I stole one of those ideas and made myself a push beveler out of and an old horseshoe. Like those hoof picks, but with a beveled edge.

Nice work, keep challenging yourself with new ideas.

I'm planning on going. This will be my first year. I always went to the Boot and Saddlemaker's Round-up in Wichita Falls, TX. It was always close when I lived in Texas. Now, I live in northern Colorado so the Sheridan show is much closer.

I don't use patterns very much. I just get an idea and create whatever I am thinking. Perhaps, I wouldn't make as many mistakes, but I learn things by default. I will try to make a pattern, but the box which holds the business card is kind of a spin off from the briefcases I make. I am going to do it a little different next time, but when I come up with a good system I will let you know.

I just made this business card display case. I will probably assemble the next one a little different, but I had the idea in my head and it doesn't always work the way you want it to. Just thought I would share my latest little idea, although, I know it isn't that original. TM

I typically sew my skirts on a machine. Time/cost factor and convienence is mainly the issue. I do and have sewn skirts by hand and I just don't hand sew enough to be too fast. It takes me about two hours per skirt if I use an awl and needle. I have sewn by hand and used a jerk needle for a lockstitch and it took me about the same time. I have used my machine to punch holes and then sewn by hand and it only took me a little over an hour. I only hand stitch skirts if the customer wants it and is willing to pay for it. After all, I have that expensive sewing machine to save time and make money. TM

I wouldn't call the shoulders the prime part of the hide. They are good for small items that aren't exposed to functional stress (portfolios, dayplanners, rope cans, etc), but there is still too much stretch over the shoulder for items requiring strength. All to often, double shoulders have too many wrinkles to suit any functional uses. IMO

I use a Bob Douglas stitch groover, it works really well, however the saddle shop I used to work for had several of the old osborne compass style groover and I want one of those, and as a plus Bob Douglas' groover tips fit the old osborne model.

They do make stands for those bins so you can stack them in, but I think they are kind of pricey. You could make your own with some angle stock and a 1X frame.

Esantro, I use these. Restaurant Bins

"Girls yourself, and it ain't christmas neither." Looks nice Marlon.

That depends on how thick your headstall is. I mainly make alot of harness leather headstalls and lace up the cheek pieces for the bit.

I have made about a dozen briefcases or satchels, along those lines. I have made stiff gussets and collapsable ones as well. The gusset never gets any easier after about the third one. They will always be a pain in the but. Although, I did do one with a single compartment and it wasn't bad at all. Good work, I know how frustrating those things can be.

IMO, the order should go: Dye let dry, oil-let dry, glue. The dye, if you use enough of it will act as a solvent for the glue, and I have found that the glue will sometimes cause the dye to be splotchy.

The hexagonal blade is what I use, it seems to cut better and lssts longer. IMO

I bought mine for like $50 on e-bay. Looks just like that one and it comes with an extra blade

I agree Johanna, I don't like to use the poundo board with any sharp edges. I've used a scrap piece of heavy saddle skirting for years, since I always seem to have plenty around.

As I was once told, "No dumb questions, just dumb people asking them." No offense, just thought it was funny. We are all here to learn from each other.

Contact www.panhandleleather.com and ask for Jim Blain Kenney, they have Osborne in stock(Not Sharp!), but they also carry some knives that a local guy builds that are really nice. I think they are around the $125.00 mark, Freddy Hare is the Maker and I have one of his Castrating Knives, that thing can cut about 100 head without getting dull.

Nice work, I don't usually like color, but OLD GLORY would really stand out then. Awesome, really talented work.

You've just reminded me that my grandmother was hinting at a bible cover over christmas. I keep forgetting. Guess I'll have to fit that one in here pretty soon, maybe in time for Easter Sunday.