Sabine1

I saw some beaver tails advertised at one of the merchants. What (pray tell) are beaver tails used for in leather working? No slap jokes (unless really funny) please.

I'm interested in the weave for the strap. How did you do that?

What thickness of leather did you use for the board? Did you just glue it to wood?

I'd like to add my agreement to Tallbald's post. I'm still getting my feet wet and I have experienced great patience already. I thank each of you for your time and sharing your experience. The gift of paring down years of experience to pass on to others is one of the beauties of the economy of wisdom.

MaineThread.com has Osborne awls and a good selection of needles at a very reasonable price (for good tools). I can recommend them.

I've been told (by a thread manufacturer) that the same linen that has 35 lb tensile strength has 95 lb tensile strength in polyester. And it comes already waxed which is another inducement.

Midsomer Murders, Agatha Christie, Cracker, Downton Abbey, Doc Martin all have lots of subtle humor that I've come to have an ear for and truly enjoy. Maggie Smith is one of the funniest actresses I know of because she's so subtle and quick. You have to really listen carefully to 'get' her. None of this can shake a stick at the entire James Bond series especially after 'M' is taken over by the lovely Judi Dench with Samantha Bond as Moneypenny. Takes things to an entirely different level.

Thanks for the suggestion cr. I've been thinking about Cheryl's suggestion about lining the belt completely. Would it be best to use 3 oz leather with essentially 3 layers glued together? Do the carving on each of the 'sides' individually then glue them (maybe adding rivets) to a central liner? Thanks again for suggestions.

Great idea Cheryl. Thanks for the recommendation.

I'm considering making a double sided belt. Intricate carving on one side and fairly 'dressy' simple but unique pattern on the other side. What kind of buckle could I use to avoid having to switch buckles? This will be my first belt so I'd appreciate any tips in planning this thing and thinking it all the way through. Thanks.

Not specifically guaranteed to be a leatherworker but the skill was probably part of her life. S1 http://www.timesofisrael.com/oldest-metal-in-middle-east-found-in-israeli-dig/ I tried to post the article but it wouldn't allow me to paste here for some reason. Nice article with good picture of a copper awl. S1