wildrose

That's beautiful! Good choice!

Red is Ethan's favorite color too...he wanted me to do the box in red, but I thought the saddle tan would be better as it's an antique. He was quite upset with me about that, but helped me stain it anyway...LOL! I'm really glad you like them. The bee was harder than I thought it would be, but I was pleased with how everything came out.

Sandi and family, God grant you peace in this difficult time.

I've not used a dowel, but I've used spit and a canvas burnishing cloth - that worked fine for me.

My pif went out in the mail today. I am not sending pics of IT, but I couldn't resist posting these pics of Ethan helping me stain it. Start 'em young, right? He insisted on making something too...and he stained that as well.

WOW! You put that to good use quickly. Better you than them collecting dust in my "kits to make someday" bin...

Those are both gorgeous!

For the record, it's "tetanus" not "titnus" My family always had HUGE July 4th picnics at my folks' farm in NJ. They had a tennis court, and each year the uncles, Dad, and Granddad would go out there and play. Trouble was, one side was against some woods where Dad would toss scrap lumber. Tim went to chase a ball that had gone long, tripped and sat on a nail. I couldn't tell how deep in it went, or if it only was at an angle (puncture wounds being kinda tricky) so off he went to the hospital while the rest of us carried on partying. He has never lived that one down.

Isn't that a great clasp? I had a terrible time finding them when they were first showing up here at Renaissance Faires. I finally settled on Ohio Travel Bag at that time. I know it doesn't help you much, where you are, but even here they're still not easy to find.

We're planning on going to that one in Chicago, hope to see some of you there!

Tim was hollerin' through most of it - I had to keep telling him to tone it down so he didn't wake up Ethan! (He's from Ohio, so it's usually all about the Browns for him...)

That is beautiful work! Welcome (I had to read your post title twice to realize it meant "from Brazil"...my Portuguese is not as good as my Spanish)

I just have to add a little bit to this conversation: if some idiot wants to buy that first pictured piece over that second lovely piece of leatherwork, it's their loss (though they might keep a little more money in their pocket). Anyone looking seriously can just tell your case is much nicer. But I agree with what others have said about it being wise for you to take the high road and try reasonably to explain the differences in laymans terms to customers.

Tandy was bought by The Leather Factory a couple years back, which began to reopen the stores under the Tandy name (I suppose as it was more recognizable). There are still Leather Factory locations around too (I know of one in Harrisburg, PA) So stores are owned by Tandy Leather Factory. I myself have had mixed experiences at stores in various locations. Most of the time, it was not the manager who was the problem. Let's face it: finding quality help can be a challenge at that pay scale. It's that way in most businesses of that sort (i.e. Michael's, AC Moore, etc etc...) There was an employee (no longer there) at the Allentown Tandy who was forever on my little guy's case for rearranging spools of lace - as if he was going to break something??? We always put stuff back where it came from, and I've been a loyal customer for many years before I had a child. I don't let the kid run rampant in the store, yet here was this young guy going "oh be careful, oh don't touch that" etc. Drove me batty. On the other hand, the manager was like "let him make towers if he wants" and "let's show him how our bearded dragon (lizard) eats crickets!" Some people just shouldn't be in people related jobs. As to the quality of the leather, I will totally agree it leaves alot to be desired, and is expensive. But I don't have the money for higher grade stuff.

LOL! I know what you mean. I use plain water, but there are those who swear by a few drops of dish soap. Others use Bee Natural and ProCarve.

I would soooooo do that! That looks awesome!

No matter how I try, I just can't understand football. I tape the game for the commercials...

I'm almost done making mine and hope to get it out in the mail this week...my little guy insisted on making something too, and his is done already!

Most of my sales are at events like Renaissance Faires and craft fairs. I also take custom orders in person at such places, or by phone or email. I've not gotten set up for Internet sales because I'm trying to keep costs down and also I find each piece is so different it's hard for me to come up with a set pricing (i.e. "any medium box is x amount")

I spoke with the show chair and he was very helpful. It is an open show - no need to be a guild member to enter. Give him a call with all questions, I'd say: Bob Chambers at 708-895-5511

I'm liking that cuff style!!! Very nice work all around.

Thanks It is inlaid, which is the biggest challenge for me: cutting it down just right but not too much. I was pleased as it was a tight fit. I glue it in with contact cement. The color is the old Tandy Saddle Tan Antique liquid. A favorite of mine! I bought a huge bottle of it from a store when I was seeking it a while back on this list. I first cleaned the leather with rubbing alcohol, let it dry overnight, and then stained it. I apply the stain by pouring on a generous quantity, then rubbing off the excess with a damp sponge. In this case, I think I rubbed off a little too much in some areas af the knotwork, but I didn't want to risk messing it up entirely by applying another coat just for that. Coloring and I don't get along well!

One of Dale's (Grandpa's Pastime) fine boxes. My sister asked me to make it for her youngest, as I'd done them for her other 2 children. I chose the patttern and color. Perhaps could've been a different brown, or even different color, but I'm pleased with it overall.

I agree. We never closed in NJ for cold weather. Someone told me it was 'cuz the buses wouldn't start.

You're welcome here Roo - Virginia is cold, but not bitterly so. Today it is 35 degrees (F) and will probably hang in the 40s. Last week was a bit much at about 7 degrees - they actually cancelled school 'cuz it was too cold!!! Pathetic!