wildrose

A customer who saw me at a local fair asked if I could make four 3 ring binders for her by Christmas (gotta love those kinds of customers!). Here are the first two. As an aside, I always bring something I've made myself to set out at events. What this customer saw is a 10-yr old folio and my several month old Bible cover. In this manner, she was able to see how pieces hold up over time (with proper care) and also what is available by custom order. Also, I usually bring something I'm currently working on.

That is gorgeous. I was going to say that was way more knotwork than I'd want to do (carving/tooling)...then I read about the "help" you got! Smart move!

WOW! That's really great! I love what you did with it. I think it's just right, not too much "bling" at all.

It's very nice! Don't fret, I have some pieces for years before they sell. I tell myself there is the right person for that project, and not to keep lowering the price and cheating myself.

I'll probably post them all at once before I deliver them. I'm most of the way through the second one...have to assemble it, hole punch, and start stitching tomorrow. I had an easier time with the shene this time 'round. Still got some swirling. You're the only other person I've heard from who likes Aussie Wax! I use it almost exclusively.

Most recently, I was using First Data Merchant Services, but had a massive problem with them and dropped them. (Long story, not getting into it) I really feel it is best for my business if I am able to accept credit cards, though, which leads me to asking: Who do you use as a service provider? What is your monthly fee? I have never paid more than 15.00/month, and really don't feel my level of business merits paying more than that. Some months, I do alot of business, others next to none. So I don't want a high monthly fee. Suggestions?

At first I wasn't really into the theme - the workmanship, amazing, just not the theme. But, once you explained it, I found a better appreciation for the piece. And of course the workmanship is amazing!

I'm a sucker for the big cats, but WOW that owl is very nice. I'm working on four 3 ring binders for a customer. First one (this one) is actually done already, but I've not gotten pics of that. It's stained mahogany with the new eco flo paste. Loved it....'til I put leather sheen on top and it took off half the color and made some swirls (knew I just should've used Aussie Wax - managed to fix it though)...then something scratched a light gouge line by the top right of the design! So I've put it away in a box to keep it safe 'til delivery...

Johanna's right about the deep fried Oreos...they've become a staple at county fairs I've gone to. Another thing I adore at fairs is funnel cake.

You know, Tandy has some nice 3D fish stamps. Just a thought: put one on with some nice decorative stamps/basketweave.

Not certain what my husband's belt size is...but it's in the 50's.

Great job! Bet he's pleased, it looks so much nicer.

Scones! Ahhhh I love scones. It's amazing the variety of them here though: no one seems to know exactly how to do them.

Everyone has their preferences, and saving money is not a bad thing either. I don't own a leather sewing machine myself (cost + lack of space being the issue), but I know some who swear by their Tippmans or Jukis. To each their own

It's called Leather Secrets...I had one, but sold it recently.

A resist is a good technique, but you could also use an antique or hi-lite stain/dye instead.

I have 3 because I also teach kids. I find with some of the more detailed 3D stamps, like the flag and the tiger, it's a great tool.

"do you think that the silver pieces I have hanging from it adds alot more to it?i might try that glue,, thank you!" I don't dislike them, but it's hard to tell how big the piece is total. I think they look good on that particular piece. On others, it might be too much.

I parted with several of these a few years back when we were moving from Delaware back to Pennsylvania....and now I find myself in need (of course). Does anyone have one (or better yet, two) they'd like to sell me?

I love to carve - I'd definitely say it's my favorite part too. I have one unfinished project sitting around: it's a camp chair I can't seem to motivate to finish because I don't like the pattern (I did it to challenge myself with something outside my normal style). I used the pinecone pattern that came with the kit. It's been sitting for several years now!

They are beautiful. I especially love the center one - and I agree with the other poster: the other two would be better with a different stitching material. It detracts from the stones. I used Alene's (Aleen's?) "white crafter's glue" which I buy at the local craft store. I think it would work well for such a use. Of course, you could use contact cement too, but that's super strong in the smell department...

I like your idea, but honestly, my corset is simply held together with rawhide lacing on the sides, back and front. It's made from burgundy latigo - and while it tends to bleed like crazy, I use the same shirt under it all the time so it really doesn't matter.

Great idea! (from another big-footed person...)

I honestly haven't noticed a recession, but for me, this is a jumped up hobby - I sell at craft fairs and take some custom orders mostly around Christmas. When I moved to VA, my mom warned me people won't pay the same for things down south as they did up north. I began making smaller items (ornaments, bracelets in school colors - especially VA Tech) and have made more money here than I did before. In fact, I took in 5 custom orders for items costing over 50.00 (for me, that's a big item) - including 4 three ring binders, one with a family crest that I'm charging 100.00 for. I got those orders because I always bring some pieces of my own with me (1 Bible cover and 1 folio most of the time) so people can see what I can do. I guess I've been fortunate so far.

I almost took my finger tip (first finger, right hand) off with my head knife when the guiding ruler slipped (cork back and all!). That was the last time I used that knife, too.