wildrose

I buy spools of tracing film from Tandy. It works for me, and I can generally re-use pieces several times. I trace the designs using a stylus usually...I'm left handed, so if I use a pen or pencil, I risk getting ink or lead on the leather.

LOL! Don't get me wrong, Steve, I would honestly like things to turn around for you, both in health AND business. Damage has been done though, and keeping things clear is the best way to improve the situation. This is a rough economy, as you no doubt know, and both customers and businesses are having a bad time of things.

Because it is not the SAME leather. Please do not post things that are untrue. How is it "untrue"? You yourself said : "The leather will be shipped from Wickett in PA, but our company has developed standards for selection which we will be communicating to Wickett." Thus, the leather is coming from Wickett, thus one could surmise that if one called Wickett themselves, they'd get leather from Wickett, just as they would be if they called you. The poster was merely suggesting going to the source, that being Wickett. Now, if you have a private agreement with Wickett, where the leather is something they are only selling to you and your customers, than that should be stated. It was not. If that's the case, make it clear!

I have used Tandy 90% of the time for almost 20 yrs now. On occasion, I ordered from Hidecrafters, though it's been a while. I get a business discount from Tandy, so prices make it worth it for me. I also buy alot of my products from Michaels or AC Moore craft stores. I mention that to show you where I'm coming from. At Michaels, as an example, I will search through 10 wood boxes (made in China, or wherever) to find one good one. But shopping there, I know what I'm in for. Tandy is much the same: you get what you pay for. I myself have been happy with them the majority of the time. For years, I selected the leather in-store, but now I am too far from a store, and I mail order. The store in Charlotte, NC has been terrific to deal with. They are polite and send me exactly what I ask for. I also had a positive experience with the Raleigh store. Prior to moving south, I dealt with stores in the Baltimore, MD and Allentown, PA area. Was happy overall with them too. As with any business, there are ups and downs, happy customers and unhappy ones. I am really sorry to hear about your negative experience, because I know about the lost revenue and expense. I would only ask that you either take your business elsewhere, or give them another chance. Take a deep breath and move on - we all have our "learning experiences" - even those that are painful.

Bryan, I feel your frustration and completely agree it'd be frustrating.

As you can see, I didn't paint all of the border knotwork as I thought I did :-( Could cry right now. How to remove the stain so I can start over? Or at least part of the stain? I've used Tandy's deglazer before, and apparently am all out at this stage.

Enough's enough, I'm locking this before it gets out of hand more than it already is.

That was very well written!

"This is also NOT a forum for reporting or discussing public safety. Leatherworking safety, yes. "Bomb" making, no." While it certainly isn't a forum for bomb making, this part of the forum IS for talking about things other than leatherworking. Hence the title "all about us and off topic". Take a deep breath everyone, okay?

Thanks for the head's up!

He posted a nice comment on a topic about making amends. I hope things get settled. It's good to have a variety of suppliers in the field, after all.

Enough "discussion" on all fronts. With that, I'm going to close this topic and chat it over with the other mods.

Time to take a deep breath. Some good points have been raised here, so let's just agree to disagree, huh?

Thank you Bar C for sharing. I always share both good and bad experiences with suppliers. As everyone encouraged you, stick to the facts of your experience and that's what matters most. (which is exactly what you did) It's always seemed to me that Steve himself tries to be helpful, but one person can't do everything right. I thought his apology was well intentioned, though the post to Johanna showed a different side.

I love Sharpies too! I've also used leather dyes/stains on wood boxes.

It was a nightmare. It's just a flat stitch (saddle stitch?). She didn't want anything fancy, or I'dve gone for a double loop most likely.

I made this case for a Bible; it was a first time thing for me, but the customer was happy. I'd definitely do things a little different the second time - esp. the strap.

They are NOT aligned on the stamps all the same way. I don't use a ruler. I stamp whatever is the middle letter of the word/phrase and work sideways from there. After I've stamped that first letter, I lightly tap the next one, take it off, see how it is, and go from there. Again, it's a matter of practice, and I also try to mark/remember which ones are way off.

I also do alot of Celtic work, and it amounts to practice practice practice. Lines will never be perfect when done by hand - there is, after all, no such thing as perfection in art. I use an angled ceramic blade for carving and a fine point stylus for tracing. How I bevel/tool is different with each project, but I usually use a small textured beveler from Tandy.

Oh my Lord, I thought I saw it all at Cabela's when I worked there in Hamburg, PA. You're telling me there is LEATHER that has a camo print on it?

http://www.clanbadge.com/Laurie-fund.htm That's actually the link for the info about Laurie. http://www.clanbadge.com/triangle_order.htm Is this info about the Triangle Knots.

Got an email saying there is a new triangle pattern pack coming out. I love love love Celtic Knot Font and use it ALOT. Go to: http://www.clanbadge.com and check it out! ps the co-owner, Laurie Isdell, is battling metastasized cancer and is having insurance woes. There is more info about that on the site too should you feel led to help out.

After re-reading my initial post, I realized that for whatever reason, I wasn't really clear. The person or persons coming to speak are missionaries that our church financially supports. They are not allowed to tell us what country they are living in for their own personal safety, only that it is in the Middle East.

Thanks Steve :-)