bikermutt07

What a sad place you must live in.... We have Michael's and Hobby Lobby. Lol

I love the color.

I too, have experienced your generosity. But let's look at the other side of this for just a minute. Say you pay the two guys the 200.00 to work on your property. One of them slips and falls and breaks a leg. Far reaching I know, but strange things happen. Now this poor guy has 200 bucks, but can't go back to work for 8 weeks. He has medical bills and lost wages. Who will his lawyer be looking at? One of the reasons businesses are called is so homeowners can stay out of insurance and lawsuit messes, and have someone take responsibility for getting the job done in a timely manner. You pay everyone's overhead anytime you make a transaction. That is business. Walmart has insurance, electricity, shipping costs, etc. So does the gas station and the restaurant and the contractor. We all have to make a living. I have heard your story about the contractor in the new truck. And while agree with your stance on not paying for his truck, you might think about what people don't know. The average consumer doesn't realize they are paying for that truck like you and I do. They see a level of achievement in that truck. It's just the way people are who aren't construction savvy think. And people who know nothing about construction are usually the ones with the money. If they see an old beat up clunker, they automatically think the fellow driving it hasn't made any success. This can be overcome during the pitch, but the first impression has already been given. Sorry for the hijack, and even if we disagree, I still love ya, Jeff.

Hold on a minute..... Didn't you just have a post about someone paying you for the time you were losing that you could be making money on a different project? What if the cement guy had two small jobs scheduled for one day (your sidewalk being one) and had to put off pouring that whole driveway that pays good until tomorrow? Shouldn't you be paying the rate he could be making elsewhere? The road travels both ways, my friend.

You know?..... On another note, two of my small business friends have explained to me the way they have to make their living. One is a plumber (one man show) The other is an ac\appliance technician (1 to 2) employees. Both have to have to be licensed and carry a million dollar policy. They both also have to do continuing education. They have both been in business for over 10 years and have had their perspective lumps. Both have claimed to me (on separate occasions) that they need $100.00 an hour to keep their business afloat. Just something to think about.....

#2 That is a great way to put it.

Big improvement already. When you finish off your stitches, try to guide the extra ones right on top of the others. It takes a little finesse (and I'll admit I'm not great yet either) but will make everything look a little more even. Looks like you are already tapping them flat. Keep up the good work.

You would think, right? It's more of the terms he uses, left hand priority, and the like. Ian doesn't use so much "proper" terminology. Not being classically trained myself I find him easier to follow. Now that I really understand the loop casting it is easy for me to stitch either direction. This is how I explain it to myself..... Poke holes from the front. Front side stitch to the top of the hole. Back side stitch to the bottom of the hole. On the backside before pulling tight, simply pass the front needle under the back thread. Pull tight. If I really understand it, it doesn't matter which way the leather is pointing.

Geez Louise, it would take me a month to do all those steps. No wonder my stuff doesn't look any better than it does. Maybe you should be charging at least half of what the custom one off product costs. 300.00 hatchet = 150.00 sheath

I have only done one large tote and I laid it flat on my desk with a piece of granite on top.

They all look pretty awesome. I like the green one the best ,even with the hiccup.

Lovely.

I think he was referring to uneducated customers expecting Walmart prices.

Being a one off custom and knowing your level of talent, I would have no issues paying 65.00 for this. I sold a not perfect wallet Friday morning to a co-worker for 30.00. That's if you know the guy as a friend and are doing this for fun. If you have business overhead, then look more towards 80-100. I only make stuff as a hobby. My wife (the art teacher) has finally decided to put her art out there. We have worked a few craft shows. The humble bracelets I made I marked at 25.00. If they don't sell like last weekend, I turn them into gifts. My pricing isn't so much about what I have into them as much as it is about what those items should cost. Even as a hobbyist I have respect for what you real leather workers are capable of and I don't want to be the one to devalue your market. Keep in mind, like Capt. said, you're not buying this stuff at Walmart. Cheers.

Springfield Leather has some on special right now. 6 packs of 4 or 6 pocket for about 40 bucks. I've never seen them or used them, but I ordered a a pack Friday night. I'll keep you posted.

Great first effort. I suggest leodis Leather on YouTube for stitching lessons. Watch the 40 minute then watch the 12 minute one over and over till it sticks. Of course Nigel @ armitage leather has many wonderful videos and I enjoy them. But I find him a little hard to follow on the stitching ones. Good luck.

I like the different colored keepers. Good job.

Keep up the good work.

Great job.

Rocky Mountain Leather Supply has full spools and runs of 25m. The 25m comes on wooden spools marked with color and diameter. I bought several of the .6 and .8mm to try it out. I like the stuff. Shipping was quick and they have many of the Japanese tools like seiwa and tokonole.

I don't see it in your signature, either.

Thanks.

Maybe this can help... http://www.cowboysew.com/International.htm

I'm not familiar with this one. But a feeler gauge could come in handy.

You are off to a great start.