They both look great. I have had good luck from wuta leather for templates. I have 3 of his templates and 2 more on the way. He's not real big on instructions though, but he says he is working on it.
That is spectacular. Coloring and shading is flawless. You really captured the textures of the different materials.
The denim looks like denim. The suede coat, the hard worked gloves, and the old soft felt hat look completely real.
Thanks for sharing.
I have that same double shoulder in my closet. I bought it before I knew any better.
Springfield Leather will be a cut above Tandy on leather.
Lots of better places to, maverick, hide house, Acadia has some nice pull up leathers for cheap.
Easy fix.
Assemble collar.
Hang it on a clothes line or closet rod.
Bounce/jiggle it a couple of times.
Whatever is on top, mark as the center.
TADAAAAAAA!!!
Here you go......
http://www.thecuttingboardfactory.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=W08072
One tip I read was get one of the thicker ones. Then years from now you can plane or sand it smooth again.
Hard to say..... It could very well just be the leather. Cheap oldish leather can be pretty dried out and stiff.
You might want to try some Aussie from fiebings. Just rub it in a little and let it set for a day or two.
That should soften it up pretty good.
Yes it was in the store. Bossier city Louisiana. They may be willing to ship if you call them. I don't know if they do or not. I was in yesterday and they still had plenty of natural, black, and brown.
As for procedure try this.....
Use your table top as a guide for your two lower fingers. I also use this for gum trag.