YinTx

Second photo, the black finished tools, are those Robert Beard's Black Crack tools? If so, you should up your minimum I'd think. Those go for a pretty penny. You might even consider separating them. YinTx

Sam, Probably accurate statements. I have debated having two lines: one as affordable as possible, one as nice (read, $$) as possible. Still haven't decided. Part of my challenge is I just can't put a belt or any other item for that matter out that hasn't been finished to the best of my abilities, I don't like the flaw in it. I also don't think I want to be a mass quantity producer just right now. I suppose I could, I am just not feeling it right yet. Maybe in time. I only had a matter of days to prep for this, only enough to make the wallets and the rifle straps, then put together some of my previous made items. This is the fastest I have ever made anything! I did hand write a lot of "information cards" that were all handed out. Business cards are in the making, I believe you are right on that one, and cheap to have done. YinTx

This is true, there were more than a few panicked looks as they found the prices on stuff and gingerly handed things back! Always there was the "wow, this stuff is really nice!" followed by the "oof" on the tag. I understand it, been there done that, kinda expected it. But still thought $75 for a tooled rifle strap was cheap! Higher traffic count would definitely been helpful. Had one vendor that understood leather work come up to me and let me know my stuff was top notch and worth the price, even if others didn't know that. YinTx

Now that you mention it, I can see the stitching following the contours, looks challenging. Stitching might be perfectly straight, but the contours would make it look otherwise. I'd be interested to see how it wears long term. That is a cool color though... what is it called? YinTx

For the first go round, looks pretty good - I like it, and bonus with learning how to use the veg tan. Every version will get better and better. For sure will need to know sizes for patterns, although I suppose it changes for every piece of wood. I still haven't decided what to tool into the final version, so no rush! YinTx

+1, no doubt. How was it to work with? I understand the caymen can split if you flex it. I have a few hides, but haven't made anything out of it yet because of that. YinTx

Now eye see. thanks for that! YinTx

I did internet sales some time ago in Etsy, but only sold a very few items, not enough to justify continuing, especially when they wanted my bank acct info etc. Plus, I have a several month backlog - mostly because I am Sloooooowwwwww.... - so I haven't had a great need for additional sales. But I did want to try a new venue because I'd like to make more than purses and wallets for sale, and I thought it'd be nice to make a small run of items instead of one at a time, to try to be less slow! It worked, I made a lot more items in a shorter time, but not a one of them sold. Just some other items I had on hand. YinTx

I don't see an email. I am interested in the 7 1/2 Super Blackhawk. Will try to PM you also. YinTx

Hoy, that it was. Starting from zero sales though wasn't hard to beat! Wasn't exactly jumping for joy, but was happy to have not lost money on the deal! Here's to better luck next go round, when every one isn't out huntin... instead of shoppin for my stuff! I was happy with the interest expressed in my pieces, although not a single person picked up a rifle sling, which was the whole intent behind attending a gun show.... with *rifle slings*! Most everything else was admired, even the simple leather covers, tho they didn't sell. I'll try a couple more venues that have higher traffic counts and different demographics before I decide whether or not to continue down this path. YinTx

Weeeeel, it seems yesterday was day one of hunting season for Turkey, Duck, Goose and DEER here in South Texas, so of course no one showed up to the GUN Show! 'Splains a lot, I think. However, I did see one seller moving holsters like hotcakes for $85-$200 each to the folks that did come. Second day was a bit better, sold 3 items - 1 card holder, a small ladies purse, and a mystery braid bracelet. Managed to pay for the table space and the gas to get there. I think maybe another 100 folks meandered in during the day. YinTx

Barkeepers Friend is sold in the cleaning section of pretty much every grocery store and super market here, and consists of 7.5-9% Oaxalic Acid. https://www.barkeepersfriend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/SDS_BKF_Cleanser_Polish_6-12-15.pdf Has some feldspar in there, which just settles out to the bottom I think. Anyhoo, people clean all kinds of stuff with it, no signing anything. Works great too! YinTx

Thats some nice carvin right there! Nicely done! YinTx

Had expected that might influence things, but there was an ATM 10 feet away if anyone was truly interested. A lot of the vendors here were dealing in cash, and the ones near me assured me that it wouldn't affect my sales. I figured if there was enough interest in my items, I'd get a card reader in the future. This is a small show, so maybe 40 people walked through by the end of the day. They'd look at my stuff, say how nice it was, then panic when they saw a price tag! The things that sold were all $5-$20 items, of which I had none. So, tonight I put these together with some of my "prototype" veg tan leather. Coated in my neatsfoot oil/beeswax mixture, trimmed and punched, day planners and note books ready to go. $12, $12 and $20, going to test out the other end of the pricing spectrum. What do you think? Understood, and expected as much. Will eventually do a card reader, but wanted to test the waters first. All the tables were full, this was early morning during set up time. Avoided that other trouble, btw. YinTx

Made this along with the rifle slings to add to the lineup...

Thank you all for the well wishes. Day one over. Big goose egg. Apparently $65 for a real leather rifle sling is too steep? Better luck tomorrow! YinTx Oh yeah, the table... as you can see something for every price range from $5 to $350

They don't get it, because it doesn't exist anymore. They've freely handed out their privacy to the corporate world, who in turn sells it for a profit. This is how fake book makes money. Folks don't understand why you would object to giving away your privacy for nothing, after all, they did no problem. The answer I always heard was "Why, what do you have to hide?" They miss the point. Even they have nothing to hide today. But tomorrow, when someone decides that your opinion is against the grain of society, at a minimum you are open to severe harassment, online and offline. Just check out that big Eastern country, maintaining a data bank on how socially acceptable you are to decide what kind of school and job your kids get, or how much credit you get or the job you get or where you are allowed to live. Good luck with that. YinTx

Is that tooled veg tan? I like the lace work also. YinTx

Basketweave was a good choice. This is a pretty big bit of tooling! YinTx

Subtle improvements leading to perfection. Nice! YinTx

Just finished setting up the table, didn't remember to get a photo, will try to first thing in the morning when the show opens. Thanks all for the well wishes! YinTx

Worked hard all week making a few items. Doing my first show this weekend, made some wallets and some slings. Didn't all come out like I had hoped, the basket stamp went a bit wonky on the one, colors not what I expected.. but sellable? Will also sell some odds and ends I've made in the past. Wish me luck! YinTx

So wow, Polyiso doesn't burn/melt etc. at 450f? That thing came out great, btw. Awesome job! Definitely something you can use with pride now. YinTx

I recall seeing this video when you first posted it, fantastic work and definitely a different type of skillset. Truly unique and exceptional, thank you so much for sharing it with us! YinTx

Thats a whole latta bar grounding, you're going to get the practice you want on this one alone! Look forward to seeing the final result. YinTx