HARVEY

I like the symmetry of the design, and the flower centers. What I would work on is carving the design deeper, deeper stamping and beveling. Deeper cuts and beveling them would give a more 3-D impression. The pebble tool used would show up more richly if the beveling was deeper. Likewise, on the flower petals, deeper cuts and deeper beveling would distinguish the petals one from another. The hearts flower center (Barry King??) could also use more definition. Maybe a heavier whack. Different leathers tool and stamp for better or worse. For projects that are going to be stamped (basketweaved, block stamped, etc), I and a friend buy cheaper Argentine-tanned leather. Bridle leather on the other hand can cut smooth as butter. So, leather may be a factor. Also, maybe a heavier maul. It's a good design, Rick, and it will be even better with more definition. Harvey Los Angeles

Fellas, Thanks!, One and All. I too work from outside to in, as I tool/carve first. What Bobby says makes sense (having hard templates to work from), and I'm progressively doing that. It was just when this other pro said he built them the other way, I got to thinking, "Well, Ollie, you've done it again. (Ass backwards."). And what Ben says also makes sense; if you're using templates, maybe there ain't much difference. Thanks again! Harvey

I'm throwing this question out to see how others make their notepad holders. I normally do my outside piece first; carving, tooling, staining, etc. (Outside 4/5 or 5/6) Then I proceed to building the insides (2/3). A friend with tons more experience than me said the way he builds them is to make the insides first, and then he does the outside. OK, that's new to me. But maybe I've just been doing it backwards. Since leather is a pretty solitary activity, we do things as we do things. But all you folks out there, how do YOU make your notepad holders. Outside and then insides, or insides/outsides? Thanks! Harvey

I was speaking with masters Bruce Johnson and Bob Park about their considering giving a leather skills clinic. The question posed was: what would YOU the student like them to teach if they were to consider doing something like this? Years ago Stohlman Award Winner Chuck Smith (and creater of the Ol' Smoothie Swivel Knives) gave clinics. He brought in other master people beside himself: I took such a clinic with him, Don Butler (of Sheridan, Wyoming) and Ray Pohja (Phoenix, Az.). I learned a LOT and met some people with whom I remain friends today. The masters are precisely that; Masters. IF Bruce Johnson and/or Bob Park were willing to teach, what would YOU want them to teach YOU? (For example: I myself would like to build up my confidence and learn more about, 1) finishes; 2) construction. Thank you. Harvey Los Angeles

If you take orders for mocs, be sure to ask how and where they plan to use them. Hard rawhide soles on a wooden dance floor can cause the dancer to end up square on their butts (if not careful). Rawhide soles for indoor powwowing can be counter-productive. Harvey Los Angeles

Looks pretty nice to me. Unless I'm missing my bet, those corner patterns are from Dover's "Florid Victorian Ornaments." And if so, glad to see you're using them. They're a bit different than so many of the "standard" ones. The piece looks pretty nice. Myself, I prefer the look of machine stitching (although I understand not everyone has a machine.) Let's see more. Harvey Los ANgeles

Allen, How `bout posting a photo or two of how they're posted in your shop, and details of some of the more unique ones? Harvey

There's a Japanese bookstore named KINOKUNIYA in Costa Mesa, Calif. Phone # is 714-662-2474. This is a bookstore for Japanese readers and speakers. Some of the salespeople are totally bi-lingual, others leave a little to be desired. You can check with them if they still have that issue, or can order it for you. They have several other books on leather, too. Their web address is: costa_mesa at kinokinuya dot com Good hunting! Harvey

Echoing the prior comment, Storm. Crisply clean, and sharp. Looks really good. Post it again when you finish the whole thing. Harvey

Oops. Sorry, Guys. I know as much as you're thrilled to see this, I don't think you need to view it THREE times. Here's the front; school logo, Tel Aviv University carved in Hebrew, and my son's name. Harvey

I'm not sure if this has been posted elsewhere on LW.net; so bear with me, please. This was made for our oldest son, who's a 4th year medical student at Sackler Medical School in Tel Aviv. He requested it be black. Kudos and thanks go to Phil and Eric LeDuc of Stonehedge Leather in San Diego who helped me with this. The cover is his school's logo, with his name carved below it. The back is the medical symbol caduceus. In assessing it it myself, both the curvature of the snakes and the wings could use more detailed attention. (Next time!) The wreath around the caduceus is a Gore braid tool. Any critiques and comments are welcome. Harvey Los Angeles

Thanks, Everyone. It's such a different and spontaneous or accidental shape, I just wasn't sure how to tackle it. Good ideas here, and I appreciate them. The ideas would apply to either the grey or black spots. I'll play with this some, and if I proceed, I'll post it. Thanks again, Everyone! Harvey

Can't seem to find it anywhere. Guess I'm looking in all the wrong places. Can it please be sent to me? Thanks! Name: Harvey Lutske UserName: HARVEY IP Address: 76.214.30.159 Email Address: harvey47lutske@yahoo.com

I'm kinda stumped on how I would carve . . . an inkspot. I can't seem to get my head wrapped around carving/tooling one. take a penny/nickel/dime as a template and splotch it out?? If you go to the link below, there are some good ones. www.ethernectar.com/brushes/inkspots_1200.jpg I sure could use some suggestions. Thanks, One and All Harvey

Dear Mr. Johnson, I have just viewed your rope can and the accompanying story. That is a wonderful story and you, Sir, are a gracious man. That is evident. It is very nice to hear you are impressed and appreciate politeness. Is this letter not very polite? If so, can I request your sponsorship and . . . oh, wait! I ALREADY have an original Bruce Johnson Leatherwork comb case. Respectfully, Harvey Lutske

Jana, I can't tell you much about the judging and categories; they have in the past had some pieces by the entrance when you first come in, but it's not like Sheridan at all. Kind of on the small side as far as entries go. Dave Reis from the Leather Crafters Journal could probably tell you about that; you could e-mail him or just meet him at the front table. The show is also considerably smaller; you can go through it all in a couple of hours. BUT . . . the good part of that is it leaves you plenty of time to go back and spend ample time with the vendors of your choice. As far as activities, there's "sight-seeing" in the area; the Caballeros Museum (worth the stop), a saddle shop right there on Tegner, some jewelry stores and antique stores, and just hooking up with folks and having lunch/dinner, etc. Plenty of nice small, folksy, homey places to eat. If you find you're the Lone Rangeress, feel free to look me up at the Super 8. Most of the time, I'm reasonable company. Harvey

Gee, your FIRST time, Johanna?? I hope it'll be good for you! Let's hit the Bar 7 for dinner (that's what Bruce calls the Circle 7). It's across the street from the Circle K at THE stoplight. I know Bruce can vouch for their alcoholic content, too. I'm staying this year at Super 8, be there Wed & Thurs. nights. Thursday night there's generally a fun-filled soiree at the courtyard across the street from the Bar 7. Live music, outdoor eats, restaurants, lost of folks. I forget the name of the leather shop there. BRING A JACKET OR SWEATSHIRT. When the sun goes down, it does get cool (unless you've been hanging some Coors Anti-Freeze.). I'll be lookin' for you! Harvey

I'm thinking about ordering some fonts from the webste LetterheadFonts.com. (If you're into fonts, definitely check `em out!) They have some terrific ones which I have not found on any of the multiple free sites. When purchased, they download them to the buyer. They do NOT send back-up discs or anything. My question is: if I purchase from them, can I download them from my hard drive to a CD, so I can have "hard" backup if anything happens? (Or if I buy another computer.) You think they're encrypted or blocked or something that wouldn't allow me to do that? Sorry, Guys, for what may be super obvious to so many of you, but like ol' Will Rogers once said (and is my unofficial motto) "Everybody's ignorant, only on different topics." I'm ignorant computer-wise. (I'm a wiz, though, on American History, from 1488-1491.) Thanks, One and All. Harvey

Olive !! Great to see you here! (It's about time!) I do believe you'll find this site a notch above some others, and enjoy it more. I'm smiling as I'm typing this; glad you've finally come around and joined some of the rest of us. Harvey

O' Queen Guru, Is there a way to download from Youtube videos to a DVD? Thanks, and hope you have a great (and warm!) Christmas. Harvey Name: Harvey Lutske UserName: HARVEY IP Address: 76.214.20.176 Email Address: harvey47lutske@yahoo.com

Thanks for the tip, Gary. I'll check him out. Should I, uh, ask him about that twenty he stills owes you??

Thanks, Bruce. Yeah, I was thinking that, too, especially for ease of mounting. Same question applies; anybody in particular you'd recommend? Does Hansen do it? Googling "script silver letters" brought up charm bracelet suppliers and items and the like. Possibilities there. Still, anybody you've used or know of? Thank ye kindly. Harvey

Hi, Gang. I'm looking for silver (silverplate) letters for someone's name on the front of a notepad holder. My preference is script lettering, if available. Does anyone know of any suppliers that carry these that I won't need a stimulus check for; Hansen's, or maybe a jewelry supply company? Preferably in the United States, just cause of shipping time. Anybody know of any such suppliers? Thanks! Harvey Los Angeles

Leather related goodies? That's easy. I'd ask Santa for either an 8 1/2 x 11" tooled notepad holder, a tooled belt, or a classy waste basket by either Jim Jackson, Troy West, Bob Park, Don Butler, or several other top pros I admire. I've already been fortunate to get a one such article, a comb case. I myself have given gift certificates in the past to Grey Ghost Graphics (Jeff Mosby) and Barry King. I'm sure any vendor would be happy to make up a gift certificate. Since it's nigh impossible to buy for leather people, in reverse I have told family members I would be flattered to get gift certificates myself, and have; one from a cousin for Barry King tools. The smart thing to do is, over the course of the year, if you see something unique or special, get it and just put it away for the holidays; unique tools, for example. Bob Douglas always has some one-of-a-kind tools and stamps. Leather related DVDs. Pattern books; Dover's a great source. You can buy some very elegant and/or cool conchos or silverwork to be given to others and incoporated into a piece. (I once made a prescription pad holder for a cardiologist; carved a human heart in the center of the piece, complete with prominent arteries and veins, backgrounded with basketweave, and in the corner mounted a silver valentine-style heart. The silver looked great). Just always keep presents in mind and buy throughout the year. Harvey