Mark Peters

Thank you. I'm not sure I really did the butt-stitch properly. I prepunched all of the holes with a stitching chisel - but they were all vertical through the leather. I then saddle stitched them over the glass tube, pulling each stitch tight. I was using straight needles. With the tube in there, the lower part lies pretty flat. Looking at the upper part though the seam is "hinged" up where it doesn't lie against the lower case. I think it would have pulled together tighter if I had angled the chisel. The leather was pretty thin so I don't think I could come through into the seam. I wish I could do baseball stitching that nice. I made baseballs for my three grandson's using the Tandy kit, and my stitching was not even close to that nice.

I wanted to make a cigar case from my brother-in-law. I was originally going to just make a simple two stick case, but decided instead to try my hand at making a tube. I think I learned a bit, and hopefully my next attempt will come out a bit more refined. Some cheap 4oz and neatsfoot oil. Formed around a glass cigar tube.

But then it wouldn't be free! Actually, I did consider having it cleaned up for use as a bar top, but it was too short for where I would use it. It's in the basement, so its's likely to stay down there until I move.

Pretty pleased with myself this morning. Just scored a 54"x26"X 1 1/&" slab of granite for free. Someone had given it to them six months ago and they just wanted it out of the garage. Put it on my 48"x24" work table I built awhile back (4x4 legs, 2x4 frame and cross members with a 3/4" MDO top). i finally have something larger than a 12"x12" scrap to stamp on.

Looks like he's in Talkeetna, AK. In February, he had an active warrant in Custer County, SD. http://www.custercountysd.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/02-16-2016-ACTIVE-WARRANT-LIST.pdf You should contact the Custer County Sheriff and look into filing charges.

http://www.karkeeweb.com/patterns/collections/george.html Looks to have similar shell retention clips, though smaller gauge, and a double row.

Cool idea, and nicely executed.

Used some scrap upholstery leather for the board/pouch and veg tan for the markers. I made it for my step-daughter (CSU) and her husband (USAFA). 1 1/2" squares. 1 3/8" markers. Board is painted on with acrylic paint.

Just an observation on your site - I was very put off by your criticism of Galco. While that may well have been your experience and opinion, I don't think it is professional to call out a specific manufacturer (setting aside the question as to whether doing so might invite expensive litigation for libel.) If you feel the need to explain why you are in the business stating "picked up an item from a major manufacturer" sends the same message, with less hair on the dog.

A pouch I made for my sister-in-law, inspired by fgabesz's superior work. She is trying to quit smoking and I wanted to make her something to hold her gum and hard candies. She happens to be blind, and I thought the braiding would let her "experience" the item more than simply stitching it together. I used a piece of scrap upholstery leather which was perfect for this project. The block it is displayed on is a new pounding block that my brother-in-law made for me from some scrap end grain cutting board projects he had. I haven't had the heart to use it yet and put that first divot in it!

My wife puts hot sauce on everything. This way she will always have a bottle with her. The only thing I could find on line similar was a larger holster that held the 2oz bottle

The first is a simple iPhone5 sleeve. I wanted to see how quickly I could put one together so went with a simple design - no wet forming. Retention seems very good. The second is a prototype tabasco bottle key fob. Fits the size bottle that you would get with room service at a hotel (1/8 oz.). The next smallest bottle that I've found is 2 oz. and that's about 5 inches tall. I also decided to quit being so lazy with my photos and broke out the mini light box. Still too lazy to break out the studio lights though.

Very cool. I've been experimentimg some with these myself and also found nstarleather's video very helpful. Since you have tried the five strand you should try the seven next. Basically the same sequence -3/4 and braid seven times then flip vs 2/3 and braiding 5 times.

Very impressive and thanks for the "before" shots.

Does cork count? I made this one first, intending to followup with a leather one, and just didn't get around to it. As Monica notes, a stiffener would be a good addition.

You realize the cave painting lawsuit article is satire right? Even modern copyright expires and since copyright is a concept based on the creation of a work pray tell how a work created before the legal concept of copyright existed could possible even enter the discussion.

I also wanted to note that I like that you are approaching this in a business like manner. N a few tweaks to your site and continued improvement in your craft and I think you'll be on your way.

"which may have a copyright". Copyright is created the instant the shutter is pressed regardless of whether or not the image is registered. If it is registered it is easier to collect damages for infringement. As a photographer myself the "free advertising" line is tiresome - particularly for the photographer. If you don't have permission to use their image it is simply theft and you should take the image down. It is simple enough to ask them for usage rights. That said,it is good to see that you are not undervaluing your work (whether it is overvalued will be determined by your customers). It is good that you took down the image of the belt with the smeared dye. If you are going to present yourself as a high quality merchant make sure every you present reflects that. I do question your constant reference to your products lasting a life time if properly cared for. That is a pretty bold claim and one that could cause you financial harm in the future if indeed the product wear out under normal wear. Saying something will last years is one thing - a lifetime is quite another.

I guess it's only fitting that the first leather knife sheath that I make replaces the first kydex sheath that I made. The knife is a cheap Buck Paklite skinner that I added some paracord braiding to. Used some horsehide scrap, dyed with fiebings tan. Wet formed it after stiching which resulted in the stitching groove closing up a bit on the back. I'm thinking that I should have gone with a near horizontal belt loop rather than the vertical for wear comfort.

Very cool - a bit disturbing, but very cool.

I really don't have enough experience to say if it would stop bleeding after repeated immersion. I had an issue with ruboff after treating a cellphone case with it after it was first applied. I'm not having issues with it now but I'm not getting it wet either. The snoseal will darken the leather, not sure about chocolate brown though.

Have you considered not dying the collar and only treating it with snoseal for water resistance?

I like them a lot. Quite different and unique, which may limit the market of potential buyers on the one hand but increase the value to those buyers as well.

very nice.

Very nice. Checked out your webpage as well. Quite impressed.