Tugadude

I'm the same. I make my own patterns and that one is extremely simple to re-create. I use a pad of paper I have that is broken up into little squares. The squares are 1/4" and that helps me to size things quickly and easily. Then all you need is a ruler and a square and you are set. As far as dimensions, most times the overall size of the product is listed, then you work out the pocket sizing based upon that. Some seem to struggle with this, perhaps it is one of those skills you have or you don't.

Daffy, welcome! With your skills you can make plenty of the tools necessary. I've seen some amazing round knives made by using old circular saw blades, for example. That sounds like a piece of cake for you if you are making custom knives. Corner edgers would be another thing to sort out. Good luck with your new hobby! Ray

Many people are fine with folding their cash. In fact, many people used to refer to it as "folding money" to distinguish it from coins. I like to put mine in without folding first, but YMMV. Abdo, it is easy to add a money clip to the wallet. I've used two types, the flat metal kind that you affix to one side of the wallet and the "wire" kind that goes right in the middle. In the case of the latter option you just make the wallet a tad longer so that you can sew the bar into the center. There are tons of examples on here if you look.

If you have the time you could always call SLC and ask if they have a discount on more than 100. All they can do is say no, but they might say yes.

abdo, I really like them. The stitching looks very nice. A little hard to see since the thread blends in with the leather, but from What I see, it looks good. The spacing from the edge looks pretty good. There is maybe a little too much of a gap on one of the pictures where the stitching could have been a bit closer to the edge, but I'm being picky. The choice of leather is good, it looks attractive. Your edges look nice. Are they dyed and burnished? I'd say you are on the right track!

Nice job! I also like to see the connections.

How would any sane person reconcile killing a human over fur? Simple, they have come to believe humans are not superior in any way. In fact we humans are worse, they say. Humans pollute, murder, etc.. So in her mind she is doing the world a favor. When God is taken out of the equation these things result.

I'm guessing the angle is just a design choice. I like the idea of creating moulds with the 3d printer. I presume they are durable. I guess you can attach the smaller piece to a block of wood.

If they are paying for a custom piece, I would have no qualms about them not wanting a mark. As far as resale, as soon as they buy it from you they are free to sell it because they now own it. So I don't think that is an issue either. The only negative I could see is if you made something for somebody and they tried to pass it off as their own work. But that is certainly not the case with this couple.

There is a "Getting Started" section of the website that has many threads with similar questions. You might try looking through some of them for help. If I were you I'd want to get a copy of a Tandy catalog and a Springfield Leather Company catalog. Both are great resources and have helpful information on not only tools and leather but some handy guides, etc.

Very nice indeed! Just when I thought I'd seen every closure method I see something like this, very interesting.

I too would try to avoid the issue in the first place as much as possible. It sounds like you really expect it might happen versus probably won't but just in case type of thing. If you insist, I would inform the customer that items are produced by hand (assuming they are) on a first-come, first-served basis. Every attempt will be made to deliver orders by Christmas. However, production may be delayed due to higher volume of orders anticipated from the sales promotion. Be polite and reasonable and most customers will be also. There are always outliers.

I am both stunned and humbled. Talent plus ambition and work ethic equals someone to reckon with. Let me know when you find your limits because as far as I can see your potential is unlimited.

I, for one, am getting tired of people singling out Tandy. Am I to believe they are the only supplier that has shipped out questionable hides? Preposterous. I don't work for them but have visited at least 4 locations in three states and all had helpful staff and a lot of quality product. The question was what to look for, not an opportunity to criticize a vendor. Some will think I have "thin skin", pun intended, but Tandy has probably started more people in this craft than any other store, book video or whatever. They deserve some respect for that alone. Feel free to cast stones now that I've gotten it off of my chest. Won't bother me.

Wow, that's a new one on me. I'm not surprised I guess, but I've never owned anything made out of elephant. Is it that obvious? Would the reaction been the same if the wallet was alligator?

Thanks for sharing the pic of the bottom. That is a difficult task and you did great.

Your stitching, especially the super fine SPI is beautiful.

Beautiful job! Would like to see the bottom and what technique you used for it.

Mutt, you are right about gluing that type of leather. The only way to have a chance is to use a really good contact cement and roughen the two surfaces of leather A BUNCH. Let the cement sit a while, don't be in a hurry to put the two sides together. BTW, let's see some pictures after you have used the bag for a while. That leather wears very nicely I bet and will take on a very unique patina.

Sunlight. I had a Yeti sleeve I made and put it on my counter by a window. Within one day it had darkened similarly to the holster above. It was un-dyed veg tan belly.

Nikos, your English is much better than my Greek, so you are doing fine! Regarding the strap, several helpful comments have been made but first we need to understand your whole process before being able to figure out what to fix. Did you use a pricking iron or a stitching wheel to make marks and then an awl to open the holes as you say, or did you use a stitching iron to make holes in the leather? If an awl, then you might have to work on maintaining an exact angle each and every time you penetrate the leather along with ensuring that you push the awl the same depth at all times. Some stitches seem to have gone awry because of loss of control of the awl or inconsistency in your stitching. Maintaining needle priority as you stitch can cause some of the irregular portions. Some of the stitching looks great, by the way. If using stitching chisels to make the holes then the trouble is in the stitching technique. Please elaborate on your process if you can. It helps us figure out what is going on.

I am dumbfounded. It is absolutely amazing. I am not worthy.

I think it is the best investment a beginner or intermediate leather worker can make. The only thing better would be personal instruction, which he offers, but is obviously not attainable for everyone.

Yes, set the spots and then add a liner layer. Obviously any damage to the spots over time will be more difficult to address, but it really is the only way I'd do it.

Did you run this by Barry King. Perhaps he could swap out the blade if it is too small to grip.