Crystal

Beautiful job! The decorative lace is a very nice touch. And your model is just fabulous! Crystal

Thanks, Bruce. I will order that book, also. I've seen some used tools for sale but didn't want to end up with something that needed more TLC than I knew how to do, sounds like that book would help. I've just started with this and don't know what kind of projects I will end up liking and doing a decent job at, so I am just using the bargin basement variety of tools until I figure out what I will really need. Then I want to upgrade. Sharpening skills are probably best learned on throw-aways than on the good stuff. Sounds like the cardinal rule of you get what you pay for carries through for leather work, too. Thanks for the advice. Crystal

Thank you, big help - I was thinking I could kind of treat it like a swivel knife blade, but didn't have a clue how to work on the topside.

Thanks, Tazzmann. I will order the book. Crystal

Hi All- Had a little accident while using a French edge skiver last night and I think it was because the edge started to get dull and I used a wee bit too much pressure. How do you sharpen the edges on these? Might as well throw in the same question for groover blades (do you just buy new for them?) and edgers. And, of course, if there are recomendations on any brands better than others, please let me know so I can add it to my "need to buy in the future" list. Thanks! Crystal

I almost have to say ditto to most of what everyone has listed. I will have to check out some of the movies mentioned that I haven't seen. Some I have to watch every time they are on the tube: Forrest Gump, Shawshank, LOTR, Star Wars (the first 3). Jeremiah Johnson is an absolute favorite as is Man from Snowy River. Outlaw Josey Wales is my favorite Clint. Any of the Indiana Jones'. I can remember standing in a huge line at the movie theater to see Porky's. I don't know what was funnier - the movie, or a packed theater filled with people completely cracking up. Gotta throw in Sound of Music and My Fair Lady. And - I just can't help it- EVERY time JAWS is on the tv - I have to watch. Crystal

Thanks Crystal! Glad you liked the handle, I think it's the most decorative part on this one. Yuo have sharp eyes and your right about the turned lining. It should not have been stitched but rather mede from one part that is just a tad wider to allow turning without to much probs fitting in down over the tube. I do lot's of thinking ahead and that's one major time thief and I did think about this aswell but I just got it wrong and thought that the outer liner would have to be sewn on flipside. This was not the case I notice when starting with the physical construction but I continued with this solution just to see the result. Owner is 15 mins to walk from here so I can easily redo it later. It was good practice though and I'd say I need more practice with this especially if I'm gonna do it with leather. Thanks for the explaination. I think the stitching adds a nice decorative finish to it - I wouldn't change it. I was just curious, wasn't sure if it was like a "tack stitch" like a fabric hem, etc. I was playing around the other evening with skiving and working on a rolled edge and saw this and thought there was a trick I was missing. I am trying to figure out how to put a mini project together and worry that I will not get all the details figured out and not find out until I have done the "paint yourself into a corner" job and have to can everything and start all over AGAIN! Thanks for the info! Crystal

Hi Tom - Great job! I am a big fan of your handles since I saw the first tube. Love your color combo's. I have a question: (don't know/understand much about construction things) on the pic of the lining you have the lining edge turned and stitched, but it doesn't look like the stitching has an actual job. Am I missing something or was this just because you needed to play with some more lace. Crystal

Good timing on this topic - it's been on my mind now for a few months. I quit last year for about three months, took Chantix, but for only one month. I think the meds worked well - got me over the hump. ( I had quit too many times to count, but only made it about 4 days at a time - so grumpy that I thought I was going to kill someone!) With the Chantix, after the first 2 weeks just didn't want any. Not at all. Had a few side effects, a bit of sleeplesness, definitely very vivid dreams (but not nightmares). Energy level went up 400 percent. Didn't want to sit still. But - I didn't have any good habits in place to help with stress. So on came about 16 pounds from the icecream and goodies - which I don't normally crave or eat much of. Just about 3 months and I bummed a smoke off of my sister - that was it. Back at it again. I did ban myself from smoking in the house. So nice not to have a house that stinks. So that really helped me to cut back. But I want to quit. I hate the smell. I hate that little naggy tickle cough. I liked that brief period last year - trotting up steps and not panting. Clothes that smell good. Hair that smelled good. Whiter teeth... Maybe a LW stop smoking support group? The mister is on me all the time to quit - but he's not much of a support post. Says that all I have to do is stop and that should be it...if it only was. Maybe it really is. I don't know. Thanks for bringing this up. Might be the boost I need to go the distance and finally dump this nasty, nasty habit. Crystal

I am going to be signing up... how could one resist? Thanks for the invite! Crystal

Hi Leathercat- I was wondering what was going to come after your bag and your coaster... I think you did a very good job. I see you even went through the corners twice with your lacing. I haven't even figured out how to do that yet. Keep up the excellent work! Crystal

I too, really like the celtic design. And I think the bright green really shows off your filigree work. Like the colors you used for the dye also. Thanks for including the recipie for that! Crystal

Great Band Excellent Guest Best Late Show Since Carson

Stunning.

Wow - very cool. I read that earlier post with the recipe and wondered if it would work. No stained hands. Even color. Just pretty neat. Thanks for showing the results! Crystal

Thanks, Kathy! Very nice case. Hadn't thought about making a case, but now I will. (meaning -add it to the very long "I wanna try that" list.) Very good construction instructions and tips. Don't think I would have thought about leaving some slack in the lining for the hinge area... I am guessing that takes out the "jack-in-the box" cover affect. Great job, and much thanks! Crystal

Hi- Great Job! I like how you did your mane and hair, has nice flow. And love that color on your mask - what antique did you use on that? Congrats! Crystal

Hi Craftsman- Sorry I can't actually help on the pattern. I did wander around cyperspace for a while, looking. And holy carp! - I found a gentleman's gallery that is unbelievable. He does fish in leather. He has one that is a 10' steelhead with a full western saddle on it - yep you gotta see this to believe it! I am not sure about link rules and such - so if this is not allowed someone smack my fingers - but do a google search for Lance Marshall Boen and take a peak at his gallery. I am still reeling! Crystal

Thank you, Kate! Another great thing to learn. I have to ditto Don, when I saw the eariler post asking for some help - I went everywhere except to what you have shown. (blew another pop quiz.) And you have proven another therory that I have about all the talent on this board - all of you have two heads and four hands...(I can see two of you hands, so the other two are taking the pictures... ) otherwise how can an individual possibly retain all this information and produce such fabulous results? I am going to look into cloning.... Dolly

Thank you, Brent! Crystal

Good topic! Can't wait to see all the responses. Depends on mood -Radio (Country or Classic Rock) then everything from Loreena McKennitt to classical piano, throw in a dash of Queensryche and Sass Jordon. Sprinkle with a bit of Queen, AC/DC, Evanescence, Martina McBride, Shakira, Pink and good ole 80's glam rock. Gotta love the 70's, too. Can't forget the Eagles and Elton John. Right now I seem to be on a Nickelback and Foo Fighter's kick. (Don't know where that came from. Yes I do - saw their videos on YouTube.) Crystal

Hi Alan - I had seen this on another post. Do a google search for "Rattlesnake Jack's Western Fonts". (I am so computer inept - I can't get a link to insert - sorry) Hope this helps! Crystal

Congratulations, Clay! I am sorry to hear about the shipping damage. I hope that the piece itsself was not also hurt in anyway. Everything is great - that bear paw though, - a little "too" realistic. Looks kinda like a witch doctor shrunken head version of a real bear paw. (And I mean that in a GOOD way.) If someone were to place that in my hand without me seeing it first - I would probably jump out of my skin. (What kind of bassackwards compliment is that?) It means fantastic job! Thanks for sharing. Crystal

Wow-Kate. The tooling is so beautiful that I was going to chime in and say -"No Color". But, I looked at your web links and, gosh, I don't know what to say now. Well, maybe just that I can't wait to see it after you are finished! Wow, again. Crystal

Tina - wow. Even better when the whole collection is shown together! I like that you chose red for the inside of that bag - gave it really nice pop. Congrats again! (Now those darn gentlemen need to show us theirs, too.) Crystal