AnnieO

Thanks Tom. The edges are burnished (is that the right word?) - dyed and rubbed like dang mad to get that shine look. A girl worked a thirst up that's for sure. I know it's not a great pic. Maybe i should take another few to see the detail. I had to cut 5 cheek pieces to get 2 good ones.....lol! and the stamping that went a tad off centre is on the off-side so i don't have to see it when i do the throat latch up.

I've learned that even 2 bandaids will not stop the blood flow or stop the awl going through again

Hi Everyone, i've finished my first project so i thought i'd post it! Pretty proud of it actually and i've had it on my horse and it hasn't fallen apart I'm making a breast plate at the moment and next year i'll start on my saddle. I wanted to make couple of smaller (ie: easier) things to get used to cutting / sewing etc. Hans (our teacher) is a "sew by hand" saddler so that's what we're doing too! C ya I hope i attach the pic properly!

They look fantastic! I agree with the others - love the black, it really sets it off! Spur straps are on my list of "wanna make that". Where did you get the pattern? Did you make them double leather?

OMG - how cool does that look!!! You've done a great job

Thanks for the welcome everyone!!! I don't have much to show at the moment - just few stitches and a carving (the carving turned out ok actually) - the hardest thing i found there was what tool to get what effect. Look forward to chatting with y'all soon. And yep DAM, Hans is just the nicest bloke as well as being an awesome craftsman/saddler!! I've even been out and had a few shots with him (the gun type not the tip 'em up and swallow type) Love the work i've seen so far on this site - i'm sooooo envious

Hi Everyone, just saying g'day and love the leather work i've seen on the site. I've just started a TAFE course and have only done 3 hours worth of "getting to know tools and some hand stitching" - pretty new huh!!!! My first project will be a rifle scabbard, then a bridle then the big one - a saddle The class is learning from a Master Saddler, one of the best in the coutry, Hans Van Hees, and it's all hand stitching - even the saddle!! Don't know if i've bitten off more than i can chew but i'll be giving it 150% effort - can't wait till i've got some pics to show, hopefully in the "show off" section not the "oops i've made a boo boo". Look forward to chatting to y'all...........