Sheilajeanne

Tsunka, that's HILARIOUS!! Thanks for posting! The late Fred Graham, the percussionist for the Irish Rovers, used to make bodhrans: http://www.ardglen-bodhrans.com/?fbclid=IwAR3l89poUtN2YZZMe4osn9vXtjBuWzfrnNEIjMqq8oKHtMdFhwyv5WF7Mbs

Yes, test first! I've often been very disappointed with the results of antiquing, even when I used two coats of resist!

Hendreforgan, there's a reason engineers take an oath before graduation - people have DIED because engineers made mistakes! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_Bridge https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ritual_of_the_Calling_of_an_Engineer My husband carried this card in his wallet. The oath was written by Rudyard Kipling, at the request of Professor Haultain (University of Toronto.)

Someone recently posted a video of how they made leather bowls. They had the wet leather stretched over a form and were using a deer canon bone (shin bone) to stretch it and press the water out of it! So, not all bone folders are the same!

On a damp day, bodhran players will hold the drum near a fire or other heat source to tighten up the skin and bring it to the desired pitch before playing it. I forget where I picked up this tidbit of information - I think I briefly dated someone who owned a bodhran. Also have friends who are into folk music, plus I was a big fan of the Irish Rovers.

Hendreforgan, love the quote in your profile! My late hubby was an engineer, so I realize what an important profession it is. Schlaumeier, great find! Hope you can get it working for you - they are great machines!

Yes, indeed! I've been to Iona, Scotland, so I found that piece of special interest!

Dwight makes gun belts - I don't - so I'd listen to him!

That certainly would work, too, and would be easier on the hands!

Al Stohlman made many of his first leather working tools out of nails. So, you are following a time-honoured tradition here, and there is absolutely NO reason this shouldn't work! Maybe you can figure out some way to attach the nail to a handle, to save your fingers from having to manipulate something so small. For the future though, awls are cheap, and a great way to punch holes in small spaces.

Wow, what a lot of detailing and hard work went into that - that's awesome, very unusual! I guess the key question is: how big is it? Big enough to hold a largish laptop? Some of the ones I've seen are real bricks! You could try marketing it either as handbag or a laptop carrier, whichever you think it's best suited for. But I think with all the fancy detailing on it, probably only a woman is going to want it. I've tried making belts for the men in my family, and none of them want anything but the most basic design - just absolutely plain leather, thank you, black or brown...well, maybe a line along the edge, thanks, but no fancy schmantzy carving!

Yes, nice work, though I'm afraid skulls just aren't my thing...give me the creeps, they do!

LOL - had to look that up, jcuk! That's cockney slang for whiskey - Gold Watch = Scotch. And, if what it says on the glass is accurate, it's not Scotch, but Canadian Club rye whiskey, which is quite a popular tipple in my part of the world!!

Yeah, like I said upstream, it would make a great geography lesson!

Yeah, who'd want a saddle that weighed 30 lbs?? Especially for a sport like barrel racing! I'm not that familiar with Western tack, as I rode English, except for trips to the local dude ranch when I was in my teens. Do they still make saddles that heavy, and what would they be used for? My guess is the number is likely the maker's serial number.

Wow, that's GREAT news! Happy for you and the customer!

I know from long experience with NFO and horse tack that the oil will penetrate better if slightly warm. Pure NFO actually solidifies slightly at low temperatures! When oiling an abused bridle or halter, I used to warm the leather with my hand after applying the oil to help it penetrate. Since it's a pure animal product, getting it on your hands is actually GOOD for the skin! But make SURE it say 'pure NFO'. The other type has petroleum chemicals added to it which I would NOT want on my skin, and which also help rot stitching over time!

LOL, toxo!

Yes, but a number of the links Crazy Crow gives to the useful information are dead. For instance, all the links to 'Helpful Mocassin Related Links'' given on this page https://www.crazycrow.com/site/craft-focus-moccasins/ are dead.

Wow, Frodo, that SUCKS!! Makes me wonder what's going to happen with those two bone folders I recently sent to people in the U.S.! [crosses fingers...] Since I wasn't receiving any money for them I never bothered with insurance or tracking, just asked to be reimbursed for postage.

Thanks, tsunkasapa. Some of those links are dead, unfortunately, but there's also some very good information. The information on quills will be especially useful, as that's something I very much want to try.

Wow....COOL!! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

I'm planning to eliminate the split in the toe, chuck. The sewing of the welting will still be just the same, I think - starting from the middle of the toe. Having the stitching and puckers hidden gives the moc a more pleasing look to my eye.

Yup! Am very keen to get going on this now that I know how! The videos this lady uses for teaching are EXCELLENT! I watched another video for sewing the welting into the toe, and it wasn't nearly as well-thought out when it came to doing the puckers!

She has also done a beautiful book, which I am REALLY tempted to buy! https://www.heartberry.com/products/nookomis-obagijigan-grandmothers-gift-moccasin-pattern-book