Stan

Jessica, Don't forget to look at the videos handled by HideCrafter. Plus there are a bunch of free videos on the net. They vary in duration and quality. Good Luck, Stan

Info for any braider: Go to Gail Hough's web site and get one of her books or go to marlinspikeknotworks.com and get one of Black's videos or go to KHWW (Knot Heads World Wide) and join (free). There are also a bunch of videos on YouTube. I have all of Grant's books and the Ashley Book of Knots as well. All of these are good. People learn differently and sometimes a video or a color illustration can help. Good Luck and remember - the world needs more braiders. Stan

I spend lots of hours working in the woods and thus have many chain saw files of various sizes. I use a grinder and a can of water to dip often and keep the temperature down so as to not burn the steel. I make all kinds of leather working tools this way. It the file is too wide, just grind away. There are lots of opinions about the chisels shape. Make one like a wood chisel and another with the taper the same on both sides. Then play with them to get what you want. The worn file holds easily in the hand and the price is right. Remember to sharpen and then polish on a strop for best results. Also, pawn shops are a good place to get screw drivers for 50 cents plus or minus. I make lifters, edgers, groovers, awls of several types, etc. out of the darn things. Spikes are softer steel and are easier to grind. Remember, you are punching or stamping leather. Its not that hard. Make some of your own simpler tools (bevelers and spoons are a good place to start). That way you will have $$ to buy leather or to buy good King or Beard tools that are often just what you need to get that special effect.. Just be careful and wear eye, hand , and ear protection. Luck, Stan

I don't know about their internet stuff, but Luke and Vandy are very helpful over the phone. Because of her father's interest in old tools, they can get some old stuff for you. Vandy got me an old crank splitter, an old "Rose" head knife, some other very old knives and assorted old tools, etc. Don't be afraid to call them. 307-674-6679 or 1-888-803-3030. They are only a few blocks from Barry King's and can get you all of his stuff. Oh, they also have leather, brass, and various lotions and potions for leather. Stan

F.O.Baird's Book, LEATHER SECRETS, has lots of leather tie samples and insrtuctions. Stan

I just ordered some from HideHouse, Dave in San Dimas, 1-866-527-5467. When I get it and try it out, I'll let you know what I think. Stan

I'm an old timer who's just learning computers, so I hope I'm doing this correctly. I've been using Golden paints for awhile now. They have good lasting color qualities. So, my idea. I'd like to see Golden advertise with you. Then, if your rules permit, I'd like one of their technical reps to blog on your site and explain in plain terms how to use their paints. I've talked to the Golden techs in New York several times with questions and they are very helpful. They are interested in seeing their paint used on leather. I have some of their technical bulletins and have spent time on their web site. The problem, as I see it, is too many leather people do not know the full range of stuff available. They have things like flow release, retarder, gel mediums, glazing liquids, GAC 200 which promotes adhesion, etc. They also have a type of paint called Interference paint which goes on like milk, but dries into a shimmery, iridescent, color which changes as the leather is moved. This is neat on insects, fish and birds. They almost come to life. I've not seen many people using much other than cova paints. Don't misunderstand, I'm not knocking TLF. I'm a volunteer instructor at the TLF in Spokane and I use cova in my basic classes. It's just that there is so much more out there. If you like this idea and I can help, please email me. slmcconnell2@gmail.com. I really like your site and thank you for the help you are providing to all of us. Stan Name: Stan McConnell UserName: Stan IP Address: 8.7.69.16 Email Address: slmcconnell2@netzero.net

Hello, I'm in the process of drawing a female fairy for a note book cover. I have the Lora Irish book, but I am trying to do my own. I visited a few days ago and saw one that was painted and wanted to look at it again. Now I can't remember the words I used to find it. There were several yellow highlighted references to fairies and now I can't find even one. What am I doing wrong? Second question - If I want to present an idea for the site to make money and provide a service as well, is this the place to do that? No, I'm not trying to sell anything nor do I represent any company. Just an idea I want to toss your direction. Stan McConnell Name: Stan McConnell UserName: Stan IP Address: 8.7.69.14 Email Address: slmcconnell2@netzero.net

Golly! I'm speechless. You are what many people strive for... Stan

Some history. Al Stohman early on, so I've been told, tooled many saddles after they were built. His reputation in leather work is very special, so is your saddle and I suspect so are you. My wife likes the looks of your saddle as well and she really knows saddles. Stan

My two cents: Hidecrafter has stamps from about $3.00 up to over $30.00. Do you get what you pay for? Usually. As to really good stamps, for Sheridan style work, look at Barry King in Sheridan, Wy ($25.00 and up); as to figure carving and really creative work, look at Bob Beard of Farmington, NM ($40.00 and up). I'm not getting anything for talking about these two guys, but I've known them for years. I've taken courses from Beard and spent time in King's shop. Top quality, but very different. King's are stainless and if I could only have one tool of his it would be a #3 smooth beveler. Call him direct and tell him what you need. Beard's are blued tool steel and he makes over 2,000 different stamps. He makes the very best figure bevelers! Call him and tell him what you want to do-he will help. Be warmed-if it isn't in stock, it might take a year or two to get it. Talk about backorder. There are others, but I have little experience with them. Lastly, do what I tell many of my students. Buy a bucks worth of 30 or 40 penny spikes or get some worn out chain saw files. Them turn on a grinder (eye and ear protection) and make some tools. There is a learning curve and you will soon learn why custom tools cost so much, but you will have unique tools and be able to do unique work.. The very best to you. Stan

Hello, Don't be afraid to make some of your own tools. That way your work will be unique. Just be careful. Use a grinder and/or files and some spikes to start. The first ones will be crude, but stay with it and soon you will have developed your own style. You will also develop an appreciation for the skill of the really good custom tool makers: Bob Beard(pro-series) and Barry King(Sheridan style tools) are two I know. Their tools have helped my work more than I can say. The best to you all. Stan

Tandy sells a book entitled, "How to Make Holsters". Easily worth the few bucks. A tip---burnishing the edges is very important for a good looking belt or holster. Another good book is called, "Packing Iron". It covers many time periods, from horse pistols to modern stuff. Estan

I often cut the piece of leather a tad too large, do my tooling, and then cut to size. Stan

Three bits of advice besides the one about staying in school. One of my mentors taught me, "The cow is dead, don't be afraid to hit the leather!" Read everything in this web site. Its the best. Finally, when you get some $, get the Leather Crafters and Saddlers Journal Mag. $$$, but worth it. Tne best to you. Over 50 years ago I was 18. Enjoy it. Stan

Johanna: Muchas Gracias. Many thanks. I've learned much more than I've helped. Stan

Howdy, I agree about the old tools. My students are always asking about quality tools. They exist, but they cost. I start by recommending Barry king bevelors and if they are interested in Sheridan style: my advice is to buy any of his tools. Hidecrafter has some very good tools and with various prices. I still prefer King's due to the made in the US. If you are interested in figure carving tools, search out Bob Beard tools (Pro-Series). There are others, but I know how good these two men are, both personally and professsionally. Stan

Re: Fantastic Burnisher. I bought one two weeks ago. I think it is easily worth the $100.00. Stan

Cabela's sells notebooks with the inside metal parts bolted or threaded through the leather into a piece of decorated hardwood on the outside. Stan

Caution Re Ruby blades: I know of several that have "popped" off and been lost, with the base looking very lonely. I think what is happening is the glue is starting to fail with age. When one considers the collector value and how really good the new steels are, I'd be careful using a ruby blade. Stan

Consider a swivel knife for your cuts and a modeling spoon for the beveling. Add damp leather and some practice and its a start. Personally, I often use Barry King medium checkered bevelors with my letters. I like the effect, esp. when usng antique creams. Practice on scrap first, of course. Stan