CitizenKate

Thanks for the update, Dave... sorry to hear about your situation. Don't worry about us. Families come first. You take care of your family, we'll send some prayers your way, and be here when you are able to come visit again. Kate

I did a quick search for S&S Firearms on the web, and found they have a web site with complete contact information, and a downloadable PDF catalog. http://www.ssfirearms.com/ The books you mention are not listed, but they do have other books on the subject. I'll add them to my list of possible resources. Thanks very much for posting, Kevin and Denise, Kate

Anyone out there got any information about McClellan saddles (preferably 1872-1885)? I got a PM from one member who says he can help me with the tree and hardware. Still looking for more info about tree dimensions and patterns. Thanks, Kate

I live near Ft. Riley, Ks, which has a rich US Cavalry history. After visiting a museum there and seeing all the different versions of McClellan and other saddles there, I suddenly had a new fascination with saddles. I have often thought I would enjoy the challenge of learning to build a saddle, but since I don't own any horses and haven't ridden since the early 80's, I have no need for a real saddle. What I'd really like to make is a miniature McClellan saddle as a display piece. Question is, where to get a tree, hardware, the patterns, etc. A few years back, I had a discussion with Verlane Desgrange about this. She offered to send me a book she had on the construction of full-sized McClellan saddles, which included the patterns. She said a miniature version would be built pretty much the same way; the only problem would be finding a tree, stirrups, and all the hardware. I was going to take her up on her offer one day, but sadly, I waited too long. Now, I'm considering pursuing this again... anyone have any ideas where I can start? Thanks, Kate

Welcome, Patrick! This is much better than average work for a beginner. The lacing especially is quite good. Thanks for posting photos of your work - hope to see more! Kate

I didn't know before I read your post, but here's what I found from a Google search: Wiki Answers: Which weighs more, a pound of feathers, or a pound of gold? Kate

I would say she chose the right guy for the job. Lovely job of bringing out all the natural textures and tones of the leather! Kate

I know, doesn't that just make you sick?! Kate

Based on their product literature (I've never use the Microsoft product), there is little or no support for "manufacturing", which requires advanced inventory tracking features (raw materials, assemblies, etc.). Maybe someone who has used MS Office Accounting can provide more first-hand feedback. Kate

I have worked with K-State to obtain permission to reproduce their logos and trademarks. You can work through a national collegiate licensing organization to get permission to sell products containing licenses for any college or university. There is time and money involved in that route, but will open the door to all schools. Or you can work through an individual school to obtain licensing to produce and sell items withe their trademarks. I have some information about the national organizations to work with... I'll have to look it up and provide it later, if you're interested. Individual schools will each have their own channels for approval, but they are usually interested in working with people who make items with their logos. My suggestion is to find a local retailer who already deals in licensed items for the school you are interested in. If you can interest them in your items, they will show you and/or help you pull the ropes to get you in the door. Kate

Very nice, Crystal! Kate

I still have my sets of metric wrenches from when I used to work on my 1965 VW Beetle. I still use them for things like when I buy something made overseas that requires assembly. But all my design work is done in English units. I would really prefer metric, if more of what I bought here was measured in metric units. Metric is sooo much easier to do calculations with! Kate

I use a respirator and crank up the fan whenever I use anything that emits strong fumes. I'm saving up to get a spray booth someday. Kate

Just a thought... I wonder if origami patterns would work? Kate

I've made a few boo-boos like that, and found that, in most cases, if you let it dry, then you can just rub it off with your fingers. On some occasions there is still be a possible problem if any of it penetrated the surface into the flesh. Kate

Gorgeous, Tina! Did you use Angelus dyes on this project, too? How does it hold up to light exposure? Kate

Well, I see you have been able to add a different image for your personal photo (which is what appears when you look at your profile). Is your avatar image the one you want to change, or the image you inserted into your signature? Kate

No need to be embarrassed, I had to fumble around with it a bit before I got the hang of it, too. Click on the "My Controls" link in the toolbar near the top of the page. Then, down the left-hand side, look for the "Personal Profile" section. There you will see separate links to edit your avatar, signature, etc. You can use different photos for each of them. Kate

You can make your own airbrush stencils easily by printing out or tracing your design onto a page-sized label, then with an Xacto knife, cutting out the parts where you want the dye to go. To use the stencil, peel off the backing and press it on the project so the lines match up. That's one way, anyway... Kate

This might also be what you're looking for.... http://www.scottishpatterns.com/vestjerkindoublettext.html Kate

That's what I was wondering, too. Kate

My favorite is Font Trader. Kate

I love your posts, and your designs, Johan. Both are very imaginative. Can't wait to see the results. Kate

And another one from... Kansas??? Well, I'm not from where you're from, but glad you're here, anyway! Kate

Come on in, Chris, and have a seat at the work table. Glad you could join us! Leather scraps over there <-----... The coffee is over there. ---> (Johanna makes it extra bold.) Sorry, the donuts are all gone, but Clay will bring more in the morning. Feel free to ask questions and share your ideas, and don't forget to post images of your work. Kate