Grumpymann

Try a system of interlocking rings the first attached to the bag the second to a removable or reusable plastic bag.

Off topic. But I have a few punches I could part with if you want them.

I've picked up a few craft aids. As far as other templates I've made my own. (I have the dubble curse of being cheep and broke!) It may seem hard at first. But over the years I've developed a system. Start with a sketch ( I'm no artist but at least I know what I'm going for.)then a mechanical drawing with some quick ideas of the measurements. Then a drawing on some graft paper. With the tolerances included. (Space for stitch lines ext. I use 1/4 inch for 2 stitch line 1/8 inch for 1.) Then a mock up in paper. Taped together for the final form. Make adjustments as needed. When I'm ready to start I cut it out in stiffer paper and start the work. Now a days the thick paper I work with is looking ragged and soon I will make them in something less easily damaged like thin plastic or even wood. I know it dose not answer your question out right but this may help. Try it on paper and see if it fits your needs.

If it is the expense for counter top stuff. Give a counter place a call and ask then about picking up some castoffs 9.80% of the time they will give it to you for free. Keeps them from having to move it 12 times before they throw it out.

I think of myself as a craftsman. What I do with leather is a skill. And skills can be taught and learned by anyone (To a greater and or lesser degree). Ah but art. The mind and talent of an artist is a thing that has been hashed and rehashed form the start of language itself. But i see it as a form of magic, alchemy the ability bring forth something that previously was not into being through the force of will. My uncle was a painter and he was good. But Klempt was an artist. That special ... something that one in a million have. If I could bring into being what is in my head I would be an artist. And one day may be. But for now I'm a craftsman. And that's no small thing. That is not to say there not artist in leather work. There indeed are but I am not one. Are you? If you think you are then you are. At least as far as I figure it.

I make what I call a training collar ( because Martingale is trademarked) it is adjustable. And has the features of both a choke chain and a regular collar. I use 2 triglides and a buckle, with a d-ring to attach the leash to. With very little training work the dog pulls a lot less. If you'd like a more detailed description of how it's done, let me know.

I use a "color wash" after I seal the item I thin some acrylic paint and Paige the letter and let it dry a bit and wipe off the excess.

I have 4.grid /center rulers. 6 inch, 2) 1 foot one is 1x1 the other is 1x2 and the last is 18x2. I use them more than anything else. I got them @ an art supply store.

Once I did a bag that I did the same thing l. But I made it removeable. I completed the pocket and added. Fancy snaps that showed on the outside of the bag. Hope this helps

I can help drop me a line @ bigbullstudio@Gmail.com

When I was licking tablet cases I used craft foam that I got from AC Moore's. It's the same stuff they use in the little spongy placemats, and spongy things kids make little shapes out of. Hope this helps

How can I be down!? GREAT job!

Don't know if this would work, but the first thing that pops in my mind is Velcro.

I created a stamping jig out of heavy cardboard/pressboard the with big enough to fit my stamps. Clamp it to the piece with clip binders. Line up scribed on the jig. Use light pressure to check my alignment, press firmly and ..... whack! Just a tip, it may seem like if you hold it close to the piece and hold with a death grip it will go better. For me not so much. Firm grip near the top is all I need. Hope it helps.

Try S & T leather in Chicago.

Wouldn't it be a bear to clean out the glass?

Thanks a bunch! Any chance this can get pinned?

I can't speak for anyone else but me. I make a lot of bags and for me it's to make the best use of the material at hand. Longer runs are not always possible and I sometimes can get 3 bags out of multiple pieces where I can only get one if I did the back and flap in one run. I've had a few comments about it in the past. I'm thinking about fancying it up a bit so it looks like a fashion move. Hope this helps.

I had the same problem (still am really) for me it came from the finish soaking through and pooling. I had to change the way spread it on the back side of the project.

Wish someone would have told me this a long time ago!

Got a round knife awhile a go. And had 2 skivers sitting around as well. The skivers were KILLING me time wise, the round knife was scareing me. Long story short I will take 2 minutes hacking away with the round knife (and call it practice so I can get good one day) as apposed to 10 minutes and just being " good enough ". To me I need the practice and my costumers deserve more than "good enough". IMHO try the option that will expand your skill and gives you more than a one use tool. YouTube and a strop can work wonders. Anyway you choose to go good luck.

Never thought of it but I'm sure they are.

I got a cheep round knife on amazon I practice sharpening an edge and cutting with it. And after a few projects it and a Japanese skiving knife for long runs they are the things I most use. I have a few craft knives I use for fine detail but they are rarely in use as of late.

For cutting I use a piece of conveyor belt cast off. I called a place that makes them a few months ago and they said come on over and pick up some any time I wanted. Free is my best price to pay and the one I have has lasted me a few YEARS!