Grumpymann

I have used foam pads singly and in pairs that I picked up from craft stores usually in the kids section. Used then fro Tablet and computer padding.

And I love it too! (70's TV reference. Thought I can't remember where). She could be proud to own it and you to have made it.

Similar sized PVC pipes cut to size and the wet mold technique. You can find info on the forum. Hope that helps

um.... make your own conditioner? I just tried and in 2 iterations I found one that I LOVE! and it's about 3/4th the price of carnauba cream and 1/2 the price of neatsfoot compound. Made from 100% NFO, Bees wax, and 100% lanolin oil and I can use each ingredients on its own for other things. Heat the wax in a hot water bath, once the wax is a liquid then add the oil (Make sure the oils are mixed BEFORE you melt the wax). Allow to cool and use as needed there is a thread here that has a lot of info.

You will need a backgrounder as well. I have been looking for the same answers as you about dyeing and painting. From my research so far it looks like dye let DRY completely (About 24 Hrs.) Then paint in successive colors of thinned acrylic paint till desired color, then LET DRY completely. Condition and LET DRY COMPLETELY, (Round about then I started to see a pattern) and finish. And guess what before the final buff? Were I you I would get an eyelet set as well if you don't have one.

I tried 40% NFO, 20% lanolin and 40% bees wax and I LOVE IT!

Not sure if you all will laugh at me for sharing this or gather with pitchforks and torches. but we share what we have that is the way a community grows. But first I have to give a caveat. The wife collected these for some of the local kids and the parents didn't want them to have them. So I took some big lego blocks turned them upside down cut a hole in the top 2 glued a stack 3 high and used them as tool holders. (Better then them ending up in the trash. They work GREAT! Just have to use a plastic glue. You can make many different configurations, levels and shapes for almost any application. Not sure what I mean? check out This link. Still not sure what I mean let me know will take a pic when I get out of the salt mines. Edit 3 Dollar Maul thread

Hopefully more discreet than the collars from the 70's!

70's TV reference. Loooking GOOD!

Thanks.

Any one know about adding lanolin to the mixture? I just whipped up a small batch of 50% bees wax and NFO and it works a bit better than NF compound. The way I see it leather is tanned skin and if its good for skin it may be good for leather. Going forward I would like to stay away from anything that can turn in a short amount of time (say 6 months to a year). And I really want to stay organic. Any ideas on Lanolin?

I could sit at the bench for years with only time off for bathroom brakes and would still not be able to pull off a basket weave. So congrats!

I'm going to buck the trend. Go for gold, keep your feet on the ground and reach for the stars, let your reach out distance your grasp. Try for things that mimic what you want to do. i.e. stitched boxes, photo albums with fancy closures. Clutter up the design over engineer the thing. DREAM BIG and COMPLEX! then when your knee deep in the project, your sick of looking at it and you just want it done. You can strip all that crap you don't want or need. in the process you will find your ... voice. experiment with what will and won't work and hold in your hand what you like and not like. And play, have fun.

Thanks!

Gatta know. How do you keep the bottom of the gusset closed?

Great concept! .......Wish I had thought of it. Mind if I borrow it?

Thanks folks. I know I charge less that I should. My confidence in what I can do is pretty high. But I LOVE the challenge of a new project, to me it can be more fun figuring it all out how it all works than the actual hands on the leather. I see it as getting paid to play (Not to mention I have a pattern to use the next time !) in addition I kind of think of it as an honor being asked to make something form some ones idea funneled through my imagination and given birth to the world from my hands. It is an complement being given more than I asked and going forward I think it will be few and far between. I will think of it as a kernel of pride for when I hear "I can get it on the net cheaper!". I use a lot of scrap making little things for people bracelets, key fobs, pencil slips and the like. Small things that keep my hands at work, practice and I love the look in someone's face when I hand them a personalized item. I work with a lot of folks that are disabled in one way or another or in recovery of some form. Many of them have little of nothing else to be proud of. Maybe I should look at this tip thing as a form of karma ( And not the advertising, "Tell your friends and family where you got it."). It's nice to hear from people who .... Get it. Know how hard, challenging, frustrating, rage inducing, lonely, expensive, stinky, messy and literally painful this art form can be. Also know how fun, pride inducing, powerful, practical, meditative, fantastical, whimsical, magical and in my case necessary it is to make things with our own hands. To lave a small thing that may be here as well be of use when we are dust. Make something loving cherished or relayed on daily so much it is forgotten. Know the small joy of a straight stitch line. Or the cringe inducing sight of an awl mark in the corner. People who see the work, not just the dollar signs. Grumpy

Would like to start out by saying I'm by no ones imagination a Pro. I work leather for fun and supplies. And if I'm lucky I can get a slider @ white castle ( If I add 50 Cents). I WANT to be a pro. maybe in a few years I could make enough to pay rent. But as for now ...... That said I have been making a few bucks. Last week a co worker in the salt mine (What I call my day job) asked me about a wallet for herself. I quoted her 25 dollars. Went home drew up a pattern cut it out in card board did a few test in scrap to ensure the sizing. Made the item monogramed it and handed it to her. And went to my station. @ lunch I asked her If she was happy she seemed to get emotional and said she didn't have any money. (Well I know where she works) I said pay me when you get the chance. A while ago she walked up to me and handed me a check I didn't look just folded it and put in my empty wallet and went back to work. I looked and it is almost for almost 2X's the amount I quoted her. Told her it was more than I told her it would be but she waved me off saying she seriously under paid. I know the emotion thing has nothing to do with me I could just be the tilt of my head reminded her of her favorite uncle or something. But that is not the first time some one has paid me more than the quote. Not that I don't want or need the money mind you but I pride myself on fair value for the dollar. Not sure what to do with this........ (not the money I KNOW what to do with that!)

Has anyone ever used https://www.leatherunltd.com/ site before? Looking for an economical place to get my leather.

Ever think of using elastic?

And that is why I do this! to "Let my freak flag fly!" Wonderful work!

Use a 2 ply technique But join the pieces at different places. (Like 2 ply toilet paper, the 2 pieces facing away from each other. Join them @ different places and sew the all four pieces together like a regular sewn belt. Let me know how it comes out.

Yeah. when you put it like THAT ..... I guess it is..... LOL

Really good job. Are those premade shoulder straps or did you make them? If the latter HOW?

Set her up with her own account on here I need her advice on stamping letters.........