AndyL1

If you have the means and/or are setting enough snaps to warrant it, pick up a hand press with the matching dies. I never have to trim the posts and never have a bent one either. I used to set them with the mallet and anvil but got so frustrated after some time. Love the press now! Andy

I picked up one of the Harbor Freight 12 ton presses. Modified it with steel plates and I use it all the time (more than I thought I would). I use it for pressing stamps as well as clicking out pieces. Great investment that didn't cost too much $$$ Andy

Looks great! How did you do the gusset in three parts? I mean it's made of three short strips instead of one long one then? Is it easier that way? I feel you on the stitching. I used to hand stitch all my bags until I got a machine. They still take forever to make even with that though (lots of parts!)... I still don't feel I charge enough. Ha!

Merry Christmas to you as well Steve! One of these days when I tire of my "starter" machine I would love to come down and pick up one of yours. Cheers, Andy

Thanks all for the added insights on your business. I should clarify that I do know the package was delivered. Beyond that I have know idea why they want a refund nearly three weeks of it being delivered. I can only assume they never got the package... Maybe stolen from their mailbox? Who knows. I wish he would have contacted me... Kind of odd behavior if you ask me that's why I suspect some sort of scam. Ah well. One bad one in the bunch. At least PayPal has my back.

I do hope that the package was just stolen and they're not trying to get something for free. I would have made a new one for them had they contacted me about it. The only way I found out was through emails from Paypal. Never got a single message from the buyer. At that point I decided to offer a discount. I didn't say how much, but I'm a softy so it would have been worth it: free! Lol!

Haha! Exactly! Thanks man. Even though I'm done with these orders I'm actually itching to keep working. Got some stuff I've been wanting to make for myself this time: I need a new belt!

Very odd some people out there. I got an email from Paypal stating a customer was requesting a refund as they never received their stuff (delivered over two weeks ago). I supplied a tracking number and proof of delivery and won the case. Now they are requesting a charge back from their own CC company. Luckily Paypal is acting on my behalf and I am covered for any refunds so I won't be out anything What's sad is this person NEVER contacted me about it at all. I have sent two emails stating I wish I would have known about it and I even offered a discount on a new purchase. Never got a reply. Oh well. The item either got stolen from their mailbox or they're running a scam. At least I'm covered. How have you all dealt with these situations? It's my first ever bit of drama! Hope it's the last! Lol! Andy

Haha! Yeah no time for pictures! My Facebook and Instagram have been fairly quiet lately as I just kept pounding out the work. My biggest seller (I couldn't make enough of them) were my Money Clip/Card Wallets. I had around 100 orders for those come in the past few weeks. My billfolds were great too! Now I get to look forward to going to bed at a reasonable hour but more important there are some personal projects I've been really wanting to do. I hear you on no time off Karina. My day job doesn't stop either!

Time to let out a big sigh of relief. I just shipped out my very last order for Christmas. Time to take a break, clean the workbench, and have some time to think about new projects for next year. How are you all doing around the holidays? Hoping for lots of success with Christmas orders to you! Cheers, Andy

I picked up one of these too. Have yet to put it together though but I'm going to put some locking caster wheels under it so I can roll it around the shop (I like to clean up under my benches on occasion.) Looks nice!

GAH! MY EYES!!!!!!!

You have raised the bar again! Gorgeous.

Wow! That came out beautiful! I love the overall design and like that you spent a fair amount of time on the details (lining, brass feet, bound edges). I also like the zippered back pocket... something I may consider doing on mine too. Cheers, Andy

Oh. My. I'm actually feeling a bit embarrassed for the guy. Maybe if he stumbles upon this thread hopefully get some constructive criticism out of it.

I generally use 5/6 or thicker for my front panels and flaps. 4/5 for the gusset and back pocket panel. I use different weights so the edges of the bag don't get too thick and it's loads easier to form and sew the bottom corners with a lighter gusset. Andy

Those posts are for rivets. You'll need to find some rivet caps that fit those and rivet onto the belt ends. Cheers, Andy

Hey all, So this was kinda cool. A guy named TJ who runs a blog called "Best Leather.org" hit me up for an interview. He had been following my work for some time and wanted to do a profile on my little business. I obliged and also offered up a bi-fold for him to review. Check it out: http://www.bestleath...llet-review-85/ Nice to have a little exposure! Cheers, Andy

Man that is nice work! Well done! Andy

I've been using 3M #98 spray adhesive on my wallet liners. Seems to hold on very tough. At like 15 bucks per can it better be good! Andy

eBay! Of course... That's where everything is. Lol! Thanks, love the sandals!

That's pretty cool! I've never made footwear so I haven't the first clue on how to make them. Where did you get the soles?

Old thread, but this is so good! HAHA! Andy

That's a fantastic idea! Nice craftsmanship too. May I ask where you got the LEDs and the pack? Cheers, Andy

Thanks! Glad to know my style is developed enough to stand out. That name is in the running. Haha! Thanks KN! Not bought, I do dye the leather. The reddish color is done with Tandy's Professional Water Stain in the Bordeaux color. I'm kind of liking this dye/stain. Goes on nice and the color is amazing and rich. The brown is Eco-Flo Java brown, the black is Fiebing's Pro Oil Dye.