AndyL1

That's a great video dude! I'm curious about this too. At the :28 second mark it looks like you're peeling something and sticking it to your leather. Is it a peel-n-stick adhesive for the liner? I'm curious what it is... I'd love to not breathe in fumes from my contact cement. Thanks for posting it up! Cheers, Andy

Came out real nice man! Good choice on dividing up the strap with the shapes. They really frame the crosses and the skull and add some nice, subtle visual interest to the whole piece.

When I made my first bag I pretty much Googled a bunch of bags that I liked and saved the images. After some studying I basically took them apart in my head and figured out how they were put together. A basic pattern is fairly easy, three or four rectangles is all. Have a look at my bags, one can easily see how they're made. The hard part for me was getting a size right. Andy

All VERY good advice guys! I'm still just having email conversations with the reseller at this point. But it's been a week since the last correspondence so I hope they haven't changed their mind and flaked. We'll see. I could take it or leave it to be honest... It's not like I need to sell wholesale. Thanks to all of you for the great input. Makes my decisions that much easier.

Nice one! That's how I started too: needed a manly diaper bag. Now that it doesn't hold diapers anymore it holds all my other gear. I like your design too. Looks like a motorcycle tool roll, just scaled up some. Cheers, Andy

Nice one! I have some stingray I picked up for a steal... I love how this looks and it's reminding me to get cracking on using my hides. lol! Good job!

Thanks for the insight. Yeah I would have to negotiate either full or partial payment up front and then the balance upon shipping. I don't like the idea of consignment at all or getting paid per piece when they sell. I received a more detailed list of what they would like. At first I thought it was ten individual products, like 10 wallets. But they would like 10 different products in multiple quantities. So like two bag styles at six each, three wallet styles at six each, etc. Quite a lot! Still something I can handle as they would not need everything until October when the Christmas rush starts. I do fairly well with this on my own. It's not replacing my day job by any means, just a fun hobby that makes some extra cash. Growing this into a bigger business is still on my mind and I think this may be a good way to get huge amounts of exposure.

Hey all, I was recently approached to see if I would be interested in selling some items wholesale. I've never done this before and it seems like a good idea for me right now. The vendor wants just small runs for now, about 10 pieces per month, so it's something I can definitely handle. And since it's small runs, I feel it's a great way to get my name out there without too much effort. This particular vendor has three different websites that they manage, all selling similar themed items so traffic is fairly large. One thing I made clear too is that I have to have my brand on all my products and not theirs. This was very important to me. They are fine with that as well. Any words of advice or things I should know? Should I take payment up front like I normally do and then make and ship? Seems like a good way to cover my end. Thoughts and opinions greatly appreciated. Cheers, Andy

Thanks! I do like the layout of this one as it's kind of unique from what you'd find in a store and it's easier to make. I'm keeping this pattern for sure, just want to do the other style as an added option. I sewed this one up on my machine. I have a Juki cylinder arm. I save the hand stitching for my smaller wallets. Thanks for the kind words too! Thanks a lot! The one in the photo I made as a gift to my cousin. He's been showing it off like crazy and everyone who sees it loves it too. Hey thanks! I just gave your FB page a like too. Nice work you have there.

Thanks all! And thanks much for the FB "like"! Much appreciated. These wallets are pretty fun to make. I like the feel of them, being made from sturdier leather than I'm used to carrying. Kind of just feels... more luxurious I guess. ;-)

Hey all, Just finished up this guy a few days ago. I made one like it a couple of months ago and have been testing out my prototype and breaking it in. I think I got the kinks worked out and it's working great! Just a simple bi-fold with a cash pocket and four card slots. The back is from 4/5 oz veg tan, the inside with 2/3. All dyed with Eco-Flo Java brown and antiqued. The cash pocket is lined with black pigskin. My next one will be with horizontal card pockets but I'll keep this one available too so people have an option. I'm just getting into wallet making so comments and critiques welcome! Cheers, Andy

Weird, if you click the photo a video shows up on the bottom right. It's been disabled for embedding but here is the link to YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7I1D0lDYz8&feature=player_embedded Andy

I agree!!! Let's flood this guys inbox with junk! Put him on EVERY spam website/newsletter available.

Ed that machine is gorgeous! I must get one of your mauls one of these days.

I've found this site... although they are based in Europe I think they can ship to the US. http://www.outfit4events.com/eur/ The buckles are amazing! http://www.outfit4events.com/czk/category/354-strap-buckles/?decorative=nocategory%2F557-medieval-costumes-ladies%2F Andy

Now these are very cool! Love the engraving but most of all, that comb pocket is bad-ass! Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Andy

Nice ones! I have a new commission for a biker style wallet and she wants a zippered pocket like you have going on there. Only thing is I've never made one before, where is a good place to get the zipper and chain? I've never done zippers before so a bit of a learning job for me. Doesn't look too hard though. Thanks! Andy

Beauty! Love the two tone and this will look even better after it's got some use and broken in. Be sure to post some pics in a year or so... I'm curious to see what it looks like. Andy

Thanks! I use a damp sponge loaded with the dye and apply it in a circular motion, rubbing it in. Comes out pretty even for me. I usually do a couple of coats to get the color I want and then it darkens a bit after applying the Resolene too. Glad I could pass along some inspiration... I know the feeling. Just looked at your bag you made. Great job on that one! Very nice. Andy

Thanks! I don't line them as I make them so the laptop can go in kind of snug and not bounce around. Most people I know put a neoprene sleeve around their laptops too or just slip them into the bag bare. Good luck on yours... can't wait to see it! Thanks sir! I did this one a little light on the antiquing, came out great! Thanks! Not sure if this is your friend from Dubai but thanks for sharing my work. Much appreciated! Word of mouth is the best advertising for sure.

Thanks brutha! Edited for some more pics...

Hey all, Just knocked this one out and finally took some good photos. Made with 5/6oz (main panels) and 4/5oz (gusset) veg tan. Dyed with Eco-Flo Java brown and antiqued. Came out real nice I think! This one is off to a customer in Dubai of all places. I almost have a bag on each continent now! 3 out of 7 aint bad! ;-) Cheers, Andy

I found that site too and I setup a profile. I haven't completed my profile yet though and I'm thinking about just deleting myself off of it. 10% take seems a bit too high for me.

Nice one! Great story too!

Nice! What dyes did you use for color?