AndyL1

HAHA! Hey no joke! I guess what I initially wrote could be taken as sarcasm (hard to get emotions right in a thread). But I do get a little sad when I'm done. Like I said, I just really like the process of creating. I think this is what motivates me to keep making stuff. I kind of get antsy if I'm not out at my workbench and using my tools.

HAHA! Nice one!

I'm thinking I need to change the title of this thread from "True Craftsmen" to "True Craftsmen?". While I do admire their philosophy on the craft.... 60 bucks for this? http://store.billykirk.com/store/product/240KF Cripes! What I would like to know who is spending that kind of coin on what should be five or ten bucks and where can I find them!

So just wondering if anybody feels like I do. Sometimes when I'm done with a project I feel a little bummed that it's over. I mean I really like my end results and feel proud of my work, but I love the process of creating so much I get kind of sad it's over. Weird right? Haha! Guess that's why I look forward to the next one and get to do it all over again! Call me crazy, Andy

Haha! True. True.

Funny I watched the video before I went to their website. I was impressed with their philosophy about the craft and how we live in a "throw away society". I'm sure these guys believe in their products, but yeah, that wallet is for the birds. Looks like it took half an hour to make. If they can pull in a hundred bucks for that I'm charging too low for my stuff! More power to them! Cheers, Andy

HAHA! Well said. Really nice work too. Love the details you put into this. And the running theme on all the pieces is great design. Nice! Cheers, Andy

I'm sure you guys on here feel the same way about your leatherwork. I know I do! http://www.swiss-miss.com/2012/03/dialogues-of-professionals-billykirk.html Cheers, Andy

Thanks! Yes he loves it and works perfect for his gear. Nice to have a repeat customer! Cheers, Andy

These look VERY nice! Such a great idea. And yeah, how DO you get the watch in? Is that a Chicago screw for the rivet? But I'm confused as it looks to be stitched down... Cheers, Andy

Thanks! It's called a swing lock. I get mine from Ohio Travel Bag, although Tandy started carrying a line of these that are very similar too. Andy

Thanks a lot! Time to make another one since I've got more leather!

Hey thanks a lot! I don't think I'd be making them this nice without some of the info I get from this site. Love it!

These are so cool! I love the way you did the scales with just an impression and no cuts. Very realistic! Andy

Thanks! Thank you! Yes this should last him a lifetime. Thank you and you're welcome! ;-) Thanks!

Nice! This just really pops! My favorite is the detail in the wings and the subtle texture in the clouds. Cheers, Andy

Hey gang, Well got another one done tonight and just took some photos. Here she is! It's a smaller satchel roughly 8x10. This was made to my customers specs to carry some diabetic equipment in. He sent me measurements of his pump and regulator to fit inside. I also made it to match a laptop/messenger bag he commissioned recently. Came out pretty sweet! Specs: 8x10 4/5oz veg tan Oiled then spray dyed with diluted Eco-Flo Java brown Inside pocket made from oiled utility side Cheers, Andy

Man that is bad-ass! Thanks for sharing. I love the detail you get with the pyro. Nice fine lines. Cheers, Andy

Nice bag! I'd tool another fleur di lis on a separate piece of leather and stitch it on like a patch. Also, run a stitch around the edge of the flap for a nice finish detail. Andy

Beautiful work! Love the braiding in there. Cheers, Andy

That is absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for sharing! Cheers, Andy

Why thank you very much! Just got an email from the customer I made this for. He loves it and uses it every day to take his laptop to work. Now he wants a smaller "murse" bag to match this one. Cool! I'm on it! Andy

Thank you! Don't mind at all, I get my hardware from Ohio Travel Bag. This bag is hand stitched for the main part of the body and all the parts attached to it. Detail stitching along the flap's edge and the belt were done on machine. Andy

Thanks a lot! Glad I could pass along some inspiration! Thanks! Andy

Thanks! Thanks! Glad you like it. Yeah it was an experiment that turned out right! I sprayed it all over as I didn't want just spots here and there. I figured it would soak in where the mink oil may have not been as even in some places. I think it looks rather natural.