rivermountainman

Jonny... You could perforate the leather so as there is more Breathability?? It could be on the back and sides of thesaddlebags/pouches... I suppose you could incorporate mesh into the backsides of the pouches/bags also thats if you didnt mind man made fiber being a part of the project? What you may cut out of the center of the back piece of leather so as to incorporate the breathing pannel could possibly be used for other parts of this or another project... Small buckle straps etc etc....There could be quite a few ways of incorporating certain materials that would give you fully working saddle bags that your friend might just be happy to wear in the mountains?? Food for thought an all that Matt

I am refering to the back sides of the leather also..

Congrats with getting the website up n running......It Sure makes it easy for those willing to invest in what are obviously fine tools ... I look forwards to gving a few a try in the near future... Cheers Matt

Despite very rapid responses & great communication from the efficient staff at Chichester Inc...Tthe below fees incurring with the import of just a couple tails to the UK would be a little pricey considering each tail side being $45 a piece The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service requires an export permit for all wild items. The fee is now US$87.00 plus US$60.00 for us to do the paperwork. Shipping is about US$35.00. You will also have to pay VAT on your side. Twas expected really.... In all,,,Pricey tails eh ... So for this project it looks as though I will just work with straight veg tan tooling throughout.... Im sure there will be someone here that can get a hold of some who already pays for documentation of imported goods.... ill just have to sourse them out for next time Keep adding to the list though if you find any more suppliers.... Much appreciated Matt

Thanks for sharing your story Johanna... I too can see me spending alot of time around here, although I doubt I will be offering too much usefull information any time soon, more than likely just absorbing as much as I can being afreshman to leatherwork really.... Its a real treasure that forums such as thus exist, and just like you have stated, it's a real treat that so many are willing to share and help.... I take me hat of too ya good lady.. All the best Matt aka Rivermountainman

Im curious as to whether all leather should be sealed? It certainly would make sense that one does seal the deal and i look forwards to what you may have to say on this or if there is a thread here ive missed perhaps that you would prefer to refer me to without wasting your breath ha ha ha... I did catch wind of a thread here mentioning the use of PVA as a good sealer that can be easilly thinned with water... Im wondering if I read right? Any natural sealer over synthetic etc etc would be more than welcomed though... That is my main reason for wanting to leather a wicker creel... I like to fish with flies that are made up of only natural materials, fur feather & silks/threads, bamboo fly rods over carbon or graphite etc etc etc My project details can be viewed here.. I didnt expect too many replies to this thread but thought there would be some interest as you dont find too many folks working with wicker trout creels.... I really cant wait to get started & am burning with enthusiasm to get my creel dressed.... I have a few tools togeather now, one of peters Awls, a number 2 edge beveller, a scratch awl, a stitch groover, a method of marking continuos stitches, a poly mallet, and a good knife... Theres a few odds and ends I still need to get.. I am Having trouble getting the right unwaxed linen thread & choosing sizes (probably will go with barbours 18/5? flax) , but, the hunt for the tools & right materials is half the fun, geting them all togeather and learning whats what along the ways.... As with every hobby, theres always something NEW to catch ya eye and spark an iterest..... Im sure the day will come where I will be trying to thin out what I will have gathered , what tools i havent used but dare part with ha ha ha... I look forwards to your feedback Cheers Matt

Thanks for your replies Steve, black fly & nice work on the holster K-Man... I have been intouch with Chichester and they have replied.. I am confident that these will be my choice of supplier, despite the price, it will be worth it for my project of which I made an earlier "How do I do that" thread.... Much appreciated Matt

Thanks for the leads guys.... I shall have a search for the Sheridan site, seems the best bet so far... Cheers Matt

Howdy do folks... Just wondering if anyone has a good source they could share for Tanned Beaver tails? Ive tried to contact peterpalms.com but never have any luck getting through ( & their website is kinda weired to navigate, looks more on the wholesale job lots sort of thing... No harm in trying i guess).... Im looking for one or two Tanned (bark tanned whatever) XL Tails, around size 13" x 6" (" inch)... I would be looking to dye them with oil based dyes prossibly with feibing saddle tan..... Obviously Id prefer somewhere online that accepts payplal, save me having to change down sterling to dollars then send recorded delivery of dollars from uk to us blah blah blah... Cheers Matt