Elsa

I'm sorry you're having to close up. Whoever buys your shop is getting an incredible bargain!

Thanks Bruce! I got a call back from Ron's - the gentleman is out of town until the 15th. I didn't realize they had new new owners A.R. ("After Ron") :-)

Does anyone know of a place that carries these? I've tried getting touch with Ron's Tools but am not getting a response. Thanks! Elsa

Would he be able to make edge irons??? I MUST find one. If he could make one I could start my happy dance! :-) ~Elsa

Very interested in this tree! ~Elsa - Oregon Rain Saddlery Astoria, OR

I, too, am looking to buy a Joseph Dixon Edge Iron. I'm including a photo from Cary's site because the only other decent photo looked like it had been bootlegged from his site anyway, and I'd rather be honest & give him credit (plus I just love his work!) Thanks in advance! ~Elsa

Thanks Zuludog. :-). I have almost all my furnishings as far as desk, chairs, workbench, cutting table, a mini fridge, teapot and other essentials. My workbench is actually made out of an old upright piano. It'll be pretty sweet when I finish it. I'm just trying to figure out what would be a good list of materials like sides of leather (saddle, tooling, chap, sheerling, etc) buckles, nails, screws, and other things to start that I may not think of while focused on tools. My shop is only 21' X 9', so I may have to commandeer another space for storage. :-)

I'm getting closer to having my shop set up (actual space) and have list upon list of tools, but I can't find anything on what supplies I should have on hand. I have the opportunity to submit an application for some funding by a Veterans' group and I'd like to include a list of hardware, leather, materials & stuff in addition to tools. To start I'll be repairing and rebuilding a collection of saddles, making tack, phone cases, etc.. I figured if anyone has already made a list, it'll be someone here in Leather worker.net . :-) Thanks in advance! ~Elsa

I joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1981 and spent time in both the Reserves and (primarily) Active Duty. Retired in 2007 and received my 100% Service Connected VA Disability rating with "Concurrent Receipt" (I get my retirement and my disability). I'd be playing full time with leatherworking if life would just mellow out! Too many hobbies that eat (horses and Dairy Goats) - so working on cutting the numbers so I can spend time in my shop that is waiting to be completed. My son and I enjoy being part of our local Community Theater which is a year 'round thing as well. My goal is to have my shop set up and underway by this Fall.

Outstanding!

Thanks so much everyone! I haven't done much since finishing Spirit's saddle. Collecting stuff for my shop but is seems like other parts of life keep interfering with getting said shop set up. Thanks for the input Bondo Bob - The VA has already denied me Voc Rehab because I'm 100% S/C and "don't need it". I would sincerely like assistance from them to set up what they're calling my "significant hobby". I have 27 old saddles begging for rebuild and no funds on the horizon. Trying to pare down other responsibilities so I can push forward on my focus on leatherwork. Perhaps I'll contact the VVA as you suggested. I know one of the best sites for peer support for going through the nightmare of the Disability System is from HadIt.com, which is primarily Vietnam Era Vets. If I could spend several months interning under Jesse Smith I'd do it in a heartbeat. Of course, that would leave lots of time to go out and play cowgirl with Sharri too. :-) I have my GI Bill left unused, but there's not much out there for leatherwork. Jesse will always be my favorite teacher and mentor. Maybe somehow I can get the VA to help me keep my skills sharp and figure out a way to help me fund continued training with Jesse. I can dream. :-) I'd just be happy for a leg up to actually be able to get things going out of my abysmally too small "shop" (also known as the front porch - 20' X 9', but better than nothing!).

Beautiful job!

I'll be there Thursday through Sunday (perhaps earlier) and I'm both excited and terrified! This is my first time to any trade show and I have a really hard time in busy/crowded areas - especially if I don't know very many folks there. I'm picking up my machines from Cobra Steve (YEAH!), so I can't chicken out. I'd love to meet other Leatherworker.net folks and hope you'll forgive in advance for being a nervous, clueless spaz. ~ Elsa

I know Ron "retired", but do you know anyone that may be carrying some of his tools for sale? I fell in love with them at the wrong time! His hand tools are awesome and I would love to have some, as well as his stirrup stretcher. His Farrow buckles are amazing. I'll be going to Sheridan for the big show in May and am hoping someone may have some of his stuff for sale. My budget is limited, so I was hoping to find out ahead of time. Thanks in advance for any info! Elsa

Thanks dirtclod! I just got copies of the photos the VA photographer took for the entries. They look great (even with a few shadows) and I'm really excited. There are so many talented artists out there that are Vets. I am honored to be able to represent Leatherworking for my area. I would love to encourage folks to offer to volunteer to teach leatherworking classes at their local Veterans Medical Center (or through AMVETS, American Legion, VFW, Elks and so on). I'm sure there would be a great interest and am certain it would be appreciated. ~ Elsa

I am so excited! My first saddle just qualified at the Local Level Portland VA Medical Center) and has been submitted for entry at the National Level of Competition in Applied Arts; Leather Carving/Tooling in the Department of Veterans Affairs Recreational Therapy 2011 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. http://www.va.gov/op...n/caf/index.asp It is wonderful to be able to participate in the Recreational Therapy Program doing Leatherwork and exciting to be able to be included in the 2011 Festival. Won't know 'til May if I will be included at the National Level, but it's nice just to participate. I just had to share this and the great programs the VA (with support through Veterans Service organizations like the American Legion) makes available to Veterans - let's hope the budget cuts don't affect much needed and appreciated therapy programs! I would like to be able to be involved in the Horses for Heroes program - http://www.narha.org...rses-for-heroes - helping Disabled Veterans through therapeutic riding programs. Helping fellow Disabled Veterans is one of my goals. Thanks! ~ Elsa Information about the Festival: (From the VA) *About the Festival* Nationwide, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities use the creative arts as one form of rehabilitative treatment to help Veterans recover from and cope with physical and emotional disabilities. Across the country each year, Veterans treated at VA facilities compete in a local creative arts competition. This competition includes more than 53 art categories that range from oil painting to leatherwork and even paint-by-number kits. In addition, there are 120 categories pertaining to all aspects of music, dance, drama and creative writing. The creative writing division is a more recent addition to the competition and includes original works in poetry, essay, short story, and personal experience writing. A national selection committee chooses first, second and third place winners among all of the entries. Select winners are then invited to attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival each year. In 2010, 3,625 Veterans from 123 VA facilities entered the competition nationwide, with 143 of the medal-winning Veterans earning an invitation to participate in the 2010 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, hosted by the VA Medical Center in Tomah, Wisconsin. This year the event takes place October 17-23 in Fayetteville, Arkansas hosted by the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks. The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is a week of learning, exploring, fellowship and celebration of the healing power of the arts. Because the gold, silver or bronze medal winners are already selected to participate in the Festival, there is no competition at the event itself; rather, it serves as a showcase for the top national winners. During the week of the event, participants may attend classes in fine, applied and craft art, all taught by local artists. As part of the Festival, Veterans also visit a variety of local attractions including art museums and galleries, as well as other sites of interest to area visitors. The Festival event culminates on Sunday, October 23, 2011, with an art exhibit featuring all first-place art entries at the Walton Arts Center, followed by a gala stage show performance. The stage show is professionally directed with live orchestral accompaniment generously provided by the Music Performance Fund. Tickets are free and actively distributed to assure a full house for the Veterans' performance. The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is presented each year by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Help Hospitalized Veterans and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Wow, Ed! What a great idea! Could you send me a PM with info about your mauls? They're beautiful and I'd like to order at least one with a Coast Guard emblem. Thanks in advance! ~ Elsa

Thank you all so very much! I just love Leatherworker.net. You are the best and have made me feel like I belong here. I did use a photograph of Spirit as a "model". I guess I'll have to make another one for Miracle (but he's not even a yearling yet, so I have time!). Leatherwork is the best "job" ever!!! Can't wait to make #2... #100.... #??? Big smiles here! Thank you so! ~ Elsa

Last one. This is of the cantle back before I put the rawhide binding on it. It shows the tooling of my "Stinky McPoo" (Spirit) a little better. Here I thought doing Celtic Knots would be "easy". Not! The picture of Spirit was wayyyyyy easier and it was only the second figure carving I've done in 28 years (the first being the "I wonder if I can still do that" test piece). I have a LONG history of low self confidence and self esteem (part of my PTSD) so all of this has me jumping for joy! Thanks for looking at these and sharing in my elation. ~ Elsa

Three more photos.... The last one shows the stirrups/fenders while they were on one of Ron's Stirrup Stretchers (I am bummed that Ron decided to "retire" before I got to buy some of his awesome tools!!!)

I finally did it! After leaving the SFCC Saddlemaking Program a quarter before graduation (young and dumb... went back on Active Duty), 28 years later I finished! I made one saddle at SFCC, but it wasn't for me and didn't get to keep it, so I'm considering this one my true "First". I can pick apart the things I'd rather see better, but I am always overly picky about things I do. I just know to improve them next time. Jesse Smith is an awesome teacher, mentor and friend, and I highly recommend his program. Now if I can just get the VA to help support my vocation, I'll be well on my way. I've already ordered my Cobra Class 4 "Dream Machine" and a Class 17 (bye-bye savings account!). Sorry to ramble.... just SO excited! I built a Wade on a 15" Timberline Hamley Wade tree with a 13" wide fork and 5" tall cantle; Hermann Oak skirting; rawhide bead on fork, horn and cantle binding; brass hardware; exposed stirrup leathers; butterfly skirts; Nettel 4" bell stirrups & Farrow stirrup "buckles". I chose to do Celtic Knotwork for my tooling patterns and incorporated a figure carving of my horse, Spirit, on the center of the cantleback. These are my first picture uploads on Leatherworker.net, and it appears I'll have to send them in two posts. Hope you like it! ~ Elsa

Hey DR, I'm a fellow Vet (100% S/C) and am having no luck with VA support for Voc Rehab. I just paid my way through Jesse Smith's (FABULOUS) school and I'm hoping to be able to get the VA on the ball with this. Can you share your success and failures with me? I'd be happy if they'd buy my machines or even decide to pay for further education. GRANTS would be nice, but I expect to go through the SBA for most of this. I would like the VA to decide that I'm not "hopeless", just damaged enough that self employment is what I need. That and my Disability income! I'm looking for a business plan too. Thanks in advance. Elsa (USCG 1982-2007, Ret'd BM1)

Dang! That's the one I'm bidding on. 'Guess I should have done the "Buy It Now". :-( ~ Elsa

Thanks Art, Yes, I know they don't like to send 100% P/T to Voc Rehab, but there is a clause for self employment that qualifies me, however, risking losing the P/T with concurrent receipt isn't worth the risk. My Shrink is totally behind my getting back into saddlery as a vocational hobby. I have NO business sense, but clever hands and a creative mind. I love old saddles and often buy one (they're all sitting in a spare room) with the intention of restoring them... some day. I don't know if I should get one or more of the DVD series and go from memory, or go to one of the many schools. I have spoken with Jesse, my original instructor, about working with him. That would probably be the best option for me, and it wouldn't matter that he doesn't have a set cirrculum (at least, not on paper!) if I dip into the fund my Mom left for Zack and me. The others I'm concidering would be Okanagan or Sierra. I think the best thing I could do would be to invest in the equipment to set up shop. Thanks for you suggestions. I am so overwhelmed by Leatherworker.net - there is just soooooooo much info here! Thanks again. Any suggestions or tips you can share are most appreciated. ~ Elsa

Hi All. I attended SFCC's Custom Saddle Making class with Jesse Smith back in 1983-1984. I, unfortunately, left a quarter before graduation to get out of an abusive relationship and then decided to make the USCG my career. I retired in early 2007 and am 100% S/C disabled with the VA. I'm trying to get Vocational Rehab to go back to school but they're balking because I'm 100% (even though I'm still qualified). I'll ask about training suggestions in another post (unless someone wants to give input here) and ask if anyone has a list of all that would be needed to set up shop? I might be able to get the VA to fund that even if they don't do the school. I have a nest egg from my Mom's estate that I want to keep mostly for fixing up our home and providing a Special Needs Trust for my son who is Autistic. If I can't get the VA funding I may use some of Mom's estate since she's the one who sent me to SFCC and I think she'd be happy to see me get back on track with saddle making. Anyhoo... Sorry for the long rambling post. I know things like stamps and knives are "personal" choices (which ones, Craft tool or ones that will last forever, etc.) but if anyone happens to have, or could suggest, a list of what they'd suggest or want for a shop I would sure appreciate it. Especially which machines, suggestions of resources (other than Tandy and Osborne) and so on. Thanks again, ~ Elsa