JayEhl

I need to get brave and try my hand at something like that. What ounce leather are you using?

I like how the different shades from the day give it a really nice aged look. And the lining makes it look really professional.

I don't carry coins in a wallet, or my pockets (it feels uncomfortable against the leg) but I like that pattern. And the nice rounded corners with the all the hand stitching, good job!

LOL, must be my crappy computer monitor, or I need my eyes re-examined. Thanks!

Hello, @Barbed Wire Leather from a fellow Houstonian! (okay, actually from Pearland). I've attended a couple of Tandy classes and I would really love to get a chance to visit and learn from you, if you're offering. (sheepish grin). In fact, right now my dream job would be to work part time for a custom leather shop when I retire, even as a hangaround, just so I can learn more about the craft. ~JL

Hi, The blue looks very nice and consistent (vs my crappy attempts) What blue dye did you use?

I can't agree more, especially I look at some of the stuff at Harbor Freight. That said, for a hobbyist like myself, I have a sander and a grinder from Harbor Freight and am considering an arbor press; forking over a bunch of money for something I won't use very much is me being pragmatic. But I do have an eye out for some equipment at estate/garage sales but boy, they go fast and the sellers are still proud of 'em $$. Quality does hold up it's pricing!

A dream of mine would be to go to work as an apprentice or at least a hangaround for a saddle and custom leather shop. And when I see these great works, I wished I was closer to retirement so I can find such shops to be that hangaround guy!

wow, it looks like someone will get a great buy. If only you were closer to Houston........

Yea those colors really make it pop. And I like the idea of making your own design of the letter stamps. Beating my head why I didn't think of that.

wow, not bad for a day's work!

I've seen these sorts of punch holes but didn't know what they were called. You did a great job on this project. Thanks for sharing!

very nice show piece. I'm sure it will generate lots of interest for you to do more!!

man that color is super rich. very nice!

I was kind of thinking how if I had to carry this it would look cool on a drop leg holster rig. But that's just me thinking out loud.

Erm.... Haven't seen a phone book in several years......you're showing your age!

'lesser used style'? Looks like you've been doing this on leather for YEARS. Excellent work. Was the cuts using a filigree blade? I struggled with mine and had to put it until I get my new eye glass prescriptions. But just wow! gives me hope!

Ahhh that's nice. That skull peeking around the corner is pretty cool

Not too many oxblood cell phone holders out there. I think the red will make it a conversation piece. Well done.

I like the design and layout but am confused at what @Hardrada said about the strap. @Hardrada are you talking about the strap that keeps it together or the strap bit that keeps the pen? I have to agree about the "writing over a lump" but thought the pen loop in the middle would be more annoying than the other strap. Probably just me and please consider my words with a grain of salt. I've not assembled a journal cover. I should restate that. I'm in the middle of two but the hand stitching needs more practice and was frustrating so they're on hold for right now. (secretly looking to buy a sewing machine)

Watching DG on youtube was one of my inspirations to get started in my hobby. I like how he takes time to explain the work as he goes along, not to mention how he positions the camera work and the lighting to capture the work!

My bar grounding attempts were a hot mess until I purchased the BK #35's. These are much more crisp and with some practice I've noticed some improvements. I am still trying to figure out 'fanning' but I found that if I go from a bottom up, I can avoid stamping over the previous one. And yes, even stamping. I need pick up a different weight mallet which I think will also help.

You've combined some anime to some leather art. Never seen this before. How cool!

wow, very cool. colors goes great with the paint job

looks store bought!