AzShooter

Tandy has a book of patterns that includes a shoulder rig. It can be found on their library and is free. There are a number of other patterns in the book.

Finally completed with gun inserted.

I got my self healing cutting mat from Amazon. It's 24 X 36. They also have 12 inch mats on up.

I keep my leather in the boxes that it was shipped in and standing up tall. My light weight leather for wallets I have folded up on one of my benches.

I had to scrap the other holster, it turned out to be too tight for it's needs so I really measured this one well and once I cut it I placed the gun in to make sure it's going to fit. The large cutout in the center is because of the electronic sight being used. I'll post with gun when complete. e I did the initial stamp with a Tandy Stamp. The basket weave stamps are from Weaver Leather. It's dyed with Saddle Tan, then Antiquing and then a coat or Resolene. The right side is high because for the type of shooting it's used for the trigger guard must be covered. The left is short because of an adapter on the gun and to prevent hitting the magazine release. Any criticism is welcome.

I had problems with my last can of Barge separating. It no longer holds as well as it did. Watching a video from Maker's Leather Working they had a leather glue for sale so I bought some. It's working great. No smell, sets up faster than Barge and holds everything together better.

I like your design. Very nice work.

Beautiful bag. Gives me ideas for my next one. I had to make one last week for a customer. It came out o.k. but I didn't really like the pattern. Yours looks great.

Nice job on the pictures and the holsters. That Coolpix camera is a very good way to do your own work. It takes great pictures and your layout an composition is very good. It's easy to edit and display with the right software. One hint, if you can, use a tripod and set the shutter for delay so that you don't get any shake from your hand or finger. Once I started using the tripod my pictures started coming out much better.

I can see the improvement in your skills after your first year. Keep it up. I got back into leather work because of the Covid 19 situation and I'm happy I spent my money and time on doing something I enjoy instead of sitting around doing nothing. What I spend on my leather work is a lot cheaper than on my shooting hobby, and I'm even selling a few things to recoup some of my investment. I'm sure you will be able to do the same. I just started making wallets and surprisingly I've been asked to make a few. It doesn't take me that long since I'm retired and can go in the garage and cut one out in about 1/2 hour. The stitching is what takes me a long time which of course includes the time punching all the holes. My holsters do take a few days to complete but I really enjoy making them. Happy New Year and enjoy your new hobby.

Everyone has a good suggestion of two on chisels or pricking irons. Don't forget a goo maul as well. Heavier is better since you won't have to hit your tool as hard or as often to go through the leather. A good sharpening kit will also go a long way. After sharpening remember the strop is your friend. Many times after a knife got dull all it would need is 20 passes on the strop and it's back to cutting like going through butter.

I ordered one of these mauls today. I have been using a 16 ounce maul but my basket weave really needs more force to stand out.

This is a vent a little. I was asked to make a leather bag for an IPAD by my girlfriend's caregiver. I first thought I'd give her a break because she helps my girlfriend a lot. I then realized even though they are friendly she never discounts her charge for services. First we had to go through about 5 pattern books to find one she like. She changed her mind almost every day. Finally I got her to commit to one bag. I had to customize the pattern to make it work but that wasn't really too hard. We went to Tandy to pick out the leather. She chose purple from their Italian supplier, special order, so no returns if she didn't like it. Guess what... After a week she changed her mind wanting a different color and leather instead of felt. I had just received a side of leather for another project and she liked it a lot. I charged her for this side on top of the money for all supplies I would need. She has now changed her mind 4 times on the color thread to use. Fortunately I took some of the leather and made a demo piece stitched with the threads she chose. She picked one and I did the pocket first. She likes it but wasn't satisfied with using it for the rest of the bag. After a few days she chose purple, and since I was on another project her bag was on the back bench. Today she saw one of my holsters with yellow thread and decided that's what she wants. No big deal, I haven't started on the final stitching. I'm finding that just like my photography the customer can be a bear to get the final product they really want. Sorry for the long vent.

Very nice work.

Great looking holster. If made correctly you don't need a strap, I've tested my holsters by hanging the gun upside down to make sure it will not slip out. It's a retention test that use to be popular for competition shooting. They no longer require it but I still make my holsters that way. The basket weave looks great and I really like the color.

Knifekits.com has everything you need for tension screws. I buy in quantity and always get fast reliable service. Even a good molded holster can take advantage of the screw and rubber washers. I make holsters for competition shooters where a dropped gun is a definite No-No.

Most excellent design and execution. I really like this setup.

First effort and you did a fantastic job. Yes, you need a little practice but you made the elk look great.

Looks great.

Most excellent. Edges are beautiful and so is the stitching. I hope I can come close to having mine look like that.

That's a great idea. I'll make sure I go back and give them something.

I went to a local granite shop asking if they had any cut off scrap pieces. The salesman took me to a large bin in back with lots of slabs to choose from. I picked up a piece 36 X 24. I asked how much and he said nothing. They have to pay to get ride of their scraps so it was free. Calling around, it seems that all the companies in town have free or very reasonable pieces to choose from. Some are scraps and some are demo pieces that they no longer market. I suggest you explain you are using it for your leatherworking bench.

Nicely done video. Gives me an idea on how to improve a bag I'm working on, thanks. Really nice design and great work. I truly like the finished product.

Thanks for the advice. I have a few ideas to follow now. I do have tape and will be using it on my wallets and bags.

I'll check out her videos. I just picked up a new awl at Tandy today.