RidgebackCustoms

I like it!

It's definitely on my list to integrate into my work, but no pyrography experience on leather. Are you a trial and error guy or do you know any tutorials I should check out?

Rather than post a new thread for each project (posted 2 in the show-off thread), figured I'd just start a thread I and others could add to. I'm learning to do portraits. I started down the rabbit hole doing comic book art carvings. I struggled with the faces, so started researching how to do it better and that effort expanded into pursuing realistic portraits. I've really enjoyed the learning process. I'm hoping this thread can turn into lessons learned, progress photos, and a place for others that may be pursuing the same goal to ask questions. My number one tool I've found besides practice is the videos from Elk Track Studios by Annie Libertini. I've downloaded and used those, but was also fortunate to be able to take one of her live classes in 2024 at Sheridan. The first photos here are a self-portrait of me and my wife and a portrait of CSM Billy Waugh. Annie recommends not doing portraits with teeth, as they look weird. After doing the self-portrait, I can confirm. Would definitely recommend not doing toothy smiles. CSM Billy Waugh is an amazing figure in military history. If you don't know who it is and you want to kill > 1 hour of time check out the video. (The video contains a lot of military humor / crass humor, so be forewarned).

For concave blades/rounded bevelers I use a straight piece of MDF and use the beveler itself to round the corner of the MDF. I then have a stropping block that holds compound pretty well and is perfectly matched to my beveler. Granted, using a beveler to cut MDF is not good for the tool, but it's a one time thing so the dulling it causes is minimal. Not sure I would use this trick for expensive bevelers, but for the cheap ones (which is all I have) it works great. Thank you!

"They be more what you call guidelines than say actual rules" Since the fibers on the flesh side are a little looser and harder to cut cleanly, I tend to cut it first. The presence of the full width of the leather supporting the cut makes it easier. I can push down slightly as well as forward and the fibers don't tend to smush down as I run the line since they're fully supported.

Added the high-lite stain from eco flo. Gave decent contrast with the background.

Added color. First time using the Eco Flo Hi-Lite stain. I like it MUCH better than the gel antique or the fiebing's antique pastes. Easier to get the pigments off the areas you don't want them with the Hi Lite. This is their Briar Brown.

I'm from Easley. Didn't know there were others in the area. Anyone interested in a meet up?

Video from the event:

In 2019, members of the 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, reenacted climbing the cliffs of Pointe Du Hoc for the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Some of the Rangers were dressed in period accurate uniforms while others were dressed in modern combat gear. The picture, used as reference, was taken that day. Members of the original 2nd Ranger Battalion were responsible for climbing the cliffs and silencing the guns firing onto the beaches that day, June 6, 1944. I got to spend a long holiday weekend in the shop and this felt like an appropriate piece for the holiday.

Fair. I was scared to try on the first portrait, but think I'm going to give it another go to see if I can get the eyes behind the glasses. I think I may try to dye the background to increase the contrast.

https://www.weaverleathersupply.com/products/chahinleather-holster-leather?variant=44039388397708 Weaver's Chahin leather is pre-dyed and still will case and stamp. I've used it for guitar straps using simple stamp patterns and it works well.

I've been spending my leather time learning to do portrait work. The Elktracks studio courses by Annie Libertini have been invaluable in that effort. My first from scratch portrait is Stan "The Man" Lee. I love comic book heroes and his voice overs from the old cartoons always carry fond memories. As an adult it was great watching the Marvel universe come to life on the big screen, especially the X-men and Spiderman. Appreciate any criticisms or notes for improvement. I already know I probably wouldn't do the background the same. It seems to busy to me and distracts the boundary between figure and background, especially around the hair.

Finished the latest Bible binding project. Certainly not understated, lol. I think it would be a cool special Bible to bring out at Christmas with the red and white theme. Looks like a candy cane. Liner is white lambskin. The exterior is red waxy leather from Badalassi Carlo with the same white lambskin liner. I've got plans for more, but I've exhausted my leather budget for the month. Maybe next month.

I like leatherstampmaker.com If you reach out direct, they can probably help you. They sell their letters and adapters to fit several hot foil machines.