MarkB

Steve Nice saddle Love the 8 string saddles don't see them as much as you used to. Who dose your silver work? Some day I hope to tool a full flower carved saddle but got a long ways to go. Thanks for posting the pictures Mark

Justin Timberline makes the trees the way you want them as do most tree makers. if you like that tree that is in the picture if you talk to timberline and give them the information that is with the picture they will be able to make that way. You will only need to figure out the bar type that you need. I'm not a professional but have ordered some trees. Good Luck with your saddle and hope this helps. Mark

TK I use a separate piece of leather for the loop that the strap go thought. I think it looks nicer than the wet formed type. I have made the wet formed type but I line everyone and this way seems to work better. I will try to post some pictures the next pair I make which should be very soon. Mark

Bob You can get them from Wages Silversmiths They make them.Here is their web site Mark

Thanks Steve I like the look but it takes a lot to keep from beveling in the wrong places. Mark

Here is the last picture of the purse. I did not line it because the lady did not want it lined. The lining that was in the old one fell a part and she felt it was not needed. I might try and line the next one. I hope that this will help. Mark

Dually Those spur straps I did not take any pictures of the back I'm going to start taking picture of the back of the newer stuff I make and will post. As for the purse I have some more pictures and here they are. Here is the back. Here is the bottom. Here is the the close up of the top before I put the final pieces on. I will post the last Picture in the next post. Mark

These are a pair I made for friend, Robert, that Ranches north of me 45 miles. His farther-in-law had came up with this pattern but was not work leather any more. I like the way these turned out and so did Robert. Just like to share them with all of you and if there is some thing that would look better let me know. I also used the same pattern on a purse for his wife. Thanks Mark

Doug C Try Wage Silver. www.wagesilver.com They might have what you are looking for. Mark

Here is my little shop.

Tkleather1 You can go to buckaroo Guide to get your cowboys opinion on something. This is a leather workers form. I think this may be bad for the form. That just my cowboy opinion. Mark

Thanks Keith I will draw a new pattern up on paper and post it. I was interested in how you determined that the leather was to wet ,I am sure it was, Was it the cuts or the impressions? When you say cut the out line on the flowers and leaves with more distinction you mean more indented to define the shader more? Thank you for taking the time to give instructions to us the need the help Means a lot to me. Mark

I'm a ranch manager on a large ranch in east central WY. I have been a cowboy / horseman all my life. To me leather gear was something that went hand in hand with cowboys. A lot of the gear we use is made of leather and the leather come form the cows we raise. God gave me the gifts that I use. John 3:27 A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. I thank God every day for those gifts. I thank those here that share their God given gifts with every one else. Thanks to all Mark

Here is the latest pair of spur leathers. These are the 4th pair that I have drawn the flowers for and would like your feed back on what I can do to improve on. Carving things this small is new to me and is going to take a lot more practice. Thank for any input you might have. Mark

Bob I tried it because Jeremiah Watt uses it or may have never tried it. I'm with you on the sharp knife and I think practice with the swivel knife is also important. I think you have to have a feel for your knife so you make better knife cuts. IMHO For me a thinner blade work better than a thick one. What do you think.

Bob Have you used Pro-carve? I had not heard of the Ivory soap before. I've used the pro-carve I think it helps for the same reasons as the soap. I'll try the soap sounds cheaper. Mark

Tkleather1 I think the reason for the glass is that air can't get to it as much holding the moisture in better. not sure. I used bags for awhile but like the glass better just me. Mark

Nice Job Aaron like the two tone lacing. Mark

Tkleather1 I soak most of my items for a minute or two depends on the thickness of the leather. I too rough cut my shape then I use a glass slicker or hard wood type of slicker to stretch the leather as it drys. If I'm in a rush I use a spray bottle and wet the back well and the front a little, then slick it, then set it under a piece of plexiglass for an hour. I then trace the final pattern on and cut to size. When it's close to the original color I carve or stamp. I put my items between sheep skin if it's a large piece or put it under the plexiglass if I can't finish it that day. If I'm going to be a day or two before I can get back to it, I put it in the fridge. This seems to work for me well but I'm sure there are better ways to do it I will be keeping an eye on this for more insight. Mark Visit My Website

Timbo Nice job been thinking of making some to sell myself just haven't got it done. How wide did you make the gusset on them? Mark

Well David Thanks for the comments. As too your question on the chicago screws I have not seen any real trend here, but with that said, I don't make large numbers of them. I see all types of headstalls with all types of ways to attach even the quick change type (both in all leather and with a dee ring).I do mostly custom work so it's what the customer wants. This one went to GA for a drawing held at the Southeastern Buckaroo Association's Top Hand Cow Working Series. I use the chicago screws on my own headstalls but you have to put thread locker on them or they will come a part. If you change bits a lot I would use the buckles more also. David do you see many headstalls with brass hardware in your neck of the woods? Mark

I use a round knife on most of the things I make. For me I get a better cut in one pass. With other knives it seem that it takes a couple of passes that do not always match up. I say use what work for me. Mark

Greg What is the weight on that pig hide? Always looking for something better. Sounds hard to find but worth it. Thanks Mark

Josh I think they look great. Looks like they hold the gun good. Find a gun show and show the sellers what you make it will work I'm sure. Mark

Yes I think it turns sweat better or it seem to. This is the 5th one I have made like this. Thank you for the comments. What do you line yours with? Mark