MarkB

I just finished this one today. Thought you might like to take a look. Mark

Nice job they look great. Mark

This is a saddle bag that hangs off the saddle horn that is easily remove. Those that tag their calves while a horse back can get off their horse and take the bag with them and have their stuff right there, not in bags that are still on the saddle. I worked this pattern up three weeks ago and have been using them the whole three week and like them. There is one thing that they need and that is a larger gusset to allow for more tags and make it easier to get tags out. I use the things I make to make sure that they work and thought that some of you might have cowboys that could use something like these . Mark [att achment=22916:saddle_bags_003.JPG]

This is the latest saddle blanket that I have finished. They are not very big as tooling go but a little challenging to sew to the blanket. Mark Visit My Website

Derik Very nice job I like the rolled edge I've been going to try it but have not got it done Again nice job Mark Visit My Website

I too am replacing all my craft tools. I tooled a belt for my wife mostly with the craft tools then I got my Berry King and JWP tools in the mail so I tooled 1 section of the pattern in the middle with the new tools, then finished the rest with the craft tools. Next I showed the belt to some folks that did not know a lot about leather carving and they could pick out the place were I used the high end tools. That sold me . To make it to the higher level you need the highest end of tools you can buy. Today the high end tool maker use better machines to make the tools they are more square than even the the older high end stamps. I have some PB McMillan stamps that you can not turn the tool are you will have the pattern walk away from it's self.(it's not square) Great Topic Keep it up Mark

Here is my work space. It's set up so you can reach most every thing you need with out to much moving to get it. The tool rack in the second photo I made in wood shop back in high school and I need to make a second one for the new tools I keep getting.

I'm looking for a new machine for heavy leather sewing. I not sure what machine to look at but this is the one that may fall in two my budget. Mark

I use 8-9oz. strap from Hermann Oak Leather Co. for the outer piece and 5-6oz. Latigo for the lining. I use latigo because of horse sweat. I use Harness a lot to, for that I like 10 oz. or heaver for a single piece headstall. Here is a headtsall that have made. www.cowcampsaddlery.webs.com

This is a Old Time Headstall that I finished last September, it turned out well and fits well also. www.cowcampsaddlery.webs.com

I use a Boss sticher with 207 thread and 180 needle. I hope to lose the Boss for a better machine as soon as the funds allow. Mark

Dually I use loop back conchos with a strap 3/4" wide with hole and slot on one end. The other end has a hole for a chicago screw. On my custom conchos Ken silver solders a chicago screw to the edge of the concho. This hides the screw but makes it easier to put them on the spurs. I have used a T shaped tab and I have riveted just a strap in the back. The problem I have with this is that it can be difficult to attach the to the spurs for some people, with the screws they can put the strap on the spurs then put the strap back on the spur leathers with the screw.(be sure to put lock tight on the screws or they will came undone). I will try to put some pictures on after I make the next pair, sorry but I don't have any pictures right now. Mark

These are not really hidden. There is no holes and slits cut in these spur leathers in this picture. I do mostly custom work and had not received the measurements that I needed to put the holes in the right place's. I take a lot of measurements on most every thing I make, from chaps to headstalls to spur leathers to belts. To me that's what make them custom made. Same with covering the rivets not that most care or even know the difference but I do. That's just me. I have hidden the spur button in the lining with success before. Thanks for the great comments.

Hilly The first picture is a lady's purse. Thanks for the comments.

This is my first pair that I have carved. I line all my spur leathers with 2-3 oz. strap and try to keep all hardware away form the boots if I can.(rivets ect.) These have hand engraved concho's by Ken Cureton.

Hi my name is Mark Barcus. Here is a little about me, my family, and our small leather shop. Cow Camp Saddlery is a small custom leather shop located near Lusk Wyoming, where I manage a ranch with my wife of 19 years, and 2 boys Jeremiah and Joseph. I got my start in leather with the help of my dad who was a 4-H leader. I did leather craft in 4-H for a few years, then in 1987 while in high school I needed good gear, but was a high school kid with no money. At the time I was working for area ranchers and taking in outside colts to ride. I took an old pair of my dad's batwing chaps and cut them down into a pair of chinks, what a crud pair that was. I have learned by trial and error, reading books, and studying other makers gear. Now with 20+ years, I have made some nice gear for myself and others. I like to know how the gear I make fits, how comfortable it is, how long it lasts, and if it works. The cow work, horse work, and trail riding with the family here on the ranch allows me to test the gear that I make on a regular bases. I have competed in ranch roping's, ranch rodeos, team roping's, and other horse related events, where I can gain many new ideas to make my gear even better. God has given me a wonderful family, a good job, and a talent that I hope to share with you. Wyoming is a beautiful state to raise a family and to live in, no matter what direction we look we always see the Lord's amazing beauty. Mark, Annette, Jeremiah & Joseph Visit My Website Hereare some projects that I finished.