MarshalWill

Hey, that's an idea. Maybe take a stab at making one out of Delron. It would be a lot easier to cut than steel.

Oh no, I'm not that good. Not even close. I had that made by Jeff at Grey Ghost Graphics. He does spectacular work. It's laser cut out of Delron. I just wanted to illustrate the cut back around it to give you thge idea.

I will remember that. Be sure to post some of those feathers you do once you get one.

I thought about that but I still might want one so I'd better hang onto it.

Man, that's beautiful. You're fortunate to have found such a nice spot to live.

I have one but I've never used it. I bought it one time when I thought I might have a use for it but found out I didn't. So my only experience is that it doesn't take up much drawer space. LOL

That might do you well. It would take some practice but you'd soon find the best way to use one on feathers.

Beautiful work. I'd have a hard time choosing a favorite.

Those look good. I agree with @DieselTech that the feathers and sunflowers should be the most popular.

Don't be hesitant to take much off around it. Here's one I had made but notice how much was relieved around it. It makes it easier to align.

Hey, looks good! You're a stamp maker, now. I see you got a little outline shadowing when you made the impression. Taper it off around the letters and all you'll have left is the logo.

I only use a diamond awl to punch holes but then, I don't have a machine.. In the saddle shop we would use a machine to punch the holes, like @dikman mentioned. It pays to get a good diamond awl. I have several for different jobs but mostly, I use a 38mm Vergez-Blanchard awl. The 38mm is the smallest they offer. The brass collar is narrow and doesn't get in the way when punching close to some hardware or such. Shape the tip and keep it sharp so it penetrates the leather easily. The one on the right is a round awl not used to make holes for stitching but the others are diamond stitch awls. The one on the left is the Vergez-Blanchard. The one next to that is what I use for thicker leather. The other two don't get much use at all.

I always use pliers when I stitch. Often the second needle needs to be pulled through with pliers. Sometimes the first one does, too, depending on how many layers and the type of leather. Make sure you're using the harness needles others have recommended here. Those needles with the wide tips are for stitching canvas and upholstery, not leather.

It's nice to see how they go together. Thanks for that.

The little beggars sure did get to that one. It's good to see a garment like that made usable again.

I'll remember to order a base package if I go for a new machine. thanks for pointing that out. I think we all manage to get some things we don't need when stepping forward. Maybe you can sell the things you find you don't need and recoup some of the initial outlay.

That is outstanding. The prices aren't bad, either. Thanks for posting about these.

I'm looking forward to seeing your belt when it's done. Using a straight edge for long cuts is not all that hard. When I have to make a long straight cut, I use one of the large Vice Grip clamps to hold one end of the straight edge. I don't clamp it hard enough to leave a mark on the leather but enough to keep one end in place while I hold the other end by hand.

Thanks, I will. We're planning a move and I'm not buying anything I will have to move. Machinery and such will happen after we're all situated.

Thanks. I'll make a note of that. I'll probably be getting a machine later this year.

They are fine looking. Did you order them or make them?

Thanks for the link. I had not seen those before so it helps to read them, which I did thanks to your post. Knowing they exist, I did find that the link to the rules are located right under the header for 'Items For Sale'. The rules are clear enough, but I had not seen that link before. I went to the marketplace with a different browser and they showed. In this browser and yet another, however, they only show in grey as a link, not very obvious.

I'm fairly new here and may not have a clear idea of how things are done. I can see the reasoning behind the 100 post requirement but I can also see the point made by @Mulesaw On one forum I moderate there aren't those restrictions but there also isn't as much call to buy and sell things there. Perhaps the best solution is no post requirement and have a healthy warning at the top of the "Items For Sale" section. I may not have a clear picture of how things happen here so feel free to pick my post apart. I'll learn from that.

I kinda liked "toothpaste rule".

That rope border really made a difference. The green and red on the rose is also a nice addition. Very nice looking. He should be pleased with it.