2007 IFoLG Competition Room

[Mike Phelps]

Thanks to Johanna and all for posting pictures from the show.

But for any of you that were there????? I've always been awestruck by Peter Mains work, especially the necklaces. The pictures he takes of them are truly beautiful and I have always wondered how they would actually look eyeball to leather? His skill at leather artistry, not withstanding, he has considerable skills at presentation and photography.

[ClayB]

Hi Marlon,

I am glad you had a good time at the show. Thanks for the nice comments on my work. Thing is, I would never have gotten to the point I am at with my carving if it were not for people that I have met at shows like that one. All the people you meet at these shows, from beginner to master are really nice people, and willing to share whatever they can. It's easy to get intimidated when you look at the things Robb Barr did, or Peter Main, Paul Burnett, and so many others are doing. But once you get past the "Wow, I could never do anything like that" and study how they do things, ask them questions, take their classes, read their books, you will improve a LOT! Bruce Johnson mentions doing things "outside his comfort zone". I think that's important too if you want to improve. You have to try new things. If it doesn't turn out the first time, it's not a failure, it's a learning experience. Going to shows like this has been a great way to make new friends, and get inspiration and encouragment. Sounds like this one was no different.

[Randy Cornelius]

We just got back from Ft. Worth last night. To answer Clays question, Peter Main won the world compition with an Angel picture, it was really awsome. My son Riley won the Junior Divison with a 1st place with a checkbook cover he did. I took a 1st place in the advanced division with a carved Portfoilo. We had a great time.

I would like to comment on someone's comment that they would never show because they were intemidated. Everyone should show. You learn so much by showing that it is worth it. I compete not with everyone else but with myself. I try to do better than I did the year before. The show will be in Indianapolis, In next year, everyone who works leather should try to enter something. You will be glad you did. You get to go in the show room and look at everyone elses work. You get so many ideas of how things are done simply by looking at others work. All you have to do to show is join a leather guild. There are 3 levels, open class, advanced class and masters. In each level there are many different class to compete in. Pictures, cases, holsters,pocket items, etc. Look at the International Federation of Leather Guilds web site and you can look at the classes etc.

I enjoy going every year and seeing the people that I only get to see at the show or Sheridan. I wish I knew Johann was there so I could have met her. Maybe next time.

Randy

[Rawhide]

Thanks for the advice Clay. I am definitely trying to expand my comfort zone. Right now that is color dying. I really like the idea of dying the leather, rather than coating it with the covas. Dying takes a lot of work to get it just right. One of these days....,

Anyway, I will definitely continue my pursuit. I love working with leather and people seem to like my work. Hopefully that will continue.

Marlon.

[The Major]

Nice seeing the pictures. wish I could have been there. Looks like the talent is really stacking up. I am glad to see more skulls and flames in the competition this year. Congrats to all the winners.

[robert]

I took a 1st place in the advanced division with a carved Portfoilo. We had a great time.

hey Randy - I knew I recognized your name! My notebook was 2nd behind your blue ribbon... Your portfolio was great - I pulled up the pic last night and showed my wife what I placed behind - and felt good about it!

Darn, I really hate that i didnt meet any of you fine folks...

[ClayB]

Hi Randy,

Congrats to both you and Riley. Can you tell us which pictures your projects were in? Thanks for letting me know who won the world competition. I pretty much figured when I was filling out my entry form that I could have just wrote the check out to Peter, even though I had no idea what he was entering. Any idea who took second and third? Seems like that Sheridan style clock should have done well.

Clay

[Kevin King]

What i wanna know, is how in the.........did they do this?

http://www.leatherworker.net/ifolgdisplay/...es/PA190140.jpg

http://www.leatherworker.net/ifolgdisplay/...es/PA190141.jpg

[Don101]

Congrats to all that wone and to all that took place, some exelent art works i noticed a few from here amongst all those pics well done everyone, Don

[ClayB]

Kevin,

Isn't that cool? Not sure who did that or how, but this is how I would proceed. The tree would be carved as a normal carving, then stretched from the back side to give it the shape. Then you take either a scalpel, or a pro petal tool and slice into the part where the opening is. I would pack the back side where you created a cavity when stretching with leather dust/rubber cement mixture. Once that was dry, re tool the front and add details. I am not sure if they carved the bunny on the same piece of leather (if they did, that took some talent) or if it was carved on a seperate piece and slid into the opening.

One of the great things about going to the shows (or attending thorugh a great set of pictures) is seeing all the things other people come up with.