Custom Tooled & Painted Saddle Bag

[ChesterHasAProblem]

This is my first tooled bag and one of the first tooling designs that I have made by myself. The wheat and wild roses were included to reflect the Albertan prairies where the client lives. 

Solid brass hardware; the bag is finished with mink oil; and the tooled piece also finished with resolene to try to preserve the painted parts. The leather is bought from an old style Mennonite community in Belize, where I suspect is was made. The pattern was modified from Retro Leather Goods' leather saddle bag pattern.

This project has taught me to use antiquing gel! Tooling takes too long to not use the proper product.

Any thoughts, recommendations, or critiques? I would like to know how I can improve.

Thank you.

[DieselTech]

Ah we need some pictures?

[ChesterHasAProblem]

Sorry, I unintendedly posted a duplicate post. The original has the pictures, but here they are again. 

[Dwight]

I'd wear it proudly if I were a lady

May God bless,

Dwight

[chuck123wapati]

great looking bag indeed. The only thing I would do is change that inner piece on the flap. What does it do?. I would either lose it or lengthen it all the way around,skive it down and trim it closer to the stitch line and stain it to match better. oh, and i would beef up your stitching on the strap ends, those take the most stress on the whole bag and will tear out if it gets too heavy. All in all, that is one nice-looking bag. I really like that leather, and your tooling is wonderful.