rht Report post Posted March 16, 2009 Been watching, reading and learning here for a while. This is a great resource! Thought it was about time to say "hi". After a hiatus of fifty years I got my original tools out of the attic a couple of years ago to try leatherworking again. Getting close to retirement I thought it might be a good way to keep me from going bonkers watching daytime TV. I just wish I could improve at a faster rate, but I keep pounding away and am thankful for any signs of progress and this forum has been a great help. Here are a few photos of a couple of my more recent ambitious projects. One thing I've learned is that photos can be heartless reality checks. They are great for finding all the little uh-ohs. Anyway here they are warts and all. Both of these are firsts - first briefcase for me and first purse for my wife. I am planning on doing more. The corner patterns on the briefcase are from a Chan Geer Corner Pattern Packet. The roses on the purse are adapted from "The Great Book of Floral Patterns" by Lora Irish. Hello again from Oklahoma. Thank you for looking. rht Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted March 16, 2009 Welcome rht! Those bags are great! You haven't lost much since you put away your tools, that's for sure! Just imagine after a few more months. Yikes.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hidepounder Report post Posted March 16, 2009 Doesn't look to me like you've forgotten anything! Both pieces look great! I know what it's like to try to start again, I took twenty years off myself. The great news is that there are more sources for tools, patterns, material and references than there ever has been, and most can been found right here on LW! Great job! Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted March 16, 2009 to Leatherworker.net! Great looking work rht! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2MadJacks Report post Posted March 17, 2009 well its 'bout time we get some fellow okies on here, glad to have you. nice work, James Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UKRay Report post Posted March 17, 2009 Classic and classy. Nice quality work and great design on that briefcase! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rht Report post Posted March 17, 2009 I would like to thank you all for the nice comments. Like I said before this forum is such a great resource. It is wonderful to have a place where the professionals are more than willing to share with those that are just starting out and hobbiests like myself and where there can be discussions without egos getting in the way. Just a great environment! Thank you again. rht Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sasquatch Report post Posted March 22, 2009 Welcome I look forward to your future posts, great work on the handbags. One quick question... What did you use for a finish on the bags? They are Beautiful! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gtwister09 Report post Posted March 22, 2009 rht, They look nice. The finish looks nice also. Welcome aboard! Taking time out has happened to a lot of us. Regards, Ben Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rht Report post Posted March 23, 2009 Sasquatch and Ben, I am glad you liked the finish. The finish is Tandy's Eco- All-in-One Cherry Chocolate followed with little antique paste and topped off with Neat-Lac for better waterproofing. This was after the customary oiling and sunning. I love the color (my favorite), not crazy about the way the All-in-One behaves on application on larger smooth areas. I wish they offered the same color in regular stain or dye formulations. So if anyone out there has extensive experience with the All-in-One colors I would like to compare notes. Thank you, rht Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
