Paula C Report post Posted April 3, 2009 I'm new to leatherworking, started in early March with my first Tandy class and I took my first workshop this past week with Chan Greer in Asheville. Hides to Art put on a fantastic spread, they even had vendors there. Since I didn't have any tools I was able to buy some basic supplies to get me started. There were Three different 3 day workshops. I was amazed with all we learned. He took us step by step through the process to create a Sheridan Style tooled pencil holder. We even learned how to do lacework. When I got back home thought my brain was going to explode from all we covered. I made a second one while it was still fresh, then created a cover for my new roundknife that I won at the workshop raffle! I'm learning the basket stitch so I also made a cover for my new glass slicker (is that what it's called?) I'm posting my pencil holder I made, the Head knife holder I made from one Chan showed us, and the Slicker cover (since it's glass and I've already dropped it 3 times). Appreciate your critiques, hoping to keep learning and improving. So any suggestions, tips, or improvements you see appreciated! -Paula Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
electrathon Report post Posted April 3, 2009 Talk about starting the learning process at the top! Chan is both a great teacher and great at leatherwork. Aaron Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paula C Report post Posted April 3, 2009 And what a great sense of humor...whenever I'd do something stupid, he'd say there's no such thing as a stupid mistake, only happy learning opportunities. Which as many mistakes as I made, was a good thing! -paula Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pete Report post Posted April 3, 2009 the pencil holder is excellent! The nicest compliment that I can give is..." is that CHAN'S OR YOURS!?" I can't tell the difference!!!! pete ps- neats or Bee Natural oil, and med brown antique!??? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paula C Report post Posted April 4, 2009 Now that's a real compliment, and it was all me Trust me side by side, you'd know. He's amazing! He showed us how to use RTC Sheridan resist, (we only got to dry it for an hour which is rushing it for sure, he said usually he'd prefer we wait overnight, then I used the Sheridan Brown Antique Finish as fast as my hands could rub it in and rub it off and finished with Tan Kote, but he did say he likes the Bee Natural Leather finish, and I thought I'd try that for the next project. Have you used the Bee Natural? Does it have a lasting finish? I'm running out of the samples the vendors provided during the class, and getting ready to place an order for some procarv and thinking about trying it. -paula Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Craw Report post Posted April 4, 2009 Hey Paula! Outstanding job on your projects. I was across the hall in Pete Gorrell's saddle lay-out class. It also was first rate and I got the same feed-back from some of the folks in Bob Beard's class. I think that Kevin and the Hides to Art bunch deserve a lot of credit for the job they did putting this whole thing together. They are already planning the classes for next year, and I plan to be there. I really can't recommend this event highly enough. Mike Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ArtS Report post Posted April 4, 2009 Great job Paula! I was with Mike in Pete's class. I had a great time. Wish I was still there. You are doing WONDERFUL!!! I also bought one of those slickers. Great idea for the cover. I'll have to make one too (before I drop mine). Hope you didn't chip yours. Your work is really nice. You learn quickly! Yawl missed a really good workshop. I can't wait until next year. Art Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paula C Report post Posted April 4, 2009 Hey Mike, I peeked in your Saddle design layout class, looked like an excellent class, very advanced. I know Kevin and Steve and the Hides to Art folks really worked hard on the event, it really was well run. Looking forward to next year too. Do you know are there other classes or workshops in the Southeast that may be coming up during the year? Would love to learn more, everyone was so helpful. -paula Hey Art, Thanks for the encouragement. Yeah I've been using the slicker, what a great design. Hey when I stepped into your workshop I picked up a sample of the Wickett & Craig leather samples. Have you ever ordered from them? Was thinking of placing an order for some of their tooling (which comes in other colors) for a few projects and was wondering if you had used it. Thanks again, -paula Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ArtS Report post Posted April 4, 2009 Hey Paula, Most of my leather I've gotten from W&C. I love it. I just got a couple of hides the week before last. Always ask them if they have any specials going. I got a black 9/10oz and a brown for $100 each. It is their Special grade which is 3rd grade but I've always ordered that and it has been beautiful. I can't imagine how nice their first grade is. I've never gotten any with holes int it or an un-usable section. Art Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Craw Report post Posted April 5, 2009 Hey Paula! I don't know of any other classes of this caliber in the Southeast. That's one of the reasons I made an effort to attend the workshop, and why I'll try just as hard to be there next year! Hope to see you there. Mike Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
