Alan Bell Report post Posted June 29, 2009 Finally finished saddle no. 5 on a Wade tree by John Calhoun (Ray Holes). Vaya Con Dios, Alan Bell Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bob Report post Posted June 30, 2009 Alan Bell, the saddle looks nice from a distance. The lines look good from here, but only you can see the close up hand work that goes into a hand made saddle. Keep up the good work. It takes alot of work and practice to make a nice saddle. I don't think I've ever made a saddle that I was completely satisfied with. Saddle makers seem to be the most critical bunch. At least of their own work. It's a good thing to see others saddle work and to be exposed to their critiques and comments over your work. LOL, we don't always come away happy though. I also like the seat jockey lines. nice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alan Bell Report post Posted June 30, 2009 Thanks Bob, I try and think ahead a little more than I used to and plan out the way the lines will look on the finished saddle. I go so long between each saddle that it gets difficult but I have folks like you and the others on this forum to inspire me! Being basically self taught forums like this are a God Send! You are right about being my own critic and while there are things I like about this saddle there are definitely things I dislike about it too. Hopefully I will improve on those things with each saddle I make. My first saddle I went through 5 sides trying to get things right and it still was pretty sorry. I sure could have used this forum then!! Part of my problem has been finding good quality trees and the internet has surely helped along with the folks I met through the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association. At some point in my life I might even take a sabbatical from driving a truck to go and have someone teach me how to make a saddle! Vaya con Dios, Alan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites