Funeral Guest Book

[bruce johnson]

A friend of ours died a few days ago. Yesterday I was honored to be asked to make the funeral guest book which can then be used for a photoalbum afterwards. I realized when I set the first stamp it was eight years to the day I did the same thing for my first wife. In an inner sort of way, this was one of the best projects I could have done.

This guy was a cowman, and those who understand can maybe appreciate the design a little more. We live in an area where branding cattle is still done, and there are guys branding this time of the year. The center is a plugged hair-on hide inlay that I ran his brand on. I use a spoon tip on a woodburning pen to scorch the hair off and then dye the underlying leather. (well alright, I use a Sharpie). I seal the dye with LeatherSheen. I have done that on a lot of hair-on items with brands or initials and it really makes the dye last.

He was a real salt of the earth understated sort of guy so I kept the overall look pretty simple. The border stamp I chose is kind of a personal favorite. It is a copy of an old McMillen pattern I had Barry King make me up in three sizes. The old waffle stamp patterns were pretty popular, and the rope center design really "cowboys" it up I think.

[Storm]

A friend of ours died a few days ago. Yesterday I was honored to be asked to make the funeral guest book which can then be used for a photoalbum afterwards. I realized when I set the first stamp it was eight years to the day I did the same thing for my first wife. In an inner sort of way, this was one of the best projects I could have done.

This guy was a cowman, and those who understand can maybe appreciate the design a little more. We live in an area where branding cattle is still done, and there are guys branding this time of the year. The center is a plugged hair-on hide inlay that I ran his brand on. I use a spoon tip on a woodburning pen to scorch the hair off and then dye the underlying leather. (well alright, I use a Sharpie). I seal the dye with LeatherSheen. I have done that on a lot of hair-on items with brands or initials and it really makes the dye last.

He was a real salt of the earth understated sort of guy so I kept the overall look pretty simple. The border stamp I chose is kind of a personal favorite. It is a copy of an old McMillen pattern I had Barry King make me up in three sizes. The old waffle stamp patterns were pretty popular, and the rope center design really "cowboys" it up I think.

Bruce,

This is a beautiful tribute to a friend. I hope I might have something that nice when I pass on. The entire thing is right on the money. Wonderful craftsmanship!! A real western honor for a friend!!!

Storm

Edited January 5, 2010 by Storm

[jbird]

Very nice Bruce thank you for sharing it.

Josh

[abn]

Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, Bruce. What a great way to honor his memory.

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

Bruce, first I want to say I am sorry for your loss. Then I would add, the most fulfilling work I have ever done, is when it is done out of love. In this case your love for your friend makes this special. It has been said that it is not who you know that counts, but; rather who will say they were glad to know you! I am sure that is how you feel about your friend, along with many others. It is your gift to him that allows us all to know him through you. Thank you for sharing!

Bondo Bob

[Chris B]

Bruce I am sorry for the loss of your friend. It is a beautiful piece of work.

[TomSwede]

Sorry to hear of your loss(es) Bruce!!

Very good looking guest book and a great idea for a remembrance collection or how I should put it.

Tom

[Tkleather1]

Very Nice Bruce. I am too sorry for the loss of an old friend, I think he would have been honored.

Tim Worley

TK-Leather

[TimKleffner]

Bruce,

That's wonder ful work as always. My heart is out to you for your loss.

Tim