Scottish Thistle Tape Measure

[MHolzer]

I'll be the first to admit it, the carving on this piece is rough. The stitching is uneven and the edging is really lumpy.

But I think it turned out really well all in all. I'm particularly happy with the design because I actually drew the thistle myself (and if you could see my normal attempts at drawing you'd be impressed too!)

I made this leather covered tape measure for a friend who weaves tartan scarves and shawls. I think he'll like it

[Ferg]

I am not trying to be hard on you BUT. If I was going to give someone a gift of what I done, it would be at least the second of these. This is pretty bad.

ferg

I'll be the first to admit it, the carving on this piece is rough. The stitching is uneven and the edging is really lumpy.

But I think it turned out really well all in all. I'm particularly happy with the design because I actually drew the thistle myself (and if you could see my normal attempts at drawing you'd be impressed too!)

I made this leather covered tape measure for a friend who weaves tartan scarves and shawls. I think he'll like it

[MHolzer]

Damn dude, that's harsh. But you're right.

[Ferg]

I am sorry. I have a hangup on hand crafted product that is sold or given to friends that is sub par. I done Stained Glass for a number of years and was simply appalled at what is being sold as

great work when it stinks.

I have thrown away more product than some folks make over the years, simply because I didn't think it met standards I placed on my work.

Strive for excellence in what ever you do, even if it means your friends and family won't get to even see what you done when starting out.

Just trying to be helpful.

ferg

Damn dude, that's harsh. But you're right.

[Kevin]

Ow,

Everything is relative, normally I hate painted leather, but I really like this. I like the colors and the kind of phosphorecsent effect and I can almost taste the raspberry in the background.

Kevin

[wareagle]

In My culture (Native American .... Mescellro Apache) we traditionally give the first new project away to friends and or family yes they may not be perfect or all the bugs worked out but it is the first edition and will bring us good returns on our next endeavors. So far it has not lead me astray. I think is a good first attempt at this item. I know some of my first attempts I wanted to burn or shred but followed the teachings and each attempt after that got a little better.

[joker]

I am not trying to be hard on you BUT. If I was going to give someone a gift of what I done, it would be at least the second of these. This is pretty bad.

ferg

I dont post much on here but I do read alot of the posts. MHolzer I think that what you did is just fine. Im sure your friend will treasure this for a lifetime. You think enough of him to take the time to handmake him something that he will use. You even stated in your post that there were some things that needed attention on the cover. Im sure your next one will be even better. This craft isnt something you can pick up over night and be a pro at it, practice is everything. So for someone to slam your work and tell you "This is pretty bad" I feel is uncalled for. We all can use some construtive criticism on our work but I feel that was uncalled for.

Just my two cents worth which isnt worth 1/2 cent

Joker

[bruce johnson]

I am with Kevin, that coloring is pretty cool. I don't know how much work you have done and this is the "Show Off" and not the "critique my work" my work section, but here goes with three things deal. The stitching needs some help. Shortening the stitch length up by using a stitch marker of some type will help them to be even in length, closer together and look cleaner. The edges are a little wavy and you know that. Circles are really hard to cut and not get a flat spot. The smaller they are the harder it is. If I try to fix them with a knife it usually makes it worse. I don't know what you have for equipment but I am sure not above using a dremel or power sander with coarse grit and taking down the high spots in the outline and feathering them in. Double beveling to round up the base of the thistle will make it kind of "pop'' and not look as flat. Double beveling round things gives them some dimension. There is some good stuff going here. Good job with the coloring. I don't do much color work, but like mostly what I see there. Drawing your own patterns is stepping out there. Ending up with something functional but admitting right off that you knew there were areas to improve on means that you will improve.

[Ferg]

Bruce,

I agree with most of what you have to say. I know that some times I lean a little heavy but praising what is really bad doesn't help anyone get better. The gentleman knew his work was pretty bad, I simply saw no reason to tell him it was okay.

I have stated before that I have had my own business since I was 18 years of age. That included Radio and TV repair, Building and remodeling fine homes and industrial buildings as well as building commercial cabinetry. I cannot think of a man or woman I ever had working for me saying in later years that how I taught them was wrong.

I was director of a 32 member singing group for five years. We traveled all over Ohio and Indiana. What is your reaction to a singing or instrumental group that is lousy. If they couldn't stand the heat they just stayed home.

Some times constructive criticism is harsh.

ferg

I am with Kevin, that coloring is pretty cool. I don't know how much work you have done and this is the "Show Off" and not the "critique my work" my work section, but here goes with three things deal. The stitching needs some help. Shortening the stitch length up by using a stitch marker of some type will help them to be even in length, closer together and look cleaner. The edges are a little wavy and you know that. Circles are really hard to cut and not get a flat spot. The smaller they are the harder it is. If I try to fix them with a knife it usually makes it worse. I don't know what you have for equipment but I am sure not above using a dremel or power sander with coarse grit and taking down the high spots in the outline and feathering them in. Double beveling to round up the base of the thistle will make it kind of "pop'' and not look as flat. Double beveling round things gives them some dimension. There is some good stuff going here. Good job with the coloring. I don't do much color work, but like mostly what I see there. Drawing your own patterns is stepping out there. Ending up with something functional but admitting right off that you knew there were areas to improve on means that you will improve.

[Denise]

If they couldn't stand the heat they just stayed home.

And this is the result of harsh criticism that isn't constructive or meant for the person's best interest. Giving only praise with no advice on improvement doesn't help either. Bruce's criticism is constructive as it gives practical hints on how to improve. It gives information on what to do differently next time, while encouraging that improvement, and at the same time pointing out the positives in the work - and there are always positives! Leatherworker.net is here to encourage people in the art of leatherwork. Telling someone they did "pretty bad" with no offers to help doesn't do that. Let's all work to encourage one another.

MHolzer - what kind of tape measure did you cover? How big is it, since it looks like it would be pretty small in the picture. And as for the drawing - congratulations. Getting over hurdles, doing something you aren't naturally good at, stepping out of the box, whatever you want to call it - just going for it like that deserves a .