LNLeather Posted August 20, 2011 Report Posted August 20, 2011 If they couldn't stand the heat they just stayed home. Some times constructive criticism is harsh. Bully.... for you and your accomplishments, but It is not what you say, it's How you say it. (I think) Harsh criticism is Not constructive..... 99% of the "leather-work critique" I see through out the forums is in-line with the "flavor" of this site... Kind, Encouraging & Helpful Harsh criticism is more of a power trip than it is thoughtful or helpful... it crushes my spirit... How do 'you' react when you get harsh criticism? Dosen't feel too good does it? Most of us are here to learn, and I learn better when I am happy and having fun... Read what it says after the forum titles...... Show Off!! What have you been up to lately? Show it here! If you want a critique, just ask! Our members willingly share their knowledge and experience. or Critique my Work! If you post a pic here, you want people to tell you what you did right, what you could have done better, and what you need improvement on. All constructive replies welcome, and no hurt feelings! I am fairly new to leather working, and have a lot to learn... But I sure am having a lot of fun doing this! I look back at some of my first attempts and have to laugh, and bless my friends and family for appreciating them as I did at the time MHolzer The very first thing that caught my eye was your background coloring - I really like the way that turned out. I have Scottish heritage and have just been learning about their popular designs - The Scottish thistle and the Rampant Lion. I appreciate your design and can totally relate to your comment about "your normal attempts at drawing" because my drawing attempts are soooo Hilarious & laughable..... I totally agree with the Joker and I think that what you did is just fine and I am also sure your friend will treasure this for a lifetime. I know I would! Quote ~Cheryl There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart... pursue those...
Members bdt46 Posted August 20, 2011 Members Report Posted August 20, 2011 Constructive criticism, I always thought was where you tried to explain to someone what the shortcomings were with what they were doing! This can be done in a mannerly, non-destructive sort of way. Seems like I remember an old saying that goes something like "The worst wheel of the cart squeaks the loudest." Quote
Members BIGGUNDOCTOR Posted August 20, 2011 Members Report Posted August 20, 2011 First off this is a gift, and hopefully the recipient will accept it as it was meant -as a heartfelt gesture. I have received items that were not top notch, but I loved them anyway, as they were given to me by friends who cared enough to make something, as opposed to buying something. As your friend uses this it will develop some character, and look well loved. To smooth the points on the outer edge you can also use a sanding block to smooth them down some, then burnish them a bit. The carving will get better with time,and practice. Careful layout will help a lot in the overall look of a piece. Keep working at it, and posting your progress. Quote You laugh at me because I am different. I laugh at you because you are all the same.
Contributing Member Ferg Posted August 20, 2011 Contributing Member Report Posted August 20, 2011 Cheryl, I think maybe you are one with a problem. Where do you get off thinking you are such a high and mighty. Why don't most of you get off it. I sent MHolzer another message that obviously most of you never bothered to read. There was nothing malicious in what I said to the gentleman. I voiced an opinion. Actually I believe he took it for what it was. He did say I was RIGHT. Oh, you didn't read that either. ferg Johanna, Please can this thread, this gets totally out of hand. Bully.... for you and your accomplishments, but It is not what you say, it's How you say it. (I think) Harsh criticism is Not constructive..... 99% of the "leather-work critique" I see through out the forums is in-line with the "flavor" of this site... Kind, Encouraging & Helpful Harsh criticism is more of a power trip than it is thoughtful or helpful... it crushes my spirit... How do 'you' react when you get harsh criticism? Dosen't feel too good does it? Most of us are here to learn, and I learn better when I am happy and having fun... Read what it says after the forum titles...... Show Off!! What have you been up to lately? Show it here! If you want a critique, just ask! Our members willingly share their knowledge and experience. or Critique my Work! If you post a pic here, you want people to tell you what you did right, what you could have done better, and what you need improvement on. All constructive replies welcome, and no hurt feelings! I am fairly new to leather working, and have a lot to learn... But I sure am having a lot of fun doing this! I look back at some of my first attempts and have to laugh, and bless my friends and family for appreciating them as I did at the time MHolzer The very first thing that caught my eye was your background coloring - I really like the way that turned out. I have Scottish heritage and have just been learning about their popular designs - The Scottish thistle and the Rampant Lion. I appreciate your design and can totally relate to your comment about "your normal attempts at drawing" because my drawing attempts are soooo Hilarious & laughable..... I totally agree with the Joker and I think that what you did is just fine and I am also sure your friend will treasure this for a lifetime. I know I would! Quote
Members roo4u Posted August 20, 2011 Members Report Posted August 20, 2011 well i am a braider and not a carver so i dont see anything wrong with the carving part....i agree with the others, very nice colors. edge and stitching are a bit rough, i agree with bruce, shorten your stitch and you can use some sort of sander on the edge to take off the bumps... the things that make a handcrafted gift special are the unseen things you put into it...if a friend gave me this as a gift i would treasure it. Please accept the kindly given advice offered here and ignore those who choose to be, well, downright mean with what they say. Quote TRACY MONSTER FARM SPECIALTIES-custom tack for dog, horse and human
Phatdaddy Posted August 21, 2011 Report Posted August 21, 2011 I like the finish on this a lot. I don't even try finish like this yet. Good for you. Quote
Members Rhide Posted August 21, 2011 Members Report Posted August 21, 2011 The colors are stunning! You already knew the problems , no need to be chastised. I'll bet your friend appreciates it. Keep at it. Quote
Members Damocles Posted August 21, 2011 Members Report Posted August 21, 2011 interesting thread but to the point! i'm new here and i don't have allot of experiences. but i do have i hope a generous spirit and i say bravo for showing your work. i think its a fun project i love the Scottish styling and i'm sure with time things will tighten up on your craftsmanship. the important thing is that you tried. all juryes start with the first step. i think the project speaks volumes about your sens of creativity and willingness to jump right in. you are obviously a creative person. i don't think iv seen any thing like this posted. so it shows that you thing out side the box and that is a good thing. I my self am a full time fine artist and tho i can appreciate a good gun holster its just not my' thing (not a criticism of any ones work) i want to explore and see what others are doing that takes leather in to a new realm of creative expression' you have demonstrated that in spades! so again Good job. do more. we are all supporting you 100% in your jurnye of self exploration thew your art . PS not to put fuel on the fire but that is how you support a member its 99% positive and 1% negative. if we do the opisit all the time how many new people will stick around here and what would that mean? the end of Leatherworker.net ? there are ramification to what we say even if it is on line. to coin a faze the pen is mightier then the soared. and one last comment we all don't really know each other and you mite want to consider that because of that we don't know how are criticems will be taken this is a multicultural world wide site and are American style in your face communications are considered rude out side of the US there is nothing wrong with being gracious Paul Quote
JohnBarton Posted August 21, 2011 Report Posted August 21, 2011 I prefer to get gifts that people think will be pleasing to me. If they made it by hand and I can use it then I treasure it. If I can't use it then I display it. Think of what Da Vinci's little sketches that he frequently gave out were worth. I see nothing wrong with giving imperfect pieces to friends and family. THOSE are the people you want to practice on and not customers. :-) It's ok to be harsh and critical but not in the show off section. Unless someone invites criticism just let them show off what they did. There is a place on the forum called Critique my Work where people invite it. Here I think it's polite if the criticism is gentle and positive if given at all. Also we should not forget that not everyone has the time and money to make multiple pieces until they get it "just right". As my friend the great cue maker Bill Stroud said about pool cues, "there is no such thing as a perfect cue". And there is no such thing as a perfect leather item. Gifts made with love get free passes all the time IMO. Quote Support Quality. We are all humans. Buy the best no matter where it's made. That way everyone lives in harmony. Nature knows no flags.
Members wildrose Posted August 21, 2011 Members Report Posted August 21, 2011 Personally, I'd be happy to be the recipient of such a thoughtful gift. Every leatherworker has to start somewhere with their ability level. I teach kids alot, and let me say this is MUCH better than some beginner work I've seen. What you need to work on has been mentioned, so I won't restate it. It's all a matter of practice. Quote Holly Moore Wild Rose Creations http://www.wrcleather.com
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