One Final Floral Portfolio....at Least For A While

[Double U Leather]

Quick update on this notebook...I delivered it to the customer at the AQHA World Show this past week, and he was over the top thrilled with it. And, in a matter of a couple days, 3 other people who saw it wanted one also. Hopefully, they will follow through and really order them. Anyway, all is good.

[WinterBear]

Mind if I ask you a question leatherrookie? You make such nice notebooks that I got inspired and decided to try one of my own (and probably make a complete hash out of it, but have fun doing it anyway).

Getting to the point, I bought a kit to give notebooks/address books a try, or to at least to use as a pattern until I figure out what I am doing. I took a look at the veg-tan in the kit for the outside cover yesterday, and it's a piece of neck, I guess. Considerable texture,and all over--not a "clean" spot bigger than about a square inch. Is it worth trying to turn into a notebook cover and just tool the entire surface, including the spine, to disguise the wrinkles, or should I use it as a pattern and cut a piece from something smoother and less likely to be stretchy?

[New leathercrafter]

Very nice tooling!! Did you just use olive oil like you buy at the store?

Thanks, ~New Leathercrafter

[Double U Leather]

Again, thanks for the kind words everyone. I really appreciate them.

Winter....I'm not sure what to say about your leather, not being able to see it. I do know that poor quality leather will turn into a poor quality finished product. No matter how awesome someone tools or stamps, if the quality of the leather isn't good, it will really take away from the expertise and time a person puts into it. I tried to take a shortcut this past winter on a wallet and bought a kit. I figured I was way behind in the shop, a kit with everything pre-cut and pre-punched would save me at least several hours, and the fact that it was only a small project, I went for it. BAD MISTAKE. The leather wasn't good, the holes didn't line up right, just a bad deal all the way around. Lesson learned. I really like the web special sides of Hermann Oak from Springfield Leather. Clean, good leather. And, as I make things from scratch, I gain a better understanding of construction. I learn along the way, and am able to keep tweeking things to get exactly what I want, not what somebody running the computer or die cutting machine thinks I want. Just my 2 cents.

New leather.....Yes. The olive oil I use is right off the shelf at my local grocery store. I can't tell you the brand name, but it's extra virgin olive oil.

Edited November 12, 2011 by leatherrookie

[Hilly]

Here's one more floral portfolio notebook. This is the last one on order for a while. I think it turned out pretty good minus the boo boo's. There's one sure enough oops that a customer will never see, but is glaring to me. Now it's 3 rope cans and a saddle. As always, any critiques or comments are welcome. Be blessed gang.

You are SUCH a rookie!

Seriously, NICE work, as always!

Hilly

Edited November 12, 2011 by Hilly

[WinterBear]

Exactly what I needed to know. I'll toss the cover and lining that came with the kit into the Scout box for the Troop to mess around with and cut a new piece.

[hidepounder]

Hey Rookie, I have to agree with Bondo Bob.....you're not a rookie any longer! Your work has really progressed. Personally I like the name "Dead Cow Molester". Wish I'd have thought of it first, LOL! Good job!

Bobby

[Double U Leather]

Thanks Bob. I really appreciate it. My work is still a long ways from being considered "master" level though. I'll look into a change of screen names....LOL

[New leathercrafter]

Ok thanks! Again great job on the note book cover.And you are not a rookie your work is great!