I Need Help Again.

[DoubleC]

I am honestly beginning to wonder how dumb one person can be, and I think I'm that squared. I have a really good friend in NH; although we only know each other by internet. He has always been supportive of my various schemes to try to make a little money, and recently sent me acrylic and a ton of other things so I could make my own templates. My partner and I split finally, so Double C is mine. (Cheryl Crossan). Yesterday I did a horse's eye for critique, only second try on it, but I was pleased I could do as much as I did from a picture. And I've had people helping me on here on how to get the depth I want, the definition and I was happy about that. I sent him a picture of my original eye after I scanned it, and he asked why was I suddenly going technicolor. I said I painted it as closely as I could to the picture.Then a member on here showed me how to get the definition and he dyed his. So I sent that pic to my friend and said, "this must have been closer to what you expected.'

He said no, he thought I should use one of my cat eye stones, and make a slit in the the leather from behind, smaller than the cat eye, push it through, and glue it and another piece of leather on the back.

I wrote and asked him when in the 'Hades' did he come up with an idea like that? Then he wrote me and said, "I assume the help you're getting is on the eye highlights, so use the spring loaded awl I just sent you and put an Austrian crystal in for the highlight. I told him I thought that would make a killer HIGHLIGHT, but I was a leatherworker now, not making blinged conchos like in the past and until I learned how to work the leather, it didn't matter how many crystals I added.

Just got an answer....Whatever.

I am so sick of people telling me where I should head, and what to use, and how. I was sad but relieved when my partner walked away. But almost overnight my friend of years has decided to steer me, and in exactly the place I just came from.

Does anyone know where you can buy a backbone? I know this isn't exactly leather work topic, but it is to me. I want to create beautiful things with leather that I'm not ashamed of people seeing, and I want it to be more than a 10 buck set of conchos. I want to learn to carve. I want to learn to tool better, I want to learn when to paint and when to dye. I don't want to learn to put a catseye? in a horse eye, for heaven's sake.

[Kevin]

Sounds like you have the backbone already, just aim for what you want and you will get it eventually. Not everyone is going to understand why you want it and you may not either sometimes. Keep plugglng away and slowly but surely you will get there.

IT will happen.

Good luck,

Kevin

[DoubleC]

Sounds like you have the backbone already, just aim for what you want and you will get it eventually. Not everyone is going to understand why you want it and you may not either sometimes. Keep plugglng away and slowly but surely you will get there.

IT will happen.

Good luck,

Kevin

Thank you Kevin. Maybe I do have the backbone. I just am tired of making concessions to other people's idea of what I should create and how fast. And as much of a friend as John has been, and how supportive, he hasn't gotten it yet. Maybe it's because I'm unsure myself at times like you say, but I'm about to revisit a business plan I made up about 6 weeks ago and see how much MY direction has changed, and get it down in writing for myself. Thanks for writing. Cheryl

[electrathon]

Sometimes our friends can see the picture that is bigger than us. We are too close to see any more than we can focus on. I have read a lot of your posts, and I see that you are trying to learn. Sometimes learning can be a slow and painful process. Keep in mind that your friend, weather he was correct or incorrect was giving his advise to you to the best of his ability, just as you are trying to work to the best of your ability.

Wait a day or two and call him. He is likely feeling sad, just as you are.

Aaron

[DoubleC]

Sometimes our friends can see the picture that is bigger than us. We are too close to see any more than we can focus on. I have read a lot of your posts, and I see that you are trying to learn. Sometimes learning can be a slow and painful process. Keep in mind that your friend, weather he was correct or incorrect was giving his advise to you to the best of his ability, just as you are trying to work to the best of your ability.

Wait a day or two and call him. He is likely feeling sad, just as you are.

Aaron

You're right Aaron, he's my best friend and I'm not going to let this change that. It just seems that suddenly everyone wants me doing things fast, and I want to do them right. This has always been about creating to me, creating beautiful lasting things and maybe that can't be a part of business anymore. I don't want to believe it though. Maybe I am going too slow. I have a veg tanned belt that I want to cut to make a headstall, so I can FINALLY get some of my work on my site. And I'm afraid to cut it. It's the only leather I own besides conchos. I don't feel like I know enough yet about tooling it. I'm afraid I'll mess up the cuts. I don't have buckles for it yet. i haven't made a template. All these things keep running through my head. I don't have all the things to burnish the edge.....I am literally paralyzed by indecision right now. Some folks recommended I make some earrings, etc out of my conchos. I have a ton of those but no fittings. So I just keep doing things here, trying to learn and maybe putting off decisions, I don't know.

A lot to think about in a logical manner, not this continuous circle. Thank you Arron for writing. Cheryl

[LNLeather]

.........I am so sick of people telling me where I should head, and what to use, and how.

Hi Cheryl

I read and understand your post, and can totally relate to what you are saying... Congratulations, btw on your choice to become a leather worker.

You are gonna love it! I just did recently, and I Love the new found freedom to be creative in my own way. I too have lots of friends that have lots

of suggestions of what I should make. Also I find, no matter where I go and show what I am making... Everyone has an idea or preference for

something other than what I have just made. Don't get me wrong, they like what I have made, it is just that they have their own creative ideas too.

This reminds me of the time I was at the Post Office showing someone in line what I was making. I had different items with Horses, Dogs,

the Moon & one with the Sun, and they said hey that is nice, but do you have something with a Black Crow? I was pretty proud of what I had, and

they wanted something else. You are just going to find a lot of people will want What They Want... Heheheh People are funny, aren't they?

Whether it be Close friends or Complete strangers, some ideas will jive with what you're thinking/making, and some wont. But that's OK...

They are just expressing their own creativeness too and most likely don't mean to have had their ides come off as criticism of your work.

I think everyone has their own Favorite Thing.

You probably don't even have to say much, or you could say "Oh, that a good idea". And then just tuck that idea away in your list of ideas...

Whether you mean that or not isn't as important as just making your friends feel like their thoughts are OK too. Most everyone is just trying to be helpful.

They are just ideas, and not orders. ......... Unless they are actually asking you to make something specific for them.

It is probably wise for us to decide whether we are only going to make what we want to, or down the road, maybe we are going to take "Special Requests"...

Everyone has a little different idea of how they are going to conduct their leather business. But........ it might be wise for us to be open minded, to a certain degree.

Let others have their creative ideas, with out taking it like a personal affront.

And maybe........ down the road....... you might just change your mind about one thing or another. And that is OK too.

As far as leather workers go, even the masters have a few different ideas about how to do things. Although the basics are probably going to be the same,

you will find some differences. And that is OK. Some of this leather work is done the same by most, and some is learned through

experience and your own personal preference. and that's OK too.

Thank Goodness for Leatherworker.net and how all those folks share their ideas and experience with us.

There is soooo much to learn... so what ever you do...... Have fun!

[DoubleC]

Hi Cheryl

I read and understand your post, and can totally relate to what you are saying... Congratulations, btw on your choice to become a leather worker.

You are gonna love it! I just did recently, and I Love the new found freedom to be creative in my own way. I too have lots of friends that have lots

of suggestions of what I should make. Also I find, no matter where I go and show what I am making... Everyone has an idea or preference for

something other than what I have just made. Don't get me wrong, they like what I have made, it is just that they have their own creative ideas too.

This reminds me of the time I was at the Post Office showing someone in line what I was making. I had different items with Horses, Dogs,

the Moon & one with the Sun, and they said hey that is nice, but do you have something with a Black Crow? I was pretty proud of what I had, and

they wanted something else. You are just going to find a lot of people will want What They Want... Heheheh People are funny, aren't they?

Whether it be Close friends or Complete strangers, some ideas will jive with what you're thinking/making, and some wont. But that's OK...

They are just expressing their own creativeness too and most likely don't mean to have had their ides come off as criticism of your work.

I think everyone has their own Favorite Thing.

You probably don't even have to say much, or you could say "Oh, that a good idea". And then just tuck that idea away in your list of ideas...

Whether you mean that or not isn't as important as just making your friends feel like their thoughts are OK too. Most everyone is just trying to be helpful.

They are just ideas, and not orders. ......... Unless they are actually asking you to make something specific for them.

It is probably wise for us to decide whether we are only going to make what we want to, or down the road, maybe we are going to take "Special Requests"...

Everyone has a little different idea of how they are going to conduct their leather business. But........ it might be wise for us to be open minded, to a certain degree.

Let others have their creative ideas, with out taking it like a personal affront.

And maybe........ down the road....... you might just change your mind about one thing or another. And that is OK too.

As far as leather workers go, even the masters have a few different ideas about how to do things. Although the basics are probably going to be the same,

you will find some differences. And that is OK. Some of this leather work is done the same by most, and some is learned through

experience and your own personal preference. and that's OK too.

Thank Goodness for Leatherworker.net and how all those folks share their ideas and experience with us.

There is soooo much to learn... so what ever you do...... Have fun!

You are so right Cheryl. I just went through a nasty split with my partner in the business of what? 6 weeks, LOL. And I was sad but relieved. We couldn't agree on whether it was raining or not. But John's been a friend of mine for years and he only has my best interests at heart even though yesterday to me he sounded like my ex business partner. All I was 'hearing' was criticism and someone telling me what I 'should' do. It was just a suggestion really on his part, he thinks there's an easier way to make a horse eye and doesn't understand why I would want to spend more time trying to carve it. I realized today I could do both. He and another friend asked me if I'd thought about doing leather concho jewelry yesterday at almost the same time since I started in leather doing blinged leather bridle conchos no one wanted, LOL. So since I own all the leather conchos in the world, LOL it sounded like a good idea for my site, a line of jewelry I'd LIKE to make. But I didn't have any findings anymore, and was just having a bad day and took what he said wrong. so today I wake up, it's a new day, and a good one and I start hunting through the house for things and I have stuff to make a really nice set of concho earrings or two, plus a necklace. I have things out, all ready to start, and it feels good. These will be tooled, not carved but I'm still going to be creating. That doesn't mean I'm giving up my work on 'in the eye of a horse' and it also doesn't mean I'm giving up dying this dang black tack set either, LOL. I can do them all, depending on which mood I'm in.

I've already emailed him and apologized which he graciously accepted. So I'm off to create :-) You guys are so cool, I mean really neat people. I figured this thread would get taken down, or no one would respond, but I underestimated you. Thanks so much, Cheryl

You're right Aaron, he's my best friend and I'm not going to let this change that. It just seems that suddenly everyone wants me doing things fast, and I want to do them right. This has always been about creating to me, creating beautiful lasting things and maybe that can't be a part of business anymore. I don't want to believe it though. Maybe I am going too slow. I have a veg tanned belt that I want to cut to make a headstall, so I can FINALLY get some of my work on my site. And I'm afraid to cut it. It's the only leather I own besides conchos. I don't feel like I know enough yet about tooling it. I'm afraid I'll mess up the cuts. I don't have buckles for it yet. i haven't made a template. All these things keep running through my head. I don't have all the things to burnish the edge.....I am literally paralyzed by indecision right now. Some folks recommended I make some earrings, etc out of my conchos. I have a ton of those but no fittings. So I just keep doing things here, trying to learn and maybe putting off decisions, I don't know.

A lot to think about in a logical manner, not this continuous circle. Thank you Arron for writing. Cheryl

I've already emailed him Aaron and apologized. :-)

[rickybobby]

Cheryl,

Is there a Tandy's near you? They have many classes including "beginning tooling". That may give you the start you need! There are books that have some basic tooling techniques, look on Tandys website. Buy every book you can afford, start reading and your direction will be clearer.

Also, maybe look into a subscription of "The Leather Crafters and Saddlers Journal" They have projects that range from beginner to advanced. It also will stir your creative mind! Buy back issues that come up for sale once in a while, you can get a huge dose of inspiration all at one time instead of waiting for a new issue to come every 2 months! I have 12 years of back issues and I go through them all the time for ideas, tips, and inspiration!

http://www.leathercraftersjournal.com

You seem to be a frustrated artist with little or no direction. Set you sights on something achievable and practice. Also take a look on Etsy and see what is on there to see if something stands out, not to steal an idea but to improve and make it your own.

Starting a business is hard enough but starting one with no products is impossible. Strike out in a direction of what you want to learn, perfect it, produce it, and then put it up for sale. Marketing items you make on Etsy is a good place to test the market for prototype items you make. It is inexpensive and has lots of support. You might think of putting your website aside for right now, Etsy is a friendlier "beginner" environment that will get your crafts 100 times more exposure than your own website will. Many people earn their whole living selling from Etsy, many do not do as well on their own website so put more energy to their Etsy store.

http://www.etsy.com/

Just my thoughts, congrats on doing your own thing!!

Edited January 15, 2012 by rickybobby

[DoubleC]

Cheryl,

Is there a Tandy's near you? They have many classes including "beginning tooling". That may give you the start you need! There are books that have some basic tooling techniques, look on Tandys website. Buy every book you can afford, start reading and your direction will be clearer.

Also, maybe look into a subscription of "The Leather Crafters and Saddlers Journal" They have projects that range from beginner to advanced. It also will stir your creative mind! Buy back issues that come up for sale once in a while, you can get a huge dose of inspiration all at one time instead of waiting for a new issue to come every 2 months! I have 12 years of back issues and I go through them all the time for ideas, tips, and inspiration!

http://www.leathercraftersjournal.com

You seem to be a frustrated artist with little or no direction. Set you sights on something achievable and practice. Also take a look on Etsy and see what is on there to see if something stands out, not to steal an idea but to improve and make it your own.

Starting a business is hard enough but starting one with no products is impossible. Strike out in a direction of what you want to learn, perfect it, produce it, and then put it up for sale. Marketing items you make on Etsy is a good place to test the market for prototype items you make. It is inexpensive and has lots of support. You might think of putting your website aside for right now, Etsy is a friendlier "beginner" environment that will get your crafts 100 times more exposure than your own website will. Many people earn their whole living selling from Etsy, many do not do as well on their own website so put more energy to their Etsy store.

http://www.etsy.com/

Just my thoughts, congrats on doing your own thing!!

Hi Rick. No I don't have a Tandy store around here, only a Michaels. I checked my store's schedule and couldn't find anything soon relating to leather work. I have a store on Etsy which I haven't checked in forever. I could open a new one with the things I have now, which are different than my endless blinged conchos :-) Yes, when you can list an item for 4 months for 20 cents, it's hard to beat that kind of deal. My website is finished at this point except the meta tags so I can get it spidered. It's a free google thing they are doing for small businesses, at least for the first year, with a REAL domain name, and after a year, if you're satisfied with it, I think it's 4.99 a month. It's only a 5 page site, but has intuit site designer and is really easy to use, i slap things on there, move them around, and take 'em down like a big collage in my head. Much easier than when I used to code everything.

You have given me lots of ideas Rick and I saved the link to the journal. When I'm on eBay trying to snag tools as cheap as possible, I'll check for this too.

thanks so much, Cheryl