Newbie from Down-Under

[AnnieO]

Hi Everyone, just saying g'day and love the leather work i've seen on the site. I've just started a TAFE course and have only done 3 hours worth of "getting to know tools and some hand stitching" - pretty new huh!!!! My first project will be a rifle scabbard, then a bridle then the big one - a saddle The class is learning from a Master Saddler, one of the best in the coutry, Hans Van Hees, and it's all hand stitching - even the saddle!! Don't know if i've bitten off more than i can chew but i'll be giving it 150% effort - can't wait till i've got some pics to show, hopefully in the "show off" section not the "oops i've made a boo boo".

Look forward to chatting to y'all...........

[IanCantwell]

Welcome onboard,

Sounds like you're taking a positive approach, I don't think you can go too far wrong learning from a master, I started that way and there was as much to learn about what not to do that what is correct, that sure cuts down on the mistakes. Can't wait to see you show off your work. Ian.

[daviD A Morris]

Welcome to the board AnnieO,

I have known Hans for many years and he is one great craftsman can't enough good things about him as person and a saddle maker. Hope you enjoy the course and this forum.

dam

[serena]

Welcome to the forums.

[$$hobby]

hello and welcome

[calanneh]

Welcome aboard Annie!

First rule....you gotta post lotsa pix of your work!!

We all love to see!!!

cal

[AnnieO]

Thanks for the welcome everyone!!!

I don't have much to show at the moment - just few stitches and a carving (the carving turned out ok actually) - the hardest thing i found there was what tool to get what effect. Look forward to chatting with y'all soon.

And yep DAM, Hans is just the nicest bloke as well as being an awesome craftsman/saddler!! I've even been out and had a few shots with him (the gun type not the tip 'em up and swallow type)

Love the work i've seen so far on this site - i'm sooooo envious

[BillB]

AnnieO

Welcome to the Forum. I would love to see your first carving. We all had to start some where. They make for a good ice breaker here. You will find that we are all working to promote this art form and help others and ourselves as we do so. I hope I never stop learning since it will mean I am living on Mud Road.

[leatheroo]

welcome annie, where downunder are you, i live in geelong victoria! hope you are enjoying the forums

caroline

[Kanga]

Hello and welcome AnnieO, good to see another Aussie here. I am in the Yarra Valley, Victoria and mostly do roo hide plaiting and hand stitched sighthound collars, also from roo.

hope you have fun here.

Linda

[tonyc1]

Hello and welcome AnnieO, good to see another Aussie here. I am in the Yarra Valley, Victoria and mostly do roo hide plaiting and hand stitched sighthound collars, also from roo.

hope you have fun here.

Linda

Linda, is a Sighthound the same as a seeing eye dog?

Tony.

[Don101]

Welcome it looks like you have you plans set so dont hesitate get some pics up so we can see you progress as you go along, al the best in you course, and keep at it, Don

[TomSwede]

Welcome aboard!

That's the right spirit!!

Tom

[Kanga]

Linda, is a Sighthound the same as a seeing eye dog?

Tony.

haha, no! but I can see why you might have thought that. sighthounds are the breeds of hunting dogs that hunt mainly by sight and then run their prey down, so greyhounds, whippets (my breed), salukis, afghans, deerhounds, wolfhounds etc. They have long slender heads and long necks so need wide collars.

Linda