Howdy From Illinois

[REDTAILHAWK]

Howdy,

I recently joined the group. I am a collector of hobbies. I usually start one hobby which leads me into another. In the early 70's I got into falconry, which led me into leatherwork. Started with a beginners kit from Tandy. A few years later I was working at the local Tandy store. A few years later I was doing the craft shows in the area peddling my leatherwork. A while later I was doing some projects for Earl Warren of `Make It With Leather' magazine.

I sort of stepped away from doing leather for a few years a while back, but have gotten back into it a few years ago. I have been collecting a lot of old leather stamps on Ebay the last few years. Leatherwork has been a very big part of my life. I'd like to say a big `Thank You' to all the cows out there I've had the pleasure to pound on.

[King's X]

Welcome to the forum RTH!

[Havamal]

^{Welcome aboard! Look forward to seeing some of your work}

[immiketoo]

HEy fellow Illinoisan! Where you located?

[REDTAILHAWK]

HELLO, IMMIKETOO,

LITTLE NORTH OF PEORIA. YOU?

[REDTAILHAWK]

Here are some photos of what I've done over the years.

[immiketoo]

Your stuff looks great! I'm in the western suburbs of Chicago. I have been to Peoria on many occasions though

[George B]

Welcome and some nice work. Originally from Galesburg but know Peoria well.

[REDTAILHAWK]

Thanks, guys. Sounds like we have an Illinois Reunion started. Hey, George B, I've never made a saddle yet, but here is something you might be interested in. A couple months ago, I picked up a saddle on Ebay that Ann Stohlman made in 1965 I think. I've heard it called the Thunderbird. I've heard she made two of these.

[chancey77]

Hey there!

I really admire your stuff, especially the wood box with the desert scene.Also of course the Tele Pick Guard.

I can't wait to see what else you have hiding away in your picture log....And Falconry, is just an amazing way to hunt and that is just plain super cool that you also do that!

Great to meet ya!!!!!

Chancey

[REDTAILHAWK]

Thanks, Chancey. Since you are in Finland, you don't happen to collect Rapala fishing lures, do you? I am a big collector of them. Here are a few other photos:

I should mention I didn't do the great woodwork on the jewelry boxes, I just made the leather inserts for them. I was into falconry for around twenty years or so. I still keep up my license, but don't have any raptors at the moment. I do have a white-front Amazon parrot though that I've been trying to train.

[Thelovingheritage]

I was reading through this post and noticed someone said they're originally from Galesburg any chance there's other that would be willing to give one on one advice.