"trying" stamps before you buy/reference to go by

[pete]

I go to Springfield leather more than I need to but I'm always on the lookout for tools/stamps. I see basketweave tools all the time and don't trust that they are consistent.

Take a piece of your child's PLAYDOUGH with you. . Flatten it out like a pancake and press the tools into it lightly.

Not only can you see what it is going to look like later but it's a great way to practice basketweave patterns on your final project. Don't waste leather practicing if you don't have to!

Playdough doesn't stick to the tools so Kevin won't get mad at you either.

Also- I have 7 flower center tools. I numbered each one on the shaft and stamped each one on a 1/4" belt strip with the number next to it. It lays in the tool holder behind the row of tools. This is really neat when you are doing a flower and want the perfect center to match it. When I was beginning I just grabbed what I thought would look good, whacked it and realized that the center didn't compliment the design , was too big, too small, etc.

pete