Averya Report post Posted February 25, 2013 I finally finished the breast collar for my horse that matches the bridle I made for her last fall. A few glitches, but for the most part I am happy with it. It is lined in a soft red leather. Critiques are certainly welcome. I'm still learning and have a long way to go. Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cmantz Report post Posted February 25, 2013 I think it looks GREAT!!! Isn't it funny how we, as the makers, can look at something and see all the flaws but yet others look at it and think it looks perfect? I can't see any "glitches"..that is for sure. I love. I have yet to tackle my first breast collar...but it is on the books as I finally got a sewing machine. Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Averya Report post Posted February 25, 2013 Thanks Chris...I appreciate the feedback. This was my first so it was a real learning curve. I will do some of the construction differently on the future ones. I see you do laser engraving....something I am very interested in. Can you tell me what machine you have? Thanks Avery Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cmantz Report post Posted February 25, 2013 I have a Universal 30 watt laser (12"x24" bed). Go to my profile and you can see the images I uploaded of some of the items we have lasered. I am just starting out with the leather...be doing this about a month...so still learning. We have had the laser for 7-8 years and primarily use it for awards, plastics, signs...we also have a sandblaster (for wine bottles, glass, stone, etc) so he uses the laser to create the mask for the sandblaster. We also do some delrin stamps and acrylic templates. I may pick your brain when I start my first breast collar. I need to figure out what I need as far as hardware. Where is the best place to get those (considering I don't want to buy it lots right off the bat)? What size rings, buckles, etc. Do I cut the straps that attached the breast collar to the saddle or do you buy those precut? I don't have a strap cutter so what is the best way to cut straps? How to attach buckles and rings? Do I need to use rivets? Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Averya Report post Posted March 2, 2013 Hi Chris: Thanks for the information on the laser. It sounds very interesting to me. I was a glass arttists for over 30 years and did a lot of sandblast etching and photo resist work. I still have my sandblaster, but sold all the other glass equipment when I discovered leather. I'd love to pick your brain sometime on the laser. I'm no expert on making tack, so I'm probably not the best person to ask on this forum. I just went with what I wanted for my horse. The ring is 2.5 inches for the center of the collar. I use a combination of rivets and sewing for strength. Some people think rivets look cheap, but I like them for a decorative, as well as functional purpose. Yes, I cut the straps myself. I just have one of those inexpensive wooden strap cutters from Tandy. You can buy straps pre cut, but you pay a premium. I buy my supplies from both Tandy and Springfield Leather. I have accounts with both. If I need something really different and special, I will search the internet, Ebay, Etsy, etc until I find what I want. The buckles and d-ring size will depend on how wide you make your breast collar. When you start your first one, you can email me privately with any questions. As I said, I'm no expert, but I will gladly help where I can. averya@earthlink.net. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tina Report post Posted March 2, 2013 This is probably one of the nicest pieces of horse gear I have seen, thanks for sharing the inspirational pictures Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aurelie Report post Posted March 2, 2013 nice one! congrats Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
