Personal Opinion On What The Best Way To Learn Leatherwork Is

[silverwingit]

sawyer,

I feel your pain. In my own case, there came a time when I sensed that I needed a big boost in my skills before I could be satisfied with anything beyond my simplest projects.

What I did was find a local Master Saddlemaker with over 50 years of experience and arranged to pay him a handsome price for one day's worth of 1 on 1 tutelage. This gent does amazing carving and is a walking encyclopedia about leather and its many construction techniques. I'm not into making saddles, so we never even touched on that subject. But I did learn about how pro's do everything from casing their leather to finishing their final products. I learned about where to buy professional-level tools (Barry King, etc.) and how to use and sharpen them. I learned of several sources for leather and about an upcoming Colorado Saddler's Association trade show (terrific opportunity to sample and purchase tools, attend seminars, meet other experts, etc.). I even learned from him much about the leather business and local consumer trends in ways that made me change my own business plan.

Best money I've invested in my leatherwork other than hundred of dollars worth of sharpening equipment!

Check out local saddlers for the real "skinny" about leatherwork. You'll waste more money on Tandy junk if you continue to feel your own way.

At least that's the way I see it.

Michelle