Newbie Sheridan Pattern

[Rowdybarn]

I am brand new to the leather working world. I have tools on order but have not recieved them yet. Coming into this, I knew I wanted to draw my own patterns, so I have just completed my first pattern. What do you guys think? Any critique or compliment is welcome.

[Bob Blea]

First off, welcome to the forum! Second, your off to a really good start! I like your design. The only suggestions I have would be 1) to add a distinct flower stem for each flower and 2) shade in your background areas. The flower stems give the flowers a visual anchor to the rest of the design and keep them from looking like they are just floating there. It also adds another visual element to the design since the stem is usually carved/stamped differently than the other leaves to make it stand apart. For the background areas, I always have problems with my background areas looking bigger on the final carving than they do when I draw it. Shading the areas in the design that will be backgrounded helps you visualize how much negative space you are really going to have, and you can decide if you want to break those areas up more or if you are satisfied with them the way they are.

Hope this helps!

Bob

[Rowdybarn]

Do you have an example of how to add a distinct flower stem? Thank you for the critique!

[Rowdybarn]

Here it is with shaded backround and a couple changes....

[electrathon]

As Bob said above. Each flower needs a stem coming out from it. Also, widen up your vines so there is less background area. Less background, more flowers and vines is good.

[Bob Blea]

Do you have an example of how to add a distinct flower stem? Thank you for the critique!

I apologize I didn't see your response until today. Here is a picture of a flower with a stem. This is just one way to do it, people have lots of different ways of carving their flower stems. The stem is the part coming off the flower at about 10 o'clock. It's wider than the leaves and I ran the veiner along the side to give it texture.