Howdy From Livermore, Ca

[hobbihorse]

I'm a country girl from California! I grew up in a rural community, and my first exposure to leather tooling was admiring the leathercraft projects created by my 4-H "horse project" leader. The beautiful things he made seemed magical. I never dreamed it was something I could ever do myself. Forward clock 45 years (give or take), and I was still admiring tooled leather. I purchased a gorgeous vintage tooled purse at a thrift store, and hung it on my wall as artwork so I could admire it daily. For my 53rd birthday, my hubby bought me a beginners Tandy leathercraft kit, and I haven't stopped tooling since. As I mentioned in my profile, he claims that gift turned out to be the most expensive present ever, cause I wanna spend lotsa $$ for tools, stamps, leather, and other pricey supplies (U know what I mean!!) . The first year I just made stuff for friends and family as gifts cause I didn't think anyone would want to buy my stuff. After nearly 15 months of experience under my belt, they are now making requests! Hubby says (and rightfully so) I have to start recuping my expensenses! I think that is a hard transition, cause I still fight the feeling that I'm not good enough to sell my work. Any advice from fellow LWN members about how to deal with such feelings would be appreciated. I posted some of my first year projects on my profile gallery. I think this is the link: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?app=gallery&user=43733.

Edited November 6, 2014 by hobbihorse

[Tramps Leatherworking]

Welcome to the forum!

Remember --- Vincent van Gogh never sold a painting while he was alive --- beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

[hobbihorse]

Thanks Tramp. Van Gogh sold one painting in his lifetime...named the Red Vineyard at Arles...but your point is well taken!

BTW, what is your ride? Besides the 4-legged kind, my other horse is a 2000 Harley Road.Glide with killer flames on the fairing, tank and fenders.

[Tramps Leatherworking]

2012 Heritage...

[bruce johnson]

If you ever get over the Altamont, I'm in Oakdale and you'd sure be welcome to stop by.

[hobbihorse]

Bruce Johnson - OMG I found your webste when I first started leatherwork, and so admire your work! We keep our horse (recently had to put our 2nd horse down) at Basso's Areana in North Livermore off Vasco Rd, and I work at the Livermore VA. I'd LUV to take a road trip to see your shop. My "shop" is where our kitchen table used to be. The table was replaced with a big vintage desk. Fortunately my family is very supportive of my leatherwork. Hubby Mike drives me to Tandy in Union City every Saturday for classes, and he tolerates my leather overflowing into the dining room. Early on I bought the 3 editions of Al Stolhmans Encyclopedia of Saddlemaking at Tandy, and a saddle pattern on ebay... eager for the day when I have the experience and confidence to make one!

Tramp - Cool ride. What kind of MC accessories do you make?

[JAZZMAN]

Welcome hobbihorse, i too am new to the forum as well as being new to leatherwork,exciting times ahead for me i hope.

[hobbihorse]

Thanks Jazzman...same to you! When are you gunna post some pics? I'd luv to see some of your work!

[JAZZMAN]

Hi hobbihorse, i am not able to post pics yet for two reasons, one i have not even finished my first project yet(i really am brand shiny new) and second i am such a dinasor i do not think i would know how to do it anyway, i promise i will try though.

[hobbihorse]

Jazzman, Let us know when you finish your first project. You're at the right place to get help!!

Edited November 13, 2014 by hobbihorse