immiketoo Report post Posted August 7, 2015 I started my leatherwork journey almost exactly three years ago. I started it right here on LW.Net too. This page has some of the greatest people in the world on it and between this and the friends I have made in this industry, I can honestly say its changed my life. I want to thank everyone here who has every helped me, and I hope I can return the favor sometime. Generally speaking, leatherworkers are the best people in the world with very few exceptions. As I was commenting on some posts recently, I realized just how far I have come in the last three years, and how much I owe to sites like this. I encourage all of the beginners to stick with it no matter how frustrated you become, and all veterans to continue to help those who need it. Here are some examples from three years ago and today. Maybe if some of the other veterans post up where they started, it will encourage others as it has encouraged me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thor Report post Posted August 7, 2015 Excellent job Mike. You should have included the bar stools as well. Or just the link to your FB profile. Way to go! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
immiketoo Report post Posted August 7, 2015 Thank you sir. The web page is www.Facebook.com/michaeldaleleather Take a look! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
immiketoo Report post Posted August 7, 2015 Thank you sir. The web page is www.Facebook.com/michaeldaleleather Take a look! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wishful Report post Posted August 7, 2015 Those are all nice Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted August 7, 2015 That DO look like progress I remember way back, you asked how that belt was done, and when I said 'the background is matted' you replied "ALL OF IT?@#%#!$#!!???" Look atcha now .... Somebody wasta tell me those seats were laced by hand.. I gonna say "ALL OF IT?@#%#!$#!!???" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DoubleC Report post Posted August 7, 2015 Mikie is nice to see ya home. I wouldn't call myself a veteran, still a student of the craft. I love it when I can help someone and find there's still so many things I can't answer. I have found a niche that I'm going to focus on now, pet supplies, collars, leads, etc. Well strappy stuff, belts, bracelets too. May call the website that. Strappy stuff It's nice seeing you. I'm surprised you didn't put your rose on. Cheryl Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YOHOHO Report post Posted August 7, 2015 Wow...very impressive. this gives me hope. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
immiketoo Report post Posted August 7, 2015 I didn't want to overrun the thread with a zillion pics. Y'all can look at my page if you want to dig in the weeds. Its all there. I remember that too, Jeff. I remember thinking screw that! Or hand stitching guitar straps. I still have a ton to learn, but I am happy with my progress. CC, it's good to be back and you should find your niche and stick with it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bob Blea Report post Posted August 10, 2015 Mike, you've come an amazing way in just three years. I've been at this seven or so years and haven't come as far as you have. For my part, here's a few items. The first is a checkbook cover from a Tandy kit that was my first leather project, and I still use it. The second is the back of a notebook that was one of my first attempts using a geometric, and it wandered a bit. I got much better at those by the third picture, and a lot better at floral in the last two. The purse was just earlier this year and was my first attempt at building one of those from scratch. I still have a long way to go and this site has been invaluable in my learning and development. I too am very thankful for all the help I've received from others here over the years. Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
immiketoo Report post Posted August 11, 2015 Bob, I've seen your work, and you don't give yourself enough credit. Your work is fantastic and I think we each find out niche. I can't do some of the things you do even though I've tried. That's the beauty of it. There's something for everybody! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bob Blea Report post Posted August 11, 2015 Mike you're not the first person to tell me I don't give myself enough credit. I might have to start believing it one day. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
immiketoo Report post Posted August 12, 2015 Well its true. Humble is good. Keep that, but you are a fine leatherworker. Who else is brave enough to share their progression? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JRDill Report post Posted August 16, 2015 This is inspiring work! I love it! Thanks for sharing, and hopefully I will be somewhere in this ball park in three years! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shtoink Report post Posted August 16, 2015 Holy Hell! Those last three images... They truly exemplify the level of control and attention to detail that you've gained. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
immiketoo Report post Posted August 17, 2015 Thanks, Keenan. I really appreciate it. Hope things are with you! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
