Ostrich Shin Inlay Wallet

[MonicaJacobson]

Show off, kind of... not at all.

This one was a flop - oh, it's a nice wallet, but it's has three too many devastating mistakes.

First, this was my first time using ostrich shin inlay, and i didn't think to glue it down on something else before I glued it to the exterior of the wallet, so I couldn't get it smooth enough.

Then, I cut the exterior larger so I could trim it down flush, but that required that I get everything aligned properly, which I did not manage to do. Thus, very crooked inlay. I guess I'll have to re-think my procedure.

Oh well.

Kidskin interior, Horween essex exterior, handsewn with tiger thread, 8spi.

[grmnsplx]

I see what you mean bout the inlay. Excellent design though. Looks great. Will you try it again?

Also, what the Essex like?

[Tugadude]

Great potential and cool design. With your skills I am not following why the cutout for the inlay wasn't squared up. I agree some stiffener on the ostrich skin is in order. Still, I'd bet someone would be thrilled to have a nice, functional wallet even if it isn't up to your usual standards.

[MonicaJacobson]

@grmnsplx (whaat is that, anyway?) - thanks, I'll probably do something like it again sometime, but I'm bored of all the pockets right now. Essex is nice - it's soft, a little stretchy, and almost feels spongy, but it's a nice leather to work with. It isn't frail like some cheaper/softer leathers.

@Tugadude - lol, I really felt dumb, it's true. It's not like I finished it and saw what I did - I saw it as soon as I had glued it and trimmed the edges flush. But I couldn't see it until then, and by that point, it was far too late. I figured I might as well keep going and finish it, and maybe keep it for myself - my current wallet is awful - it's from 3 years ago, soon after I started leatherworking.

[snubbyfan]

Oops, still looks nice though.

[MY63]

Hi Monica

If I ever get to your level of mistakes I will be very happy.

Don't give yourself a hard time you made a mistake and you can see where you went wrong pretty good in my book.

Michael

[MonicaJacobson]

Ha, thanks, Michael. No worries, I have a list of deserving people that have some of my earlier stuff that is really bad - I replace the bad stuff, one prototype at a time. They don't mind the little nitpicky things.

Unlike some crazy people... (you know who you are), I don't take scissors to my mistakes.

[MonicaJacobson]

Btw - I got stuck looking through your site. I really like the work you've done, especially the gladstone bag. Did you ever finish that? It was looking pretty sweet.

[MY63]

Thanks Monica

I have a box full of things that I did not get right my stitching is an issue but in my defence I do have some pretty serious issues with my right hand which requires more surgery very soon.

The Gladstone bag is for myself and unfortunately it keeps getting put on one side while I do other projects which I am being paid to do so that is ok.

I have fitted the handle assembly but it needs adjusting as it does not sit well. Being totally honest I don't have a use for it but I really like it. It is like my collection of writing slopes I don't use them but I like having them

I have added a picture of my latest project for a fellow fountain pen addict it is a cover for a Hobonichi planner she asked if I could carve a bird on the front, she owns the big red cylinder case I made a couple of years ago I had better check to see if that is on my blog.

I have attached a picture so everyone can see it.

I enjoy carving I would love to know how you vary the depth of you detail especially on the foxes which are neat btw.

Michael

[thefanninator]

Nice work Monica. I like the brass catch... and you creased the edge, looks nice. Only thing I might have done is line the back of the catch piece.

[MonicaJacobson]

@MY63 - Nice, I've seen that bird image several times, and wondered how it would look carved into leather. It works surprisingly well. The red cylinder case is sweet. I've been wanting to do something like that, but have chickened out for various reasons.

What kind of leather did you use on the refit of the gladstone bag?

Did you mean the leather foxes I've done or the tagua nut ones? If you mean tagua, I never got beyond beginner carving, and I used a dremel. My lack of skill with perspective got in the way.

@Chris - thanks! I did crease that one piece of horse - I keep meaning to send you a bunch of creasing questions, since you have the actual tool. About lining the catch piece - I don't think you can. Until you bend the piece, it won't even go into the clasp. I don't think you could add lining to it and have it fit. I did wonder about that, though.

[MY63]

Thanks Monica

I was referring to your leather carving of the foxes although the other carvings are also very good.

The Gladstone bag was 1.8mm to 2mm veg tan shoulder the inside is pig suede mounted on 2mm grey board. I will finish it and let you know when the pictures are on the blog. I have put the full story of the red case on my blog.

Michael

[MonicaJacobson]

Thanks, I'll take a look at your blog again.

I'm really not that great at my leather carving yet. I stopped practicing until recently, so I'm still at a fairly early level with it. Proper casing is the most important thing, and after that, sufficient knife-depth, which means a properly sharp swivel knife. I've been meaning to pick up a few Barry King backgrounders. I think they would help a lot.

[MY63]

I am also still learning about carving I have read the casing thread a few times and I think I understand it. working out where to bevel and background has me totally lost. I am not artistic at all I guess that is why I like carving as I can trace the design "No talent required" :lol: