Close But No Cigars

[HARVEY]

Here's another notepad holder but one that never left the shop. It didn't pass the Lutske Quality Control Test. Main reason: using 2/3oz, I managed to cut through the leather on the front. Even the stiffener underneath didn't stop the leather from separating. (One option could have been to cut out the whole panel and use it as an insert atop another piece, but I chose not to). Lesser reason: the more I looked at the woodgrain, the more it looked like the tree grew underwater. The overall impression, I think, is OK, but looking at it closely, I just wasn't satisfied with it. So, I just re-did the whole thing. The backside is the arrowhead basket weave pattern, using a custom Bob Beard basketweave stamp, and one of Barry King's border stamps: I love the double row pattern.

I sure am getting in plenty of practice, but that's OK. I've been in a slump for so long, I'm happy just to be carving and stamping again.

Harvey

[sdkid]

I think it is very nice work.

[TomSwede]

It looks very good though you couldn't use it.

I really like the stamping pattern on the back.

Tom

[bruce johnson]

Harvey,

The back is awesome. I like how the point from your maker stamp leads right up the arrowhead pattern. Way cool planning to have Jeff make your stamp like that. Good lettering on the front too.

About all I could add to the front would be to make the wood grain carry longer. I would make the majority of the lines about 2/3 to 3/4 of the board length, but start randomly. Don't start them all or end them all at the same place. Then make the curves somewhat parallel. Don't have two curves "kissing". They can get get closer and further, but at the same relative shape to each other.

[HARVEY]

Thank you for the kind words, one and all. On woodgrain, I changed the style on the remake, and am beginning to think less is more. On the side of one of Bruce's briefcases, I studied his method, only to discover he used laminate. (Ok, ok, it's still early in the morn, New Year's day). I have looked at other leather projects doing grain. WC suggested trying a hairblade as well.

Thanks again; I am always open to suggestions. (If anybody hurts my feelings, I just find my way to the refrigerator. )

Harvey

[Greybeard]

Thank you for the kind words, one and all. On woodgrain, I changed the style on the remake, and am beginning to think less is more. On the side of one of Bruce's briefcases, I studied his method, only to discover he used laminate. (Ok, ok, it's still early in the morn, New Year's day). I have looked at other leather projects doing grain. WC suggested trying a hairblade as well.

Thanks again; I am always open to suggestions. (If anybody hurts my feelings, I just find my way to the refrigerator. )

Harvey

Nice Work!

If it were me, Id connect some of the lines on the wood grain and use a modeler to tone down some others. I'd hate to see all that good work go to waste.