People who have inspired you in your leatherwork.

[machinehead]

In another topic here on the forum about a Push knife, member Mattsbagger attributes a video by noted holster maker Sam Andrews for getting him started into leather working. Even those of us who claim to be self taught have received inspiration in the craft from others. Many members here are very generous in sharing their knowledge and encouragement.

How many people have inspired you along the way as you work to make each project better than the last?

Whether through personal mentoring, books, videos, conversations  here on the forum, or whatever --- name some names. Living or deceased, who has contributed to your skill and knowledge?

 

[Sanch]

11 hours ago, machinehead said:

In another topic here on the forum about a Push knife, member Mattsbagger attributes a video by noted holster maker Sam Andrews for getting him started into leather working. Even those of us who claim to be self taught have received inspiration in the craft from others. Many members here are very generous in sharing their knowledge and encouragement.

How many people have inspired you along the way as you work to make each project better than the last?

Whether through personal mentoring, books, videos, conversations  here on the forum, or whatever --- name some names. Living or deceased, who has contributed to your skill and knowledge?

 

I for one can say that this forum and all of the members here both active and no longer active have contributed to my success and some failures (because of my interpretation or lack thereof lol!!) So to list all of the names would be kind of difficult!  Starting from the mass-produced cheap leather goods I have seen, all the way through to having seen breathtaking work has inspired me in one way or another. As far as the claim of being self-taught  I am guilty of  that claim  in that  I have never sat down  for any type of formal training with anyone, I initially started with the intent of making a custom motorcycle seat for my FLH which you see as my avatar. This led me to where I'm at currently, making my own tools and making custom pieces. No I do not have a huge following nor do I prefer one, but I am thankful to all here from the beginner all the way through to the most experienced!

[machinehead]

27 minutes ago, Sanch said:

I for one can say that this forum and all of the members here both active and no longer active have contributed to my success and some failures (because of my interpretation or lack thereof lol!!) So to list all of the names would be kind of difficult!

I second this. Thank you for a well reasoned response. I have seen some of your posts on the tools that you make and just want to say excellent work.

[Sanch]

1 hour ago, machinehead said:

I second this. Thank you for a well reasoned response. I have seen some of your posts on the tools that you make and just want to say excellent work.

Thanks!

[battlemunky]

Ian Atkinson and Nigel Armitage for sure. Their work on youtube has been indispensable. The first person was a forum member from a different forum that actually inspired me to try leatherworking though. Damn near everyone on this forum provides inspiration at a minimum and pulling from everyone's experiences both good and otherwise helps me out every project almost.

[machinehead]

10 minutes ago, battlemunky said:

Ian Atkinson and Nigel Armitage for sure. Their work on youtube has been indispensable. The first person was a forum member from a different forum that actually inspired me to try leatherworking though. Damn near everyone on this forum provides inspiration at a minimum and pulling from everyone's experiences both good and otherwise helps me out every project almost.

Ian and Nigel are gifted teachers for sure and certain. Their Youtube videos are a treasure trove of experience and knowledge. Nigel is a member here; but I can't recall if Ian is or not.

Thank You for the input.

[bikermutt07]

I agree with everything @Sanch said. Even the most novice person's here have brought unique ideas to the table. One person that I take inspiration from who isn't on here is Don Gonzales. He owns DG Saddlery down near College Station. I highly suggest his YouTube channel. That guy just grabs and works that leather like it is just a piece of cardboard. He just has a confidence with it that astounds me. Every time I pick up a piece I'm terrified of messing it up. Don just grabs it, and gets after it. He's a lot of fun to watch.

Thanks to everyone here who helped me along.

[machinehead]

3 hours ago, bikermutt07 said:

I agree with everything @Sanch said. Even the most novice person's here have brought unique ideas to the table. One person that I take inspiration from who isn't on here is Don Gonzales. He owns DG Saddlery down near College Station. I highly suggest his YouTube channel. That guy just grabs and works that leather like it is just a piece of cardboard. He just has a confidence with it that astounds me. Every time I pick up a piece I'm terrified of messing it up. Don just grabs it, and gets after it. He's a lot of fun to watch.

Thanks to everyone here who helped me along.

Don Gonzales is another great one. He has this unassuming down home demeanor when he shows his techniques that makes it easy to understand.

Just a quick note to you mutt.... I have seen time and time again how you encourage others on this forum. I would just like to encourage you to keep it up.

[bikermutt07]

8 hours ago, machinehead said:

Don Gonzales is another great one. He has this unassuming down home demeanor when he shows his techniques that makes it easy to understand.

Just a quick note to you mutt.... I have seen time and time again how you encourage others on this forum. I would just like to encourage you to keep it up.

Awww shucks... .

[rodneywt1180b]

Great question1

Everyone here.  You all have shown me what can be achieved with leather-things I would never have thought of or thought possible in some cases.  There's also another guy.  Cecheflo (sp?) on Youtube.  He does mostly automotive upholstery type work including things like covering steering wheels and gear shift knobs.  I've found his videos very helpful in my work at putting leather on cane handles.