AlexOstacchini Report post Posted May 21, 2019 (edited) 6 to be precise, not really lots, but seemed like a good part 2 to 'Lots of tooled belts'... Would combine into one thread if I knew how to change the title so as not to clog up space. These are in the same style as said belts, but although the finishing touches and assembly was recent, most of the tooling was done over a year ago and so unfortunately is not at the same standard as the belts. Since making these I have imported some lovely new tools courtesy of Mr Barry King which has made life much easier, and become a little more familiar with Western patterns. They say a bad workman blames his tools but good ones sure make a difference, as well as putting more time into drawing and planning the floral design, which is where i feel these suffer most. This was early days, but maybe a good 'before' and 'after' comparison can be made between threads... Anyhow, excuses aside, moving on. These are all (obviously) built to the same pattern and were my first attempt at building up stock in lulls between jobs. Hand tooled, hand stitched, fully lined, and with double loop edge lacing. Closing pins are laquered antler, which laces through a pair of eyelets on the back. Shoulder straps not in the photos but will of course be included... Many lessons learnt with these but I hope you like them anyway. thanks, Alex Edited May 21, 2019 by AlexOstacchini Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
garypl Report post Posted May 22, 2019 I really like these Alex - colors are great! Gary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RockyAussie Report post Posted May 22, 2019 I agree with Gary they all look great Alex. I don't think you have much reason to excuse your work for as I am sure many here would like to be so good. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikermutt07 Report post Posted May 22, 2019 I can see what you are saying about the tooling not being as good as the belts, but come on they still look awesome. Don't sell yourself short. The right clientele will pay good money for these and your belts. You are well on your way to being someone in this craft. Keep it up and try and get some marketing done. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted May 22, 2019 Yup, it's good for a guy to see where he can improve... that's HOW you improve. But I think they look pretty good. The lace on the flap only is a little different (different is good), and the colors look great (is that stain?) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smartee Report post Posted May 22, 2019 They're awesome! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YinTx Report post Posted May 22, 2019 Fantastic work, and it is a lot, I'm all happy when I finish one thing in a month lol. YinTx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
noobleather Report post Posted May 23, 2019 Great carving and lacing work there! 13 hours ago, YinTx said: Fantastic work, and it is a lot, I'm all happy when I finish one thing in a month lol. YinTx I agree with YinTx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AlexOstacchini Report post Posted May 23, 2019 Thanks all, don't mean to come across as overly pedantic as there are of course elements i am happy with, but as these are intended for eventual sale it is difficult not to be critical of aspects that I know in hindsight could have been done a lot better! All part of the learning process i suppose. On 5/22/2019 at 11:05 AM, JLSleather said: Yup, it's good for a guy to see where he can improve... that's HOW you improve. But I think they look pretty good. The lace on the flap only is a little different (different is good), and the colors look great (is that stain?) Thanks, mostly fiebings oil dyes with antique gels/ high lighters over the top. A lot of experimentation really, before I had discovered a working formula and not really how I would go about it now, but thankfully came out in relatively even coats! Alex Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sheilajeanne Report post Posted May 23, 2019 I think they're beautiful! Where did you get the deer antler pins from? I've only ever been able to find them at Tandy, and they don't always have them in stock. When they do, they charge an arm and a leg for them! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AlexOstacchini Report post Posted May 26, 2019 On 5/23/2019 at 11:50 PM, Sheilajeanne said: Where did you get the deer antler pins from? I've only ever been able to find them at Tandy, and they don't always have them in stock. When they do, they charge an arm and a leg for them! Glad you like them- the antler was bought as a bulk lot of tines from ebay or etsy I think, it was quite a while ago so can't remember exactly, but I don't recall them being especially expensive. Then it's just a case of drilling them out, chamfering the ends and varnishing. Antler pieces are sometimes sold as dog chews so I've found it's worth looking round pet shops as well- As much as I have found Tandy useful it doesn't surprise me that they are expensive! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sheilajeanne Report post Posted May 26, 2019 Alex, pet stores aren't much better than Tandy! I was in TSC today, and 10 inch pieces of deer antler were being sold for $27.00 each! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikesc Report post Posted May 26, 2019 (edited) Take a walk anywhere that there are deer and you find them when the deer shed their antlers..When they shed depends upon the species and where they are.. You might also look for items in "garage sales" etc, be careful when sanding or otherwise working with antlers and horn, you do not want to breathe any dust created. Edited May 26, 2019 by mikesc Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
