Skull on a Book

I am binding some magazines for the local guild and decided to have fun with the carving of the covers.  the topmost magazine in this volume had a picture of a skull covered in leather so I turned it into a picture that I could carve.

After all the carving was done, I covered the design with two layers of Super Sheen and the back ground with two layers of Block-out.

After it had dried, you cannot see where the Super Sheen and Block-out had been applied.

Then I covered the whole picture with Eco-Flo High-Liter and quickly wiped the excess off with a damp cloth.  Now the difference between the parts resisted with Super Sheen and with Block-out became very prominent.  It turned out exactly as I wanted, so I was well pleased.

I followed the instructions in Tony Lair's book about getting a Sheridan style finish to a carving after being inspired by Mike Pederson.  I will see if I can get a photo of the check book Mike had done in the same way.

A Doodle

I had to teach someone a masterclass in tooling and this was the piece I demonstrated techniques with.  I don't know what to do with it now....

New Hatband done

Here is the completed hatband - now to find a buyer!

A new Hatband!

The Potjie hatband sold - with the hat. Now I have to make a new hatband for the slightly smaller hat I made - for sale!

This is the hatband in progress ... aimed at the biker community.

A Band for a Hat

One of the most fun projects ever - the hat is just easy and fun. The hat band was made after I took a class from Dave Genadek on designing your own floral pattern. The Potjie in the center is there because I will wear this hat band with the hat on the Fourth of July when we get together for a Potjie Day (Dutch oven cookout)

 

 

 

A Top Hat

This is my third hat and a very fun project - as was the first two hats!

But this is only the start - I intend making various themed hatbands: 4th July / St Paddy's / Christmas / etc.

How else am I going to be able to wear it?!?

Or like someone pointed out: "Wearing it will be the occasion ..."

 

 

 

Some of my braiding

This shows some of the kangaroo leather dog leashes and collars I braid.

Bible Covers

These two are for sale and were made for the big Life Study Bibles ...

Two very trusty old designs that I like very much.

The start of a very fun project ...

Ah, no rules, I decided. I want to make a bag to carry stuff in - to
work or to a picnic or to stay overnight or just to carry stuff.

The stamping is all just empty headed doodling ... just fun.

A Set of Black Saddle Bags

This was a paid-for project. Black is not my favourite color for
leather. It hides good carving, it is difficult to prevent the dye
from bleeding and it makes it difficult to see detail of the work,
like when you are stitching.