tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82717954490116209372024-03-05T05:36:41.315-05:00AosLeather's BlogThere is a satisfaction that comes with making a thing with your own hands that is difficult to find anywhere else. Art of Spirit LeatherWorkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13000233801394372656noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271795449011620937.post-28539156060029245452020-06-24T23:02:00.001-04:002020-06-25T10:48:02.962-04:00Masks for All<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvr07henEAYXsLfYzcX99H_4EUhCAglHipWpBJADvNrxJSeXWTAhQ4i_rgb107rJ1ZMWS04ItoS2ysF5zpkPk2BnL7oxPb8n3WKIGD83somyqD6-W1pOK7z2CrOHXzavZhxm2PecW2QCs/s4032/masks.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvr07henEAYXsLfYzcX99H_4EUhCAglHipWpBJADvNrxJSeXWTAhQ4i_rgb107rJ1ZMWS04ItoS2ysF5zpkPk2BnL7oxPb8n3WKIGD83somyqD6-W1pOK7z2CrOHXzavZhxm2PecW2QCs/s320/masks.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It seems likely that masks are going to be part of our wardrobes for awhile. As soon as that became clear, I pulled out my faithful old Singer slant-needle machine & my stash of fabric and got started making these 3-layer cloth masks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've had requests for the pattern, so here it is in pictures with brief instructions - they're quite simple and I am sure that anyone who can sew will quickly master making their own. This pattern is for an average adult-sized mask - feel free to tweak the measurements to suit your needs. I will include notes at the end for the measurements for kid's masks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Though I've known how to sew since I was quite young, I think like a leathercrafter when it comes to patterns and assembly. For example, you'll notice that I don't use pins - don't let that throw you. If you want to use pins as you go, please do!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My first masks were made with cotton pipe-cleaner-filled nose-bridge wires, which I've since replaced with aluminum strips bought online. Both work well, but if you're making a lot of masks, the precut strips with adhesive backs save quite a bit of time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7J9txnMqqvDuenknRUeORFzn7eU31LBIzxHM1d08UYH-Yl4Xce0msiL3JXauXvLMp_hrUniTXiOgsoAanr6x9lypaj_61G9OV9qdvRyiDYyJ6J74Uo0v6g1xMSU6a9Yx_H6CGhIBikadW/s1000/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="700" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7J9txnMqqvDuenknRUeORFzn7eU31LBIzxHM1d08UYH-Yl4Xce0msiL3JXauXvLMp_hrUniTXiOgsoAanr6x9lypaj_61G9OV9qdvRyiDYyJ6J74Uo0v6g1xMSU6a9Yx_H6CGhIBikadW/w350-h500/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="350" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7J9txnMqqvDuenknRUeORFzn7eU31LBIzxHM1d08UYH-Yl4Xce0msiL3JXauXvLMp_hrUniTXiOgsoAanr6x9lypaj_61G9OV9qdvRyiDYyJ6J74Uo0v6g1xMSU6a9Yx_H6CGhIBikadW/s1000/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This collage shows my prep for these - both are encased in fabric which extends about 1/2" past the ends so it can be captured when you sew. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0xD8c2l8iR40VW0G8dBRDt3s8iyc18vdMgze3htDSpZxnWqU695J9P-u5h3_enK4hb4W3U-npjoBWGuds1NE8pIrc0nQsWCQVkkZAqBA-k1yKDgznqR_jMAulihVqe_kLYRyZyb1uuib/s2419/IMG_7417+%25282%2529.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1579" data-original-width="2419" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0xD8c2l8iR40VW0G8dBRDt3s8iyc18vdMgze3htDSpZxnWqU695J9P-u5h3_enK4hb4W3U-npjoBWGuds1NE8pIrc0nQsWCQVkkZAqBA-k1yKDgznqR_jMAulihVqe_kLYRyZyb1uuib/w205-h134/IMG_7417+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The aluminum strips get sandwiched inside a piece of bias tape. Quick and easy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddfmY5PS3lVDLX4nAeAZhHhHXj1ux9WMzonChGUYan8qf0N883VjhsJglOpkGU8wdI73Crbjc_aGPm7bIOlDZ25BtZjCfHL4x42-WIxliTgZp8-AuROBASreyb7k5IhJn9BzMzgR9n3GR/s2419/IMG_7417+%25282%2529.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: large;">For the pipe-cleaners, fold two of them in half and nestle them together as shown. Then roll them inside a piece of your fabric, remembering to let the fabric extend past the wire ends on bot</span><span style="font-size: large;">h sides.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In addition to the nose piece, you'll need a piece of cotton fabric measuring 12" x 9" and an inner layer measuring about 7.5" x 5.5". I've used a white interfacing material, but you can use any plain scraps you have around, such as sheet fabric. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm using 1/8" elastic cord - 1/4" is okay if you prefer ... you'll need two pieces per mask, each about 7" long.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pins or two-sided tape, scissors, thread and you're ready to go!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fold the larger piece of fabric in half, iron to create a crease, then refold with right sides together to form a 9" x 6" rectangle. Lay the smaller piece on this rectangle, roughly centering it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5LglrW67bkG0xSZGumyZMl3wK6JIYMeNB6SPzmkGNKoVyT1QhqZk1SlYhFD_BZQmRlXjuLVcb-uJmarBKnhjsd2WPvK1dWIKqhVPztNanxMcVRQYUum3Lu8t0bRD2MA1QnTpPiCyySVl/s1700/IMG_7441+%25282%2529.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="1700" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5LglrW67bkG0xSZGumyZMl3wK6JIYMeNB6SPzmkGNKoVyT1QhqZk1SlYhFD_BZQmRlXjuLVcb-uJmarBKnhjsd2WPvK1dWIKqhVPztNanxMcVRQYUum3Lu8t0bRD2MA1QnTpPiCyySVl/w256-h174/IMG_7441+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stitch a 3/8" seam along the bottom raw edge, catching the inner lining in the stitching.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogMFS6pO4M7Ca3YoQ77F5IV4E6gDjSBWNO3qx3SrOQy1rdR-pmwAwi9ux2_YN9eQxQPodifYhWc71DGMUUnMEBRugaSApf3721uQu2lAo304Dj4ARPj6G9c-YqKyqc-cO19D9Z0Yxk7_h/s2062/IMG_7445+%25282%2529.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="2062" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogMFS6pO4M7Ca3YoQ77F5IV4E6gDjSBWNO3qx3SrOQy1rdR-pmwAwi9ux2_YN9eQxQPodifYhWc71DGMUUnMEBRugaSApf3721uQu2lAo304Dj4ARPj6G9c-YqKyqc-cO19D9Z0Yxk7_h/s400/IMG_7445+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next, turn the end edges in about 1/2", overlapping the inner layer - press the edges in place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Flip your project over to expose the unlined side, then center your nose piece snugly against the crease. Use a small piece of 2-sided tape (on the inside) or pins (on the outside) to hold this in place. Then turn the whole thing right-side-out and press flat.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0y-b-edFrpeSjEwByxLCJ0QJaT4bOgmV8mJUuilU_XK2koL94fYl8sdADrq6jIN5dKQa15aW2NNBrXkiqAfLPnQT14cDJvdHIQt4GvdH0FGjoxzcl2Mr4Qn2p2QJDMdmZKp3ejrvPh6D/s2816/IMG_7448.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="2816" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0y-b-edFrpeSjEwByxLCJ0QJaT4bOgmV8mJUuilU_XK2koL94fYl8sdADrq6jIN5dKQa15aW2NNBrXkiqAfLPnQT14cDJvdHIQt4GvdH0FGjoxzcl2Mr4Qn2p2QJDMdmZKp3ejrvPh6D/w320-h180/IMG_7448.JPG" width="400" /></a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5uNoufuzB5ZU3v5Xd0irpvvxo-DcEiksktdzaLkM8kyuLlMY7TGnF7Ymr7BzHvS3fd53_IEAibWNeCsDMwyLmVtpQWlHOTvJqR6U8BjE8tw8Db6tB-xIchJlEInNUoowSiL4inSBx5gl/s2816/IMG_7449.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="2816" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5uNoufuzB5ZU3v5Xd0irpvvxo-DcEiksktdzaLkM8kyuLlMY7TGnF7Ymr7BzHvS3fd53_IEAibWNeCsDMwyLmVtpQWlHOTvJqR6U8BjE8tw8Db6tB-xIchJlEInNUoowSiL4inSBx5gl/w400-h225/IMG_7449.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now Stitch around the edge, as close as you can to the edge, m</span><span style="font-size: large;">ak</span><span style="font-size: large;">ing sure to tuck about 1/2" of elastic into the corners as you go, one piece per end for the ear loops. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stitch around the nose piece as shown.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbbXBikyAVZxjqMpuV5u-JLNXQB5o0dR5nm2ySRyNurccjSrofEXsN5g7ltnBncW6rPpWwQyCZ9-gGXr5KJ2WHIc6Kowaj75S_b305LEfo5F0VZsA2EU-oK__Yv0POvKQDyOsFejjqLpa/s2816/IMG_7451.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="2816" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbbXBikyAVZxjqMpuV5u-JLNXQB5o0dR5nm2ySRyNurccjSrofEXsN5g7ltnBncW6rPpWwQyCZ9-gGXr5KJ2WHIc6Kowaj75S_b305LEfo5F0VZsA2EU-oK__Yv0POvKQDyOsFejjqLpa/w400-h225/IMG_7451.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Form 2 pleats, about 1/2" deep, and press into place. Pin if you like.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWESZteoh0Vx8sPyrvSRub-HVOMjuln4R5nrIXqPHaHgXJsVZkNM76xJhCg2O3C4eOiMtTMS6USDPGI20zcVNlD-unehWRwEfRnhraZ9Cd8aNYvI9spGvG_VJBwHH84OX8myxq9K3da-Y/s2816/IMG_7453.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="2816" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWESZteoh0Vx8sPyrvSRub-HVOMjuln4R5nrIXqPHaHgXJsVZkNM76xJhCg2O3C4eOiMtTMS6USDPGI20zcVNlD-unehWRwEfRnhraZ9Cd8aNYvI9spGvG_VJBwHH84OX8myxq9K3da-Y/s400/IMG_7453.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stitch a line across the top under the nose piece, then stitch down the side, securing the pleats, then across the bottom and up the other side, finishing the pleats.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Viola! You've made a mask!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwVESEgFpEaQw5INd_t7d__g-tqsQ8eLQlQ5XF5Mgt90unXLg2W4xAQ9Z4F00sZZepg3T1PxDpOrsDjWmOML79y3_1aiwjyuifzOJpvw0cwr7ZBy9q2kKBAvPRGmKQv4vcD4mceDv00zN/s2816/IMG_7454.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="2816" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwVESEgFpEaQw5INd_t7d__g-tqsQ8eLQlQ5XF5Mgt90unXLg2W4xAQ9Z4F00sZZepg3T1PxDpOrsDjWmOML79y3_1aiwjyuifzOJpvw0cwr7ZBy9q2kKBAvPRGmKQv4vcD4mceDv00zN/w320-h180/IMG_7454.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYq-mo6tcaC_EYBlCQRW655KYicd9zIC3YmNM_j6Gfa2u5Q7NhT6abv8mW1nb5woP2zpLV_vNdlAQ5fBmKhAbSncZ3F7LLoCPqzdYc6aHN8jb95A2b8eg-RJPRxRACGiIHhZzdZcnjyrxA/s2816/IMG_7456.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="2816" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYq-mo6tcaC_EYBlCQRW655KYicd9zIC3YmNM_j6Gfa2u5Q7NhT6abv8mW1nb5woP2zpLV_vNdlAQ5fBmKhAbSncZ3F7LLoCPqzdYc6aHN8jb95A2b8eg-RJPRxRACGiIHhZzdZcnjyrxA/w625-h351/IMG_7456.JPG" width="625" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVAwDUu7-d7IuvrhQJQxlQEukA4Zk6NHDsltwjNqkDt4kZx1xAQGsM0fIzq9VpXHsZNJpDxvPdmakZd_arw5B8a6-eotEnud0S8lB_zvoEMjMoj-eFaWROzvb09QdLuY9LhOQTBcvIjVh/s2986/maskedme+%25282%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2986" data-original-width="2156" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVAwDUu7-d7IuvrhQJQxlQEukA4Zk6NHDsltwjNqkDt4kZx1xAQGsM0fIzq9VpXHsZNJpDxvPdmakZd_arw5B8a6-eotEnud0S8lB_zvoEMjMoj-eFaWROzvb09QdLuY9LhOQTBcvIjVh/w148-h205/maskedme+%25282%2529.jpg" width="144" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Loop the elastics around your ears & expand the pleats to cover your chin & nose. Press the nose piece to form a comfortable fit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These can be washed in warm water with your favorite detergent and dried on medium heat. Straighten the nose wire after laundering, as needed. Can be ironed on a cotton setting if desired, but take care not to overheat the elastic or the nose wire.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For masks to fit kids between ages 4-10, the instructions above will work, but your main piece will be about 8.5" x 7.5", inner piece about 4" x 6", with elastic pieces about 6". </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Kid's masks need just one pleat, centered in the middle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><i>Permission granted to all to use this pattern freely - pass it on! </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><i>*These are not medical-grade masks*</i></span></span></div>
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Art of Spirit LeatherWorkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13000233801394372656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271795449011620937.post-44141656980726076112020-06-23T20:19:00.003-04:002021-02-03T16:12:00.638-05:00Update, 2020<div>
It's been awhile since I posted or even visited this blog... let's celebrate my return with a new, straightforward name. What was once "Leather is Better" is now simply AosLeather's Blog.</div>
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I have tidied it up a bit, removing quite a few outdated posts, including those featuring merchandise from my Etsy shop. <i>(The shop is still there, linked on the sidebar, but I'm semi-retired, so the inventory is nominal.)</i> The remaining posts will be tweaked and edited in the coming months (I hope) to compensate for some of the changes in the blogger platform that have altered the appearance from what the pages looked like when they were first posted. Until I get it figured out, the posts are going to look clumsy and the pics will seem oddly placed. Apologies for that.</div>
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And there will be the occasional new post, starting with the mask tutorial above this post.</div>
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It's June, 2020. We are dealing with a global pandemic, combined with international unrest over politics and racial injustice, all against the backdrop of climate change and massive wealth disparity. </div>
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I hope I can look back on this page in a few years and see that real, meaningful progress and changes have been made on all fronts!</div>
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Meanwhile, stay safe and take care. </div>
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We're all in this together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijD9AXKaEKWqI62aY65LXFS96DNKJkf66qPNeQTKPbOCePcBkXpw_qkdbrVz8PBz7MK8ocBm33FX0_S6YxXXaSIvqGztSp2w3Q87YiGoiUtcccN8bVoj6dM_v0XI7_0FyD-gb24evhq13b/s3264/blossom2.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijD9AXKaEKWqI62aY65LXFS96DNKJkf66qPNeQTKPbOCePcBkXpw_qkdbrVz8PBz7MK8ocBm33FX0_S6YxXXaSIvqGztSp2w3Q87YiGoiUtcccN8bVoj6dM_v0XI7_0FyD-gb24evhq13b/w256-h192/blossom2.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
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Art of Spirit LeatherWorkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13000233801394372656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271795449011620937.post-74505489154964211572013-08-18T17:49:00.000-04:002020-06-23T15:00:10.331-04:00Building a Tooled Belt Design<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_19K0_u0-vWh4YYQ2QOrElKzwL_Aplacg-WiVy3OQLfFonOueHE8oP_tUeyp3ck5LaHZR60ZvEb0TfNAq0XU4n58lUyp7j2fH5mL8Lj1DIpKu7WreKktv1Aq7naLjafTNWA_jyscOF3LV/s1600/premier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_19K0_u0-vWh4YYQ2QOrElKzwL_Aplacg-WiVy3OQLfFonOueHE8oP_tUeyp3ck5LaHZR60ZvEb0TfNAq0XU4n58lUyp7j2fH5mL8Lj1DIpKu7WreKktv1Aq7naLjafTNWA_jyscOF3LV/s200/premier.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I thought it might be fun to show you, start to finish, how a design for a tooled belt is built. </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It begins with the leather, of course. I use an exceptional grade of 8/9oz full-grain cowhide, cutting the straps by hand. I <i>case </i>my belts overnight - this is the process of getting the strap wet enough to tool but not so wet that it distorts with the impacts. Everyone has their own way of achieving this balance - I wet them thoroughly then put them in a plastic bag and into the refrigerator overnight. This lets the water distribute evenly to the inner grain and eliminates the need to re-wet while tooling.</span></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmznz5LqiSyP9nNnAe5nNaX00BS4HguwWtt6CCflpdNCIl_vuZ9nonK_t52vpZfUZSHoh5UroU6Myiy-f6hxgjhpT4oFi73x9Czk5AFUjYMb5M1rq45AKFwko4_gYWjxdnsYApZm35cK6/s1600/x+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmznz5LqiSyP9nNnAe5nNaX00BS4HguwWtt6CCflpdNCIl_vuZ9nonK_t52vpZfUZSHoh5UroU6Myiy-f6hxgjhpT4oFi73x9Czk5AFUjYMb5M1rq45AKFwko4_gYWjxdnsYApZm35cK6/s200/x+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course, you need a very hard surface to work on (I have my Big Block of granite) and a variety of tools from which to choose. I select each tool as i go on a new pattern - these are the eight tools I wound up choosing for this belt (tool numbers are notated on the progress pics).</span></b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIccj_9gxnLVAOoaagPqxuII1v8Cm3TKEfimDn4Y34cTAVsQcBvg5Kk2SKAdTEKa0yRJHzl6euNxFYf7zRzPpzVEFSD_SUtaG_fFno7WwViR2PpL-x54wFrxACnd2GJuKycktozEHnLjk/s1600/Starting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIccj_9gxnLVAOoaagPqxuII1v8Cm3TKEfimDn4Y34cTAVsQcBvg5Kk2SKAdTEKa0yRJHzl6euNxFYf7zRzPpzVEFSD_SUtaG_fFno7WwViR2PpL-x54wFrxACnd2GJuKycktozEHnLjk/s200/Starting.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I started by scoring the outer edges to create a border, then marked the design "centers" with faint dots. The spacing on this design is 1.5"</span></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4Zl6W4NsVLTBiysnnaCTsnAmBtFtXKbIo9mQ8s8Uza7xTc1wzbsgWz1ztp_db-_wYPClF4OMIt4FeV5lDoq6-fRKeTHtHZShpdHp-o4Oi9pBXoEbCmPBGnW4L0XJhzRkekfdUjZinvRW/s1600/tooling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4Zl6W4NsVLTBiysnnaCTsnAmBtFtXKbIo9mQ8s8Uza7xTc1wzbsgWz1ztp_db-_wYPClF4OMIt4FeV5lDoq6-fRKeTHtHZShpdHp-o4Oi9pBXoEbCmPBGnW4L0XJhzRkekfdUjZinvRW/s200/tooling.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnvJcyuSG4aPRW7KxGSaGN8zLLb_rPhVkJYTrVTfOlMLTZJzUHhU3ogd-1WNV2nO6iFg88cwwLgo54mr9uTuSKOckJn_i0dlbwnFU8vCqrsWkvtYxhLVl398umLdQSLQhe-MLv254Glel/s1600/first+four+tools+annotated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnvJcyuSG4aPRW7KxGSaGN8zLLb_rPhVkJYTrVTfOlMLTZJzUHhU3ogd-1WNV2nO6iFg88cwwLgo54mr9uTuSKOckJn_i0dlbwnFU8vCqrsWkvtYxhLVl398umLdQSLQhe-MLv254Glel/s400/first+four+tools+annotated.jpg" width="400" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The first tool (v400) is used twice at each mark, with the mark in the center, hit firmly with a 12oz mallet. </span></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then the next tool (v406) is added in the space between the sets of the first tool. </span></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next, one of my go-to faves (c366) fills the small gaps, followed by a nice wavy "bridge" (v421) over the centers. </span></span></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIchj084HjXXDJDbfjHGgCXQfQxIkS8zjsYzTpSxQ1Y8qen6dbG_wK4XXi_Lk6vII81kTVdQyqda2DDXXsizVWSvIG9PZrSyRjEjBjDXSHPa3mJgq39RNnY2IXdDSu90Hd2LAl1l-LZeY/s1600/last+4+tools+annotated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIchj084HjXXDJDbfjHGgCXQfQxIkS8zjsYzTpSxQ1Y8qen6dbG_wK4XXi_Lk6vII81kTVdQyqda2DDXXsizVWSvIG9PZrSyRjEjBjDXSHPa3mJgq39RNnY2IXdDSu90Hd2LAl1l-LZeY/s400/last+4+tools+annotated.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here I wanted to create an undulation to the flow with an inverted crescent (v920) followed by smaller crescents (v744) in the opposite direction to frame the inverted ones. (whew! by now I've hit this belt hundreds of times!)</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then the design is bound together with seed-dots (s705) and, finally, embellished with small peaks (u851) under the bridges.</span></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lW6OEun2I1ZbvMcU6UoG2Uo4lYmy9aExJL-PgHnb_gZOtv9kCT_dX2Vhyphenhyphen3aNQLA60XOzYZCzpplMEyjVABVAwsK4OhFU_MeOWrYZkGSuP5eqXpgkslULINFydhyphenhyphen4WUTCzjlLnDbKMIsR/s1600/premier+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lW6OEun2I1ZbvMcU6UoG2Uo4lYmy9aExJL-PgHnb_gZOtv9kCT_dX2Vhyphenhyphen3aNQLA60XOzYZCzpplMEyjVABVAwsK4OhFU_MeOWrYZkGSuP5eqXpgkslULINFydhyphenhyphen4WUTCzjlLnDbKMIsR/s200/premier+detail.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Edges were beveled and burnished, the belt was dyed a deep antiqued brown and finished with my own secret multi-layer process. </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>I hope this glimpse into my processes inspires your creative urges!</b></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b>
Art of Spirit LeatherWorkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13000233801394372656noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271795449011620937.post-43572053291249810892012-07-12T19:34:00.009-04:002020-06-23T19:55:05.840-04:00The Thrill of Going Global<span style="font-size: large;">As I'm sure I've mentioned before, one of my favorite things about reaching customers via the web is the international scope of my clientele. Every time I ship to a country for the first time, I place a pin on an imagined map; the map is getting new pins all the time, and I just love that! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Never thought this would happen, though...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ExcBa4NRyGdgtaI76G_0wr7Q9q0trgAR3RxtJYVyPkQLGGDU4oGKr1WeDXnEpDjeZjIgJladlst1OJn40iuYA5EtE5MJspVbJm7XTUJS4QCJB6qlUaV6XY8SChFq0cX_TjLuRxgIh9gX/s1600/tourist+in+Rome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ExcBa4NRyGdgtaI76G_0wr7Q9q0trgAR3RxtJYVyPkQLGGDU4oGKr1WeDXnEpDjeZjIgJladlst1OJn40iuYA5EtE5MJspVbJm7XTUJS4QCJB6qlUaV6XY8SChFq0cX_TjLuRxgIh9gX/s320/tourist+in+Rome.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Recently my daughter and her dashing husband spent a week in Italy. One day, while waiting for a bus on the streets of Rome, they spotted a woman wearing one of my signature Floral Vine cuffs. This lovely lady, a fellow tourist from Canada, graciously allowed them to take this picture of her pointing at her cuff.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, from Michigan to Canada and on to stylin' it on the streets of Rome at exactly the right moment to be spotted by my vacationing loved ones... </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I feel a teeny bit giggly at the wonderful serendipity involved ;-)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGpVjIhDjlniaX_OFdXy3UO-b4b9eG7L2gLZwOPCyXr6DtiZhHAQKxdWlQPysBCmX-gs8hAbO_84HXMXNu8GAKq3mMcpCbiifo2UbAbzN7wk5yBrjjvpROYqupomF3wsfi_ncBPlry7v0/s1600/tourist+in+Rome+cu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGpVjIhDjlniaX_OFdXy3UO-b4b9eG7L2gLZwOPCyXr6DtiZhHAQKxdWlQPysBCmX-gs8hAbO_84HXMXNu8GAKq3mMcpCbiifo2UbAbzN7wk5yBrjjvpROYqupomF3wsfi_ncBPlry7v0/s320/tourist+in+Rome+cu.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">This cuff, my most popular design to date, is available in my Etsy shop. Each is made individually, so</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> every one</span> is a unique piece, a bit different in flow and character from all of its international counterparts!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And thanks so much to this lovely Canadian adventurer, who didn't share her name. I appreciate your sense of style and that big smile! </span>Art of Spirit LeatherWorkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13000233801394372656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271795449011620937.post-37966158338501679802010-11-13T21:49:00.016-05:002020-06-25T00:39:29.110-04:00Revisiting an Old FriendI moved this summer, as you may know. It was perhaps my most discombobulating move ever, probably due to the fact I had lived 12 years in my last house, longer than anyplace in my entire adulthood. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnI4lXOYLUQ70lDFgomFLgJUuYrCOs13ZM7Rmy4ip38x6H3PRuGj-zmJjc2N_A373E0URQBsCK4HVeWxy7K-zxS7e38OLe2VlsS1f5SaVgRSDzGuBsnXa0gR6I1v3Fx_HbwlQuDkaSIiK/s1600/berrien%2527s+notes.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539239769306847442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnI4lXOYLUQ70lDFgomFLgJUuYrCOs13ZM7Rmy4ip38x6H3PRuGj-zmJjc2N_A373E0URQBsCK4HVeWxy7K-zxS7e38OLe2VlsS1f5SaVgRSDzGuBsnXa0gR6I1v3Fx_HbwlQuDkaSIiK/s320/berrien%2527s+notes.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 180px;" /></a><br />
That is enough time to accumulate a lot of stuff and more than enough time to lose track of much of it!<br />
So, as you might guess, one very cool part of the process was the opportunity to rediscover a few lost treasures.<br />
There is one such find that I feel compelled to share here...<br />
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Berrien Thorn was a friend of mine. A wonderful man - artist, poet, activist and one of the best musicians I have ever known. He had a wonderful collection of folk instruments from throughout the world and could play them all! (My personal favorite was a banjo made of an old tobacco tin - as "folksy" as it gets, I think!)<br />
Berrien had a rich personal history, including a fair stretch of time in his youth working with migrant farm workers. The people and lessons of that experience never left him.<br />
From those years came this wonderful collection of musings, gifted to me some years ago with an admonition to share the words and support the cause. And so, in honor of a man and his vision, I share with you (in his own words, copyrighted in 1988**) ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRy2wfxCurlLRqO-97qYzvh8n7HVFZ010fHadj9NV_VzhLlP3AtdZP8isqkvDjXqsRTTJ9ub6Rzef6x7xb7vqgspV75lEBjRBSrg1dep1P0nM6PVUeYofuExEhIJHiKHR737nKCvbTJCA/s1600/berrien%2527s+title.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539239522942014898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRy2wfxCurlLRqO-97qYzvh8n7HVFZ010fHadj9NV_VzhLlP3AtdZP8isqkvDjXqsRTTJ9ub6Rzef6x7xb7vqgspV75lEBjRBSrg1dep1P0nM6PVUeYofuExEhIJHiKHR737nKCvbTJCA/s400/berrien%2527s+title.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 138px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<ol>
<li> <span style="font-weight: bold;">I am a newspaper for the illiterate. I bring the whispered word. I sing them their own stories as they were told to me. Set to a tune the word goes round, and when they recognize a camp they nod and grin, elbow the others into the know: "Hey, that's the hole where I got beat up last year!"</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: bold;"> The men are worn and beat and want to kick back. They're slugging beers and playing poker for money. The atmosphere is a juke joint in Alabama. The music is a touch of home - easy as a handshake. The women gather at the other end of the cookhouse and sing "About My Jesus". The music is a church; voices rise in their simplicity against the darkness.</li>
<li style="font-weight: bold;"> The people here are always tired. Some old black man sits in the corner wiping the saliva from his white stubble with a stray hand. Three shirts on him, two ratty jackets and an overcoat, worn out boots sizes too big. Twenty years of cheap wine and potato dust can coat the eyes.</li>
<li style="font-weight: bold;"> Brutal work stooping to pull potatoes from the earth is the bottom of this odd context. Going upright into the trees for fruit is the top.</li>
<li style="font-weight: bold;"> The camp is a cluster of tiny shacks made of cinderblock and tin. One of them is the cook-house; this is where I sing. The cookhouse has a large room with picnic tables, an old juke box, bare bulbs burning, and a small wire-meshed window through which the overpriced food they purchase from the crew boss is passed.</li>
<li style="font-weight: bold;"> These little places are closed societies. When I was a kid the old man I picked with taught me everything, from the basics of negotiating pay, techniques of travel and work, to the songs he would play me on his banjo at night. Boredom was a preserver. Certainly the telling of stories was integral to surviving any evening's isolation without electricity. This is only the life of prisoners, migrants and family farmers. These are definitely on my list of endangered species, as am I.</li>
<li style="font-weight: bold;"> Some of these people come from Haiti. Crowded into tiny boats they floated toward the mysterious promise of America. They are possessed of pure primitive undertones. The non-Haitians are rural folk from Alabama and Georgia. A few of the men don't want their pictures taken; they are working these fields because this is one of the few jobs left where you don't need a social security number.</li>
<li style="font-weight: bold;"> When I improvise on my flute for the Haitians they look at each other and nod, saying the Creole words for 'bird spirit'. They know that the voice that was singing through the tube of the flute was not my person, but a spirit voice that sang through and empty self, my ego temporarily suspended, my shell possessed by a lesser god. They recognize that voice; in the form of improvisational music, such as jazz, which is a black idiom, this does not feel so far from the truth of a moment when the musician has reached a trancelike state and 'lets loose.'</li>
<li style="font-weight: bold;"> They are totally at the mercy of the environment, often miles from the nearest town, in hostile white redneck areas. You would think twice about quitting a job and walking away into this limbo.</li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">God is bread. Red patent leather shoes. A dental trailer that visits the camps is worth its weight in God.</span></li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppmrFQb0-4GOjyBYueQal4Q2gV8UZwzv3Dp6YXPi9r8Tz_4JTyCfmxlbUgJLS_hMzGfwHDEuaguVC6GyPj429mIE1M5hZHIfn-0k5xEUXJCPwoU4JAiOIzMH26Pq4RUQgjmM3eV8Tsz0d/s1600/berrien%2527s+drawings.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539253986697903810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppmrFQb0-4GOjyBYueQal4Q2gV8UZwzv3Dp6YXPi9r8Tz_4JTyCfmxlbUgJLS_hMzGfwHDEuaguVC6GyPj429mIE1M5hZHIfn-0k5xEUXJCPwoU4JAiOIzMH26Pq4RUQgjmM3eV8Tsz0d/s400/berrien%2527s+drawings.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 138px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Berrien left this world too soon, having passed just a half-century among us. He left a wonderful legacy of music, friendship and more: his will provided for a foundation that granted Art scholarships to migrant farmworkers that survived for years after his death.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvXneqkWlZhK44spz2oniFyb8evZW2Cw66Ye2NH5csVbqbyO5E1wP_lloJlC6wr5TzA61M-dcn7r8X3TGTTvUVyOiAj-8lBAK74JH0mTHwwCwqlzz6VEQZieIqFQa9LwBhqzDFLwu3SYI/s1600/berrien%2527s+sig.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539240196273442722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvXneqkWlZhK44spz2oniFyb8evZW2Cw66Ye2NH5csVbqbyO5E1wP_lloJlC6wr5TzA61M-dcn7r8X3TGTTvUVyOiAj-8lBAK74JH0mTHwwCwqlzz6VEQZieIqFQa9LwBhqzDFLwu3SYI/s200/berrien%2527s+sig.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 78px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">**all art in this post and these field notes are the work and legacy of Berrien Fragos Thorn and are reprinted and shared here in his honor and to further his life's work. </span>Art of Spirit LeatherWorkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13000233801394372656noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271795449011620937.post-79263783055452793422010-03-24T01:15:00.024-04:002010-04-04T03:06:24.218-04:00Please, Take it Off!A brief discussion of leather care is probably overdue.<br />This has been brought to my attention lately by several people expressing fondness for their leather wristbands or necklaces with words to the effect that they, "Never take it off!"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRMPC9C0h-L5xPsgiMvXKEo445hrNS9J5Mk7pISjK4GMFgLYH8OPxlrX8ZinBErmG4JA-XbCQrvOiUySFqnDpfKGSlnyBVLdvoCJ-fkjXqRx1mHbm2sz6LEShMv5ULiVcYc2sB-gPRFDT/s1600/rly.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRMPC9C0h-L5xPsgiMvXKEo445hrNS9J5Mk7pISjK4GMFgLYH8OPxlrX8ZinBErmG4JA-XbCQrvOiUySFqnDpfKGSlnyBVLdvoCJ-fkjXqRx1mHbm2sz6LEShMv5ULiVcYc2sB-gPRFDT/s200/rly.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454672878672570978" border="0" /></a>They sleep, eat, bathe and live with their favorite accessory 24/7.<br />Lovely sentiment, bad idea.<br />Wear it a lot. Wear it most of the time. But please, when you bathe, shower, swim or sauna,<span style="font-style: italic;"> take it off</span>!<br />Most soaps are drying to leather, as is chlorine or salt.<br />Heat bakes.<br />Repeated soaking, especially with warm or hot water, will remove many of the tanning chemicals that keep your leather from becoming brittle. This leads to a breakdown of the grain (which can destroy the appearance of a fine leather accessory) and hastens the weakening and death of that favorite item.<br />With a small amount of proper care, leather goods can and should last for many years.<br />Methods of care and cleaning are determined by the type of leather.<br />Smooth-grained vegetable-tanned cowhide is what most people think of when they think of belt leather. This is the type of leather that's used for tooled items; we'll cover that today and save suede and deerhide for another post.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cleaning</span>: This is not something you'll normally need to do with belts or wristbands - the patina that comes with age is generally considered desirable. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6F7aAQL3Y8GmNx1uh6RgNRk8_jRlpWV3BYf4FoQp7-80MVbylmML9myk1THfLhfmVpAJledS2WND_99hX74feRgRK7EhIGNxCEAOjAaq4iz0kfxDAB2u76h40UKz-CHEnyJKPB4RpglhJ/s1600/clean.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6F7aAQL3Y8GmNx1uh6RgNRk8_jRlpWV3BYf4FoQp7-80MVbylmML9myk1THfLhfmVpAJledS2WND_99hX74feRgRK7EhIGNxCEAOjAaq4iz0kfxDAB2u76h40UKz-CHEnyJKPB4RpglhJ/s200/clean.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452079920344729266" border="0" /></a><br />However, should you encounter a mud-bog or other serious dirt issue, or for smooth-grain footwear, a conditioning cleaner such as saddle soap or Lexol PH is strongly recommended. Apply as directed with a soft cloth and tepid water, rinsing thoroughly. A soft brush, such as a toothbrush, can be used for stubborn dirt. You should wash the entire surface - spot cleaning can lead to just that; spots!<br />Allow the item to dry completely in an airy location <span style="font-style: italic;">away </span>from heat sources or direct sun.<br />Of course, there are some types of stains that will permanently mar your leather; no amount of cleaning will remove grease or ink, for example. Try to avoid staining your leather with those things!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Conditioning/Protecting</span>: This should be done occasionally, particularly after cleaning or for items that get a lot of wear, such as an everyday belt or favorite wristband. My first rule for this is<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> shoe polish is for shoes!!</span> Do not use it on belts, wristbands, purses or wallets - you will not be pleased with the results! My second rule is <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">leave the back alone!</span> No conditioners or sealants should be applied to the backside of full-grain cowhide - leather needs to breathe!<br />There are many great leather conditioners on the market.<br />Some, such as Neatsfoot oil, are for oiled leathers only. If you use it on waxed leather you'll get blotching and clouding. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggB8I0uI778YoKME2Up1juYgEWJTs_TDNLVGJeIN0pYPzTWBAMMt7Re64kV43HqCa4zx9NYf_IuARcFlk9eooF-xgN9h_33gdtHXFKlNdN49WYTFxz9n-fheV3oMcdeCcDsTodUZc2rPDu/s1600/conditioning+oil.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggB8I0uI778YoKME2Up1juYgEWJTs_TDNLVGJeIN0pYPzTWBAMMt7Re64kV43HqCa4zx9NYf_IuARcFlk9eooF-xgN9h_33gdtHXFKlNdN49WYTFxz9n-fheV3oMcdeCcDsTodUZc2rPDu/s200/conditioning+oil.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454664743142256226" border="0" /></a>Some, such as paste-type or beeswax finishes, are for waxed leather only. If used on oiled leather, the same nastiness will ensue.<br />Unsure if your item is oiled or waxed?<br />Happily, there are products out there that will work with either. Lexol conditioner is an oil-based product that will penetrate wax; Leather Balm is a wax-based product that will emulsify with oil. It should be noted that some conditioners may permanently darken light-colored leather, so it's a good idea to test a small hidden area when using any product for the first time.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsHDsAEvcnSV-khCZOGIwLo4MiGaThYjZ66wMLTA1e9qQhoGah-8-vy3BnNjYnRdFg3nK0vmcMo6G0mFFpKB2nfUnrPR3K0XaXIAYnDpQh7yXYrV76JeeGJ02adOobp-Ec3k6J5DQVu7b/s1600/conditioning+wax.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsHDsAEvcnSV-khCZOGIwLo4MiGaThYjZ66wMLTA1e9qQhoGah-8-vy3BnNjYnRdFg3nK0vmcMo6G0mFFpKB2nfUnrPR3K0XaXIAYnDpQh7yXYrV76JeeGJ02adOobp-Ec3k6J5DQVu7b/s200/conditioning+wax.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454664985424982338" border="0" /></a><br />Once the product has been selected, apply with a soft cloth according to the instructions. After allowing ample penetration time, wipe off any excess and buff with a soft shoe brush or lint-free cloth.<br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Do not buy into the myth that you need to place the item near a heat source to open the pores so the conditioner can soak in: I've heard this many times, and it is bunk! Remember, heat is bad for leather!</span><br />A good conditioner will offer a fair amount of protection against the elements. If you feel the need for a more waterproof finish, there are many excellent silicone spray treatments available anywhere that sells camping supplies. Check the label carefully to see if it is for full-grain or suede (some work for both) and use accordingly, with lots of ventilation!<br />If you clean your leather when necessary and condition it occasionally, I promise you can love wearing it most of the time for years to come!Art of Spirit LeatherWorkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13000233801394372656noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271795449011620937.post-7987127740033950842009-11-18T01:48:00.015-05:002020-06-23T15:19:02.357-04:00A Friend, His Treasures and Something Weird<span style="color: #45818e;"><b>**from 2020 - As I tidy up my blog & delete obsolete posts, I am so heart-warmed to come across this gem from more than a decade ago. My friend Dennis, aka Griz, passed on a few years back. I miss him still and will miss him forever - one of the truly excellent humans I have been blessed to know. So, though this post is outdated and the photographic Q was answered long ago, I will leave this up in honor of this departed mountain-man.**</b></span><br />
<br />
(from 2009)<br />
On a recent autumn afternoon I took my camera and journeyed out to the backwoods home of a dear friend.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuxZBGeJTq-oqPWSf0RJbhQjCP9ayN-kqm3s8KanS6QM6yD577XTVBW5vy6hX5cj7Awxpi8XRwp6YscsLn6uqcAtegSu9OSpT_TCUnPNDOTzT-0Ubg_xuh4JlOaQ38giLQ9Z0H32Q-VhY/s1600/wunderkammer.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405334630909213762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuxZBGeJTq-oqPWSf0RJbhQjCP9ayN-kqm3s8KanS6QM6yD577XTVBW5vy6hX5cj7Awxpi8XRwp6YscsLn6uqcAtegSu9OSpT_TCUnPNDOTzT-0Ubg_xuh4JlOaQ38giLQ9Z0H32Q-VhY/s320/wunderkammer.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 259px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Called Griz by all who know him, he is a man of many talents and wonderful collections. His basement, which is cleverly disguised as a cluttered mess, holds an array of marvels and oddities. This first picture gives a small notion of the initial visual impact of this treasure trove; I call your attention particularly to the unremarkable blue tub in the lower right - it will figure largely in my story as it takes a turn for the weird.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0__gWEYdF297KsRG3PYWkdK-iNtmEkt-ql8ChqwkozBzAMD9kjhHmgrJ5Q4zfnUGc9i_v8_otmqnB98fHgz1DctBEhT8PZpL63k7O57qUIXjDUS3EWXad_PhbWiCjdJl2e1WFwtvU6I1/s1600/blades2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405336671591280930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0__gWEYdF297KsRG3PYWkdK-iNtmEkt-ql8ChqwkozBzAMD9kjhHmgrJ5Q4zfnUGc9i_v8_otmqnB98fHgz1DctBEhT8PZpL63k7O57qUIXjDUS3EWXad_PhbWiCjdJl2e1WFwtvU6I1/s200/blades2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 168px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
Griz is first and foremost a knapper. He chips magnificent blades and arrowheads out of stones and bits of colored glass. Some he sets into knife handles, many he sells loose to artisans who use them in their own work.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEiUv9cJmaGkigebLab1IzRgju5h5G90fw31K49L-F0alaQ6ddDYVCViCMryJ9cMPbCLFsBB1pZfVnI0gc1H32ipUs91s7Vnzh1Wtc1lYp0JVtx367HsI7G5SrdEVP7yAzmUTW0C7T7c-/s1600/drum.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405337706054216034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEiUv9cJmaGkigebLab1IzRgju5h5G90fw31K49L-F0alaQ6ddDYVCViCMryJ9cMPbCLFsBB1pZfVnI0gc1H32ipUs91s7Vnzh1Wtc1lYp0JVtx367HsI7G5SrdEVP7yAzmUTW0C7T7c-/s200/drum.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 196px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
He also makes drums for the Powwow community; everything from small hand-held drums to the large drums used in the center of the circle. All of his drums are made with wood he harvests and skins he tans. There really isn't much that this self-sufficient man cannot do without any assistance from factories or manufacturers.<br />
O<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoiH46eW-IyxOq_nNm99HiZlQgOC2PE5UzfLgVRW_3wQiF17YPwuKiGY-sdFdW9WucqnJd11c9GdKq4yDn1ShYlJLFdypyG_Iwq03RCs47GL0bVvlReGYNIGGglalifym9Aa1gkvuvb8I/s1600/griz.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405339218531136002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoiH46eW-IyxOq_nNm99HiZlQgOC2PE5UzfLgVRW_3wQiF17YPwuKiGY-sdFdW9WucqnJd11c9GdKq4yDn1ShYlJLFdypyG_Iwq03RCs47GL0bVvlReGYNIGGglalifym9Aa1gkvuvb8I/s200/griz.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 96px;" /></a>ne of my favorite pictures from that day is this shot of Griz showing off his two-meter wooden feather. He tells a captivating story of watching a lightning bolt strike a tree and splinter it into rubble, leaving behind this incredible work of nature's art. It's one of the few things in his basement that will never be for sale.<br />
So many treasures - too many to show in this post...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3h1p-VAW94RnOk8T2Uw8mR-_y-a0ggG7K22Jl-P9ZyBmDinlR0EKgWYoSssFPRlnDf2oYk3SArqZTBfqGHUZz4pVDLElxGwafC3dm_OYwSAhCQsKRnEI_d0TjxrzgpX3tkIezMQuNlGsd/s1600/beads.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405339923139880994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3h1p-VAW94RnOk8T2Uw8mR-_y-a0ggG7K22Jl-P9ZyBmDinlR0EKgWYoSssFPRlnDf2oYk3SArqZTBfqGHUZz4pVDLElxGwafC3dm_OYwSAhCQsKRnEI_d0TjxrzgpX3tkIezMQuNlGsd/s200/beads.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 200px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 186px;" /></a><br />
He has a penchant for beads and has a fabulous collection of glass chevron beads, both contemporary and antique.<br />
He has a vintage Fender Bass guitar and yes, he can play it!<br />
But in my title I promised you something weird, and here it comes...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg82LyT6tfayjMJv4Xck0JmpnfY3EI7Ml3FpG9h4kEA_8jv-PktvAQflSb-V51x3o9eKFykWyyBXrVYsPZC51p1fUDmZOf5QGDqwKeXuzqgnbDoWu3s281MmLsZU4imjG5yAkrcN4Q5QvM/s1600/fender+griz.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405340246197377074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg82LyT6tfayjMJv4Xck0JmpnfY3EI7Ml3FpG9h4kEA_8jv-PktvAQflSb-V51x3o9eKFykWyyBXrVYsPZC51p1fUDmZOf5QGDqwKeXuzqgnbDoWu3s281MmLsZU4imjG5yAkrcN4Q5QvM/s200/fender+griz.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 196px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 200px;" /></a>When i first began snapping pictures I did not realize that I had my digital camera set to <span style="font-style: italic;">Landscape</span>. Not the right setting for indoor pictures and I shot a few pictures before I realized my mistake and changed to a more appropriate indoor setting.<br />
I didn't think much of it until I got home and downloaded the pictures to my computer.<br />
Remember that blue tub? That perfectly opaque blue tub?<br />
Well, look at this shot... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9TaQNOsKJiFbA6eaa_ZVXJIJnWq2oWn5uWrPoUx2YG1sF8qdoc74eDx9uBE9SmeVCOeug_Xwh8TNRM8N_hodfu6m5qQW-xvi94seFs2Mu2cX92yOf3f87CMlA6LC5wNIQfO5VeU4FBpW/s1600/unbelievable.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405343581108108898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9TaQNOsKJiFbA6eaa_ZVXJIJnWq2oWn5uWrPoUx2YG1sF8qdoc74eDx9uBE9SmeVCOeug_Xwh8TNRM8N_hodfu6m5qQW-xvi94seFs2Mu2cX92yOf3f87CMlA6LC5wNIQfO5VeU4FBpW/s320/unbelievable.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 318px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a>I could not believe what I seemed to be seeing - it seemed I could see through to the contents, though that is surely impossible. Unwilling to believe what my eyes were telling me, I called Griz and asked him what was in that tub. That question confused him and I had to explain why I wanted to know. "A couple of folded blankets," was his answer.<br />
Well holy crap! That certainly seems to be what I am seeing. Griz even made the trip to my house to see for himself and he was as amazed as I was/am.<br />
So, to sum it up in question form, indoor pictures taken on the landscape setting allow the camera to see through heavy opaque plastic? I don't know, but my eyes certainly tell me that, as impossible as it seems, that is somehow exactly what has happened.<br />
Of course, if any of you have a logical explanation, both Griz and I would love to hear it!Art of Spirit LeatherWorkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13000233801394372656noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271795449011620937.post-39337539478249807522009-09-01T16:59:00.006-04:002009-09-02T01:41:36.555-04:00Words Worth Contemplating<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span><br />The following quote was attached to an email I received from a customer.</span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5i1_3Ty9EsYx9We-KV8u9c-5tjWozAWMiBLdX4USCpD6luMLbdk8-9UJJim8SX8eQSy3eR_a7a5EUXWau2bjZcJ5jDRRWDwRpOawNsRay5W4glsU7W-KV40W8Pp450FF-haOdz1yK3jM/s1600-h/wolf+%26+crane.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5i1_3Ty9EsYx9We-KV8u9c-5tjWozAWMiBLdX4USCpD6luMLbdk8-9UJJim8SX8eQSy3eR_a7a5EUXWau2bjZcJ5jDRRWDwRpOawNsRay5W4glsU7W-KV40W8Pp450FF-haOdz1yK3jM/s200/wolf+%26+crane.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376740147782611954" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span>It is a quote that should be shared.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">"I do not see a delegation for the Four Footed. I see no seat for the Eagles. We forget and we consider ourselves superior. But we are after all a mere part of Creation. And we must consider to understand where we are. And we stand somewhere between the mountain and the Ant. Somewhere and only there as part and parcel of the Creation."</span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:78%;"> Chief Oren Lyons, Oneida<br /> in an address to the Non-Governmental Organizations of the United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland, 1977<br /><br /></span></span></span>Art of Spirit LeatherWorkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13000233801394372656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271795449011620937.post-38087377436990411632009-07-31T00:03:00.017-04:002009-08-18T22:43:09.231-04:00Setting Snaps Can Make You CussSnap placement is one of those necessary chores many leather-crafters have come to dread. Bent posts, misaligned caps, squished parts - the list of ways a snap can go wrong is extensive.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2E1kRgd0m2kPORUF9Hyh07hhHSFNQkZEIVLWCnHW7KhOSDL1ktMnU2Bg8Aqm53hWr7j9fMtl3o8758U3oaqqwbYnZb4sw4W9y8DkosdpwRu1K4WFeqiUybRxb7HAmOpqJQTwjfDkfbZC/s1600-h/ln24.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2E1kRgd0m2kPORUF9Hyh07hhHSFNQkZEIVLWCnHW7KhOSDL1ktMnU2Bg8Aqm53hWr7j9fMtl3o8758U3oaqqwbYnZb4sw4W9y8DkosdpwRu1K4WFeqiUybRxb7HAmOpqJQTwjfDkfbZC/s200/ln24.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364481602430941746" border="0" /></a><br />I've received a few requests to do a tutorial video on snap-setting, so I did one with my methods for the two most-used snaps in leather-crafting, the heavy-duty Line 24 snaps and the lighter-duty Segma snaps.<br />At 3 1/2 minutes, the download was too big for the Blogger system, but I've posted it to <span style="font-weight: bold;">YouTube</span>. Here's the link -<br /><a class="linkification-ext" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N6ieWtuMa8" title="Linkification: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N6ieWtuMa8">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N6ieWtuMa8</a><br />Here is a summary of what it covers:<br />Part of the difficulty arises from the tools that many of us use.<br />The mallet-driven setters are economical but often not worth the savings, particularly when setting the <span>Line 24 snaps</span>.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibs5O13_O1CDx4TlfrIEgGp90DMC6T-DC6WyQpuvt6-qcFGI9utabnnws2nK7PsiZpn1WrvvYskBpbSpRPPETH-Iuv2D8_zdpUDw9tEg6k-X51bO49tSQDZNWvj9v0sckTK-yUbFhI32-_/s1600-h/Pres-n-snap.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibs5O13_O1CDx4TlfrIEgGp90DMC6T-DC6WyQpuvt6-qcFGI9utabnnws2nK7PsiZpn1WrvvYskBpbSpRPPETH-Iuv2D8_zdpUDw9tEg6k-X51bO49tSQDZNWvj9v0sckTK-yUbFhI32-_/s200/Pres-n-snap.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364476329281544386" border="0" /></a><br />If you set a lot of these snaps, or wish you could, I strongly recommend an investment in a snap-setting tool. There are a few on the market, but my favorite is the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pres-n-Snap</span>.<br />Insanely, this tool is not available through the normal Leather-Crafting suppliers. You can, however, find it online if you do a search with the name spelled as above or through upholstery-tool outlets. Mine came with the parts for setting snaps and grommets for about $150.00. It works well with the Tandy Line 24 snaps and, in my opinion, was worth every penny.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTupzKFcL1dARe3uj3iYlV-SsN-Bi53qBLaDoC1XzfjbdvIjWwjAwYjhOdjTeycFK7_xq_49w6NyK-qmE1q5wT8WhOZSMrR126drlFXqLoHyhL7k2Dj1T_HUYEzCm1tjpb7LmGY4hezWk/s1600-h/segma+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTupzKFcL1dARe3uj3iYlV-SsN-Bi53qBLaDoC1XzfjbdvIjWwjAwYjhOdjTeycFK7_xq_49w6NyK-qmE1q5wT8WhOZSMrR126drlFXqLoHyhL7k2Dj1T_HUYEzCm1tjpb7LmGY4hezWk/s200/segma+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364477809863488562" border="0" /></a>For the <span>Segma</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>snaps, the drive-tools are adequate. They can be tricky nonetheless. My two main bits of advice are:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqothhTKGD-X_Blf0cDGfnpnZXE0bEOKDrJgQhlq7VG83gTwfDhPwTB-mAxRtNE4LqzmRE-7t-dLynX9LX1AkjF-HjNuS1TAvVV-7NJ6dDONOdD-RS1YJanIBRYEQ2BR09xtqle2rjJpj/s1600-h/segma+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqothhTKGD-X_Blf0cDGfnpnZXE0bEOKDrJgQhlq7VG83gTwfDhPwTB-mAxRtNE4LqzmRE-7t-dLynX9LX1AkjF-HjNuS1TAvVV-7NJ6dDONOdD-RS1YJanIBRYEQ2BR09xtqle2rjJpj/s200/segma+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364478295878604402" border="0" /></a><br />1) Focus your attention on the tool rather than the mallet, the project or your hand. Keeping this tool aligned vertically is critical.<br />2) Do <span style="font-style: italic;">not </span>over-set the snap. Two or three firm strikes of the mallet should be sufficient. Over-setting will ruin the snap.<br />I hope this information is helpful!Art of Spirit LeatherWorkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13000233801394372656noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271795449011620937.post-47086285106483701822009-07-12T16:24:00.028-04:002020-06-23T15:52:23.876-04:00Home-Made Stamping Tools<span style="font-weight: bold;">Like anyone whose been plying their craft for multiple decades, I've built up an impressive set of tools.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn9utjVftC7Ubi9_CccLucYlb3mcMhYV9oOhwq0x4yc0Etf2FDjzyEPteYS3QSEXFZI76nzXfXxWQND_LhdFOtfRUWY8X65vX74LldM7SbLZ-0nB-QVyt9yDrydTrNwxPWbmXuERK2tAg/s1600-h/mandalas.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357683956912812386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn9utjVftC7Ubi9_CccLucYlb3mcMhYV9oOhwq0x4yc0Etf2FDjzyEPteYS3QSEXFZI76nzXfXxWQND_LhdFOtfRUWY8X65vX74LldM7SbLZ-0nB-QVyt9yDrydTrNwxPWbmXuERK2tAg/s200/mandalas.jpg" style="float: right; height: 168px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEils6lUaStw-Uftj3acPCHfH8Cy4P05qnepwrDstSUSN2Y0mkJDlNYY0e7CK1wqZGYaX6iP1w5cHSycAETWctDb93Z8psvHziED21YWSZf21gMM3KhvJExukt7kcUsqBK0au4VXZOeYFBTf/s1600-h/spikes2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357683059806911778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEils6lUaStw-Uftj3acPCHfH8Cy4P05qnepwrDstSUSN2Y0mkJDlNYY0e7CK1wqZGYaX6iP1w5cHSycAETWctDb93Z8psvHziED21YWSZf21gMM3KhvJExukt7kcUsqBK0au4VXZOeYFBTf/s200/spikes2.jpg" style="float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 50px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">In the way of most working-class artisans, it was put together one tool at a time.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">My most lusted-after items in those long-ago </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">early years were the stamping tools that are so critical to what I do. The half-dozen that I started with were enough, but only barely!</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">It was Dad that suggested that I could make my own with heavy nails and his bench grinder. </span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">An afternoon in his workshop more than doubled my stamp supply; better still, they were unique and kind of funky, different from anything </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">commercially available.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">The first step, of course, is to remove the point from the tip to fashion a strike-end. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ux6ctMyVyl9CcwLvuZC-KxuZttDNhBZuq1-gUVwNC2qPHJ7SRdlptozynjyEpxZGB_O6pjJOGqcijAbgSfmybFp9xwNYZvHi3WVOTgTHMt5GbQFBENtmTqvQRtEEiQZ6ZgcuSeKJoPQc/s1600-h/untip.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-weight: bold;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357681783257129698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ux6ctMyVyl9CcwLvuZC-KxuZttDNhBZuq1-gUVwNC2qPHJ7SRdlptozynjyEpxZGB_O6pjJOGqcijAbgSfmybFp9xwNYZvHi3WVOTgTHMt5GbQFBENtmTqvQRtEEiQZ6ZgcuSeKJoPQc/s200/untip.jpg" style="float: right; height: 195px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Then work at the edges and the surface of the nail-head to create your desired imprint shape.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoCV0p739gebMwdC8EuuO800v8cClnf8yBCXU9nn8kHUBm84rvxx4YViDA_sL-ZGsDc6lc95CGc5G04sJNmcIxByJsmyK76xqQzIQMcFiiLpCZYXzm83zADiTyvB4o3GrSHdL_cTj9T7z/s1600-h/home+made+tools.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357682319012875106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoCV0p739gebMwdC8EuuO800v8cClnf8yBCXU9nn8kHUBm84rvxx4YViDA_sL-ZGsDc6lc95CGc5G04sJNmcIxByJsmyK76xqQzIQMcFiiLpCZYXzm83zADiTyvB4o3GrSHdL_cTj9T7z/s200/home+made+tools.jpg" style="float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 200px;" /></a> <span style="font-weight: bold;">I did a couple with the large </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">spikes, but they really chewed up Dad's grinding wheel. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">So I went to a smaller size, which worked well. I also did one with a cement nail - that one is a favorite because I can reverse it and use the strike-end to make a diamond mark.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">With just a few cents worth of </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhjc_6w8zwN9O_SXDtlySC91K621BL_yuOoGBxHefnge6pVvXABF4fT1oEqdN1GY87_41hICXQ1A59_KdyKdJ8Zmqqgid6WXXEOEjVDT0xrqRs2BdTIJt-FVPgE3juI49Y7wNsKp5kijh/s1600-h/zpr.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357684159831736178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhjc_6w8zwN9O_SXDtlySC91K621BL_yuOoGBxHefnge6pVvXABF4fT1oEqdN1GY87_41hICXQ1A59_KdyKdJ8Zmqqgid6WXXEOEjVDT0xrqRs2BdTIJt-FVPgE3juI49Y7wNsKp5kijh/s200/zpr.jpg" style="float: right; height: 196px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">nails (and another few dollars to replace the grinding wheel that I pretty much wore away) I created a handful of stamping tools that I still use to this day.</span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMArgkALd-pFhkpMpB1Lm2yofnnFvK86YC5xfDjkSwxs5PbqwsiUY_uDZ5TqZMO3HuI-_XuHuhD3RGvYGoeDyIy02WUDpFXUncSGHrDN2Vg1Spe7jlPtQcMoJoB9XimK6O-NIatHu_nnVM/s1600-h/sidewinder.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357684529427693618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMArgkALd-pFhkpMpB1Lm2yofnnFvK86YC5xfDjkSwxs5PbqwsiUY_uDZ5TqZMO3HuI-_XuHuhD3RGvYGoeDyIy02WUDpFXUncSGHrDN2Vg1Spe7jlPtQcMoJoB9XimK6O-NIatHu_nnVM/s200/sidewinder.jpg" style="float: left; height: 184px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">All of these tooling examples were made with at least one of these stamps. The black wristband design at the bottom is entirely made of homemade tools.</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357684817719446434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXEDrhAU4SfifFzQNHq0dAgFbAWejI7ikdRAJE4zHmwfTcX8hPLVjVvzw6ZwW67qh80twcuFmM3ZNBY8XVHb94Ylm-MDugDueheIKGnkf6kSz5oDpbMI15ZdOUIxp4flQgrWaQvqzQu3q/s400/simpletri4.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 372px;" /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">The message, of course, is that you needn't be limited by convention. I consider this just further proof that the old adage about necessity and invention holds true!<br /></span><a class="linkification-ext" href="http://www.aosleather.etsy.com/" title="Linkification: http://www.aosleather.etsy.com"></a>Art of Spirit LeatherWorkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13000233801394372656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271795449011620937.post-39848055238233122232009-04-05T17:25:00.020-04:002014-04-29T13:40:42.023-04:00Mystery BraidOne of the coolest things I learned early in my leather-crafting <img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURKIvXyadOBApTESUDcbJU1KN8YaNf4fH3KfKQ2FVN4vi8dAuMLLoSXq-3cfyZONz5J9oLv7W5F8iV6juk3chOCQ8ittsnMIdxAqwaDAzap5YbQIRu7hkkzRpzytZTM_Q-dWJhQajwZ0V/s200/mystery+braid+brnlv.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321331061343371714" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 77px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 200px;" />history was the <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">three-part inside trick braid</span>, known far and wide as the Mystery Braid. The mystery of this braid, and the fun, lies in the fact that it's braided with both ends closed.<br />
People often surmise that there are cleverly hidden slices and splices involved. Not so. As the name implies, there<span style="font-style: italic;">'</span>s<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>a trick to it... an <span style="font-style: italic;">inside </span>trick that I've put into a short tutorial video for you. In less than two minutes you can see how it's done -- in no time at all you can master this trick braid yourself!<img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvXiN9mDig-RZllcda5cmvoKH4J0vWUND9s1fMVo8JFNuJS1MOJSib-yD3Xar5YbI8NSNyhA3GAA09VnWfuKg2o_p0VZXcCrv-ouDYodwSFY9pfoYFYuxVia7nK_jbt4A0_7n1c8nbZRe/s200/blkmystery+braid2.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321331632721596162" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 183px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /> You'll find the video box at the bottom of this post or, if you prefer a larger view-window, you can see it on You Tube by clicking <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7_fwVpsxBs"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">here</span></a>.<br />
A few points to remember: Braiding will shorten what you're working on, so measuring can be tricky. The amount of shortening depends on how thick your material is, how long the item is and how tightly you braid.<br />
You'll want to experiment with this, but a good beginning rule of thumb for making full-grain leather belts or wristbands is to cut the plaits longer than the area you want braided by about 1/2 inch for every ten inches of braid.<br />
In other words, if you want a twenty-inch section of a belt braided, cut your slices twenty-one inches long. I punch a hole at the end of each slice for tidiness and to help the ends of the braid to lie smooth.<img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTR9MTpSyy8y1JgzMBTxgRi3hpybb1ZGz9gO9hg36ehTN92aFxX1ftWF6pAvOc757I-1EE6SSBEh8Vd_wdlGaAnAZJTO0clutX4l5rlc9mYqK4iez9TcoEfSeBYXy_0YdAEtv533TGJHeb/s200/threeparttrickbraidbrownpln5.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321330148996108562" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 200px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 195px;" /><br />
All dyes and finishes should be applied before you braid, including your edge-coating. Vegetable-tanned tooling leather should be wet before braiding -- this won't hurt the leather finishes I<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>normally use; if you are unsure of <span style="font-style: italic;">your </span>products, you'll want to do a test-braid first. I always retreat the finished braid after it dries with a spray silicon for added protection.<br />
With just a bit of practice you'll be weaving mysteries of your own!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxiZ-1EapX09tGG1IR8mYzs0ZSskOfKgN3SzR7R_mUt92uGPELnsm5ixkLoJUsT5G64O5QOgBKm0ja8IbmBVQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Art of Spirit LeatherWorkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13000233801394372656noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271795449011620937.post-48189409857957801952009-02-18T19:28:00.016-05:002009-08-18T22:42:25.804-04:00Making a Four-Part Round BraidA four-part round braid is very versatile. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyvWjJuYD6p6-IJgs9wGP5NQsSwA3mDmNjzcJiUsIOsPuNRBO82mbRhmu2xf7yodnDGe1va4j5lL6rPiSgj_Q1-ZAyMfYiSDTWSL3k3j_q0F4A_wXBaKGEDxZpY6G5g3CUS6ommIZgNTv/s1600-h/mikeesepouch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyvWjJuYD6p6-IJgs9wGP5NQsSwA3mDmNjzcJiUsIOsPuNRBO82mbRhmu2xf7yodnDGe1va4j5lL6rPiSgj_Q1-ZAyMfYiSDTWSL3k3j_q0F4A_wXBaKGEDxZpY6G5g3CUS6ommIZgNTv/s200/mikeesepouch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304325533236119826" border="0" /></a><br />It's used for everything from bolo ties and belts to horse tack and whips. It's my preferred strap for purses and pouches, being both handsome and strong. It's also the thing I'm asked to teach more often than any other crafting skill I have.<br />So I've made a two-minute video demonstrating the four-part round braid.<br />Click the play button on the video window below to watch it or, if you prefer a larger view window, watch it on YouTube at<br /><a class="linkification-ext" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0afO40tsqAc" title="Linkification: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0afO40tsqAc">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0afO40tsqAc</a><br />Once you learn how to make this braid, play around with mixing colors. You can get some interesting looking braids depending on the number of colors and their placement.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNevYFwnzcTHRqLEJwsu6VPnUzEpzzdYs68i4RkcuA9AhorfZokuhsfaBJGgxZvtvBU0a8LMNguRx-84veC5SLivUjRmRX_mNzBrynheSOgxR6aKCzdgo34HXDJ8A92x1VNr2gYYiC-xkU/s1600-h/braid2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNevYFwnzcTHRqLEJwsu6VPnUzEpzzdYs68i4RkcuA9AhorfZokuhsfaBJGgxZvtvBU0a8LMNguRx-84veC5SLivUjRmRX_mNzBrynheSOgxR6aKCzdgo34HXDJ8A92x1VNr2gYYiC-xkU/s200/braid2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304325095868238978" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-dM1S-Ge2U7qolaX4ruG0M0lvfWOJ01zC4QQWHGkbMMptjOEeWbtTpdqWG9j9jbIvDy66EShVKxn7by4zZBUpW4icYG6CWEwav_UijDMg8kdRJ_xTFa4PCGuGZYTyHy-DLhnc1iyfkY9/s1600-h/braid3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-dM1S-Ge2U7qolaX4ruG0M0lvfWOJ01zC4QQWHGkbMMptjOEeWbtTpdqWG9j9jbIvDy66EShVKxn7by4zZBUpW4icYG6CWEwav_UijDMg8kdRJ_xTFa4PCGuGZYTyHy-DLhnc1iyfkY9/s200/braid3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304324300319107426" border="0" /></a><br />I finish mine off by stitching through the layers of leather with artificial sinew and binding with a double wrap-around. This secures the ends from coming loose and is easy to conceal with a leather wrap.<br />(This braid can be made with thinner materials by using a rope or cord as a center core and wrapping your four parts around it!)<br />For anyone interested in learning more about leather braiding or fancy knot tying, I recommend the book <span style="font-weight: bold;">Leather Braiding</span> by<span style="font-style: italic;"> Bruce Grant</span>. It's extremely easy to learn from, with wonderful illustrations by <span style="font-style: italic;">Larry Spinelli</span>. Available through your Public Library or favorite bookstore.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz_0uV4AWBGpl4m7EKgBRsByRX3Pds4PkfHZoVmn7akb93qgjNeQ0UgN8Njenbzd1lIh5s7A2s4Hatvlx7EfQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Art of Spirit LeatherWorkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13000233801394372656noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271795449011620937.post-47017516362142724512009-01-29T20:13:00.029-05:002010-04-14T01:38:12.424-04:00Adding Color to LeatherTooling leather comes naked. No color, no finishes.<br /><div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TG_QBWNSZKb6mS_58B_BzYVOa2D6kfS2PfTEfKZsaBY1yUOESh0yNRMy_Rf74hCeQhsS2QncrkWDJoLpLqGHLM7RMzdlW-n7pAkU4nCIxUxgHMcyWU-BRogGqdnAACOFES2riKYHlfYY/s1600-h/naked+leather.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296900571401429970" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 200px; cursor: pointer; height: 190px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TG_QBWNSZKb6mS_58B_BzYVOa2D6kfS2PfTEfKZsaBY1yUOESh0yNRMy_Rf74hCeQhsS2QncrkWDJoLpLqGHLM7RMzdlW-n7pAkU4nCIxUxgHMcyWU-BRogGqdnAACOFES2riKYHlfYY/s200/naked+leather.jpg" border="0" /></a>It's essential to the process of tooling, as the leather has to be able to absorb water freely and evenly and any dyes or finishes impair that ability.<br />Dyes and color come after all the tooling is done and there are a variety of products and tools for getting naked leather dressed up. I have my favorites -- the ones I find most faithful after years of trial and error. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaw3gEa7SlLDlfIUOdSXPVZJoyldRLKkoGRSG4OZH7XVvrRp9Ej-l7N094PMc-dGiahUoscoWCAvMvr4dYSnKPMZaINdySGJAw8Gg6DsvtuAq7VXaxhNFTSorK7iVyM3c24UiAEYwWXeAK/s1600-h/dye.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296896246648893250" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; width: 200px; cursor: pointer; height: 169px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaw3gEa7SlLDlfIUOdSXPVZJoyldRLKkoGRSG4OZH7XVvrRp9Ej-l7N094PMc-dGiahUoscoWCAvMvr4dYSnKPMZaINdySGJAw8Gg6DsvtuAq7VXaxhNFTSorK7iVyM3c24UiAEYwWXeAK/s200/dye.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />For making leather black or brown I prefer a penetrating oil-based dye. It gives superior color and evenness, and the colors do not have a tendency to bleed or rub off.<br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">This dye has very hazardous fumes</span></strong>; it's combustible and toxic, so adequate ventilation is <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">essential </span>to your health and well-being. If you don't have a strong exhaust fan specially rated for such things, then I recommend you dye outside whenever possible.<br />If your yard is 3 feet deep in snow like mine, then open the windows and employ a fan and a protective mask. Seriously! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAso5YyGtF4V67Cn0phc28Xj_YEMyecirOKBYQSuCRgysIJIbWdEsMvP2azCSaIJrHJfS0sJtWHACie6aWddG-c_jmSP_i46BaCiw9Irn6FPKgR7YPaRNQeAIPYmIBluzzJ45rNQ2fZOy/s1600-h/dye+on.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296899335544123970" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; width: 200px; cursor: pointer; height: 168px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAso5YyGtF4V67Cn0phc28Xj_YEMyecirOKBYQSuCRgysIJIbWdEsMvP2azCSaIJrHJfS0sJtWHACie6aWddG-c_jmSP_i46BaCiw9Irn6FPKgR7YPaRNQeAIPYmIBluzzJ45rNQ2fZOy/s200/dye+on.jpg" border="0" /></a>Use gloves, too -- this dye will penetrate your skin as readily as leather.<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20407663"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296901733255537362" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 171px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5bqbCF3hww2AmRY9hiTrF0YVjejUXeYAOLUNOYQ5bWC5vB5hJ6QzMiktEUEZ3s2TOrQtYLK4O_u2dYhQVYX4WBlpqIKAFC0s67OBsZA1JAZwpAxOSol_Jm1LHE_6xPs8628NGYnL8bAW/s200/blackfeather.jpg" border="0" /></a>I like wool daubers for application on small projects. For larger items I prefer a sponge brush. I advise <span style="font-style: italic;">against </span>an air-brush without a special set-up for exhausting the atomized combustible particles. I do 2 coats of color for complete coverage. It's finished off with an edge-coating, an application of a conditioner and a water-resistant beeswax finish.<br /></div><div>Sometimes black or brown won't complete the picture -- sometimes a bit of color is required!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vIFiBP-LXvEHf4WXK6ngIhNLTqHlVPTU6qCjmCNWxgp_cPrg6Ij6CrQYZIZF3p-_BCdpvgzqK9m9NBKMEOXy4tXQizH02aRvDJ4_C8TYpoXjG2zp2HqU6WoZbYB_91xnAv2ONMdYr7ir/s1600-h/color.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296902549780528850" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 200px; height: 158px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vIFiBP-LXvEHf4WXK6ngIhNLTqHlVPTU6qCjmCNWxgp_cPrg6Ij6CrQYZIZF3p-_BCdpvgzqK9m9NBKMEOXy4tXQizH02aRvDJ4_C8TYpoXjG2zp2HqU6WoZbYB_91xnAv2ONMdYr7ir/s200/color.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>I use ceramic-grade acrylic color. It bonds well to the leather -- better than some of the leather-specific acrylics! The variety of colors available is impressive and it's readily available at most craft stores. My preferred brand is prominently displayed in the photo ;-)<br />It mixes well, thins with water and applies easily with a brush. It has no toxic fumes, which is nice!<br /></div><br /><div>Once it dries completely a protective edge-coat is run around the outer beveled edge.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfG5CbcKa6sRbEcxGE_yOA-UxuC3m_fdtUE84OKsMKCiNA7WLAKDQ_DwIyOvR7RmccmBUU4vjvEoQ0n3lQCZoH8oOqWD6p8yWBAKbnwge1hVpOtjShfMsSNCqXGQDFy8vIngOOlkqvOOFD/s1600-h/edge+coat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296902993056707234" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 200px; height: 128px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfG5CbcKa6sRbEcxGE_yOA-UxuC3m_fdtUE84OKsMKCiNA7WLAKDQ_DwIyOvR7RmccmBUU4vjvEoQ0n3lQCZoH8oOqWD6p8yWBAKbnwge1hVpOtjShfMsSNCqXGQDFy8vIngOOlkqvOOFD/s200/edge+coat.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>Then a highlighting product is applied generously, taking care to work it into the impressions. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgociXU31Bo04xedpSPXrS2e6EvgBsgGV-yDOLSiKHkII-WYZAxrDAusqGzrJz1Ach5n8AyeM_57ULnXsrgD16OfQkhgeMFCYfvVei02r_tJlqYq06U-6Ctyda7_cJ3UIrGPKzWWuXlBBJa/s1600-h/highliter.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296903782187487890" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 200px; height: 192px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgociXU31Bo04xedpSPXrS2e6EvgBsgGV-yDOLSiKHkII-WYZAxrDAusqGzrJz1Ach5n8AyeM_57ULnXsrgD16OfQkhgeMFCYfvVei02r_tJlqYq06U-6Ctyda7_cJ3UIrGPKzWWuXlBBJa/s200/highliter.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>Once the excess is wiped away, the remaining highlighter mellows the background and makes the detail pop! To finish my colored leather I use a coat of conditioner and then a spray silicon sealant.<br /><br />Don't you just love color? </div><div></div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20385713"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296904413077227634" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 230px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakOl0Ba-yCIevd0Eh0tuWMiMMFFS__oKLdHgCxHIqjlNkWghXQjEnO-BtW7DcMg5J9JS8S__5e-xIi75JiiTPKZSd1BM11YiaWo6-ZfuXvDhmbo_7Ii9EN8Qc4neAUNvZ1Og0XEUrFLnp/s400/bigredflowers.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div>Art of Spirit LeatherWorkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13000233801394372656noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271795449011620937.post-72188470782402431392008-12-24T15:52:00.019-05:002014-01-25T11:50:42.048-05:00Holiday Traditions<span style="font-size: 100%;">My family has many Holiday traditions, some new and some that go back through generations.<br />
One of our favorite and longest-standing is the annual </span><span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;">yum </span><span style="font-size: 100%;">of Thumbprint Cookies.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4ZIFhWjbWvVtlPFqONZr6eD_J9gGbQj9rUF38e134z6bjrwbN105koCtnl3mKpW_tkEUoW8Ha7TGP81aL9hX5riERu6frdaRfRY-aM3_OhZ5q56k-fVkPlz40PWq72I-tSj632pZP2aU/s1600-h/yummy.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4ZIFhWjbWvVtlPFqONZr6eD_J9gGbQj9rUF38e134z6bjrwbN105koCtnl3mKpW_tkEUoW8Ha7TGP81aL9hX5riERu6frdaRfRY-aM3_OhZ5q56k-fVkPlz40PWq72I-tSj632pZP2aU/s200/yummy.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283467981465706242" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 178px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%;">I remember helping my mother make them when i was very </span><span style="font-size: 100%;">small, and my children grew up helping me. When my oldest daughter spent the Holiday season in Italy during college, her one request from home was for a tin of these favored treats. My youngest daughter agrees -- it's just not Christmas if there aren't any Thumbprints!<br />
This is an unusual cookie recipe -- It contains equal amounts of ground </span><span style="font-size: 100%;">nuts and flour, giving them a wonderful texture. There isn't much sugar to the recipe, and no eggs or leavening products. Trust me; none of this is a typo!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;">They bake on low heat and will come out of the oven</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> looking very much like they did when they went in.<br />
But </span><span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">my oh my</span><span style="font-size: 100%;">! Very rich, nutty and flaky; they are sure to become a favorite with anyone who tries them!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;">So Merry Christmas -- my gift to you is this wonderful family recipe... enjoy!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #009900; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Thumbprint Cookies</span><br />
<br />
Ingredients:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUSQ6JgS70LTkGb9bKwOIzLWetalBOHTYkxy3P3HPvGcL5K9L8BnYcpkzuaWPwnF2EPZ8_AuIo4RzGtkS79QDu2C5cInHC_RIJjrUggYxrCFJsN6swAIEvmR5bbqaiJKRdQxjTOGiDa5B/s1600-h/ingredients.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUSQ6JgS70LTkGb9bKwOIzLWetalBOHTYkxy3P3HPvGcL5K9L8BnYcpkzuaWPwnF2EPZ8_AuIo4RzGtkS79QDu2C5cInHC_RIJjrUggYxrCFJsN6swAIEvmR5bbqaiJKRdQxjTOGiDa5B/s320/ingredients.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283476938259284242" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 168px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<br />
1 Cup all-purpose flour<br />
Dash of salt<br />
1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened<br />
3 Tablespoons powdered sugar<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
1 Cup finely ground walnuts or pecans (I use walnuts)<br />
<br />
For filling; chocolate chips, apple jelly<br />
<br />
Combine and set aside:<br />
Flour<br />
Salt<br />
<br />
Cream together in Large Mixing bowl or food processor:<br />
Butter<br />
Powdered sugar<br />
after these are well blended, add vanilla and stir just long enough to mix it in.<br />
<br />
Add dry ingredients, 1/2 at a time, mixing well between halves. Add nuts and continue working the batter until you have a firm ball and a clean bowl.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzxIco39SZrOUkzO3mECSNBJEY-0Tqu7k-2JJTIUGYSWDiXFC4-LcA-Y-To6I_T5Ta0EJ5ZlAgK4v4Dj12e4wxD6n_F3OOtJrlN69Lrs2ATrXFHoK4HT2ChpwdrWG5TyYhiyiHwJfmiLS/s1600-h/dough.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzxIco39SZrOUkzO3mECSNBJEY-0Tqu7k-2JJTIUGYSWDiXFC4-LcA-Y-To6I_T5Ta0EJ5ZlAgK4v4Dj12e4wxD6n_F3OOtJrlN69Lrs2ATrXFHoK4HT2ChpwdrWG5TyYhiyiHwJfmiLS/s200/dough.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283475530846057090" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 174px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for about 2 hours.<br />
<br />
To Bake:<br />
Preheat oven to 300f<br />
<br />
Spoon off teaspoon-sized chunks from the batter ball and roll into small balls, about the size of a large marble. Place on <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">ungreased</span> cookie sheet about 2" apart.<br />
Make an indentation with your thumb and fill with chocolate chips or a small bit of apple jelly. (For a festive holiday look, the apple jelly can be dyed red or green with food coloring -- I'm a purist and prefer the natural gold color.)<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #009900; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ogH4A6OAbaEH6gcArlg-WLpyUKcF4jPyvXAdPbITRGW2nYVjZ9h-A3olGr2intU4xz73QdzHJNQ66rpQcNb5CPS9kC2M7KB7aI_GQWoLH8T6SAj70wGwoC-DS0SVWjhfY6gzOrK5iOzh/s1600-h/printing.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ogH4A6OAbaEH6gcArlg-WLpyUKcF4jPyvXAdPbITRGW2nYVjZ9h-A3olGr2intU4xz73QdzHJNQ66rpQcNb5CPS9kC2M7KB7aI_GQWoLH8T6SAj70wGwoC-DS0SVWjhfY6gzOrK5iOzh/s200/printing.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283467433649301314" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 160px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
Bake for 20 minutes.<br />
Cool for several minutes before removing from cookie sheet with a spatula. Cool completely before eating.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBziujyVykzjoqKshfdjt51R0yMZfwNqElAwWHAutL2Y10aWGAHbNpoG0HzssSWmKQHhqnSt27axuMYfXWLrT7gemZJD8cdPG_0AyqI5mhenZW8MAyfr8GBq9yMVF3rV9okST2M0D3aHeU/s1600-h/Close+cookies.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBziujyVykzjoqKshfdjt51R0yMZfwNqElAwWHAutL2Y10aWGAHbNpoG0HzssSWmKQHhqnSt27axuMYfXWLrT7gemZJD8cdPG_0AyqI5mhenZW8MAyfr8GBq9yMVF3rV9okST2M0D3aHeU/s200/Close+cookies.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283489527166048802" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 171px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
How many you get depends on how big you roll them -- I get about 2 1/2 dozen per batch, and I always make several batches! (Multiple batches should be prepared separately and not combined for 1 larger batch.)<br />
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This is a cookie that benefits from being made ahead of time, as they are even better after sitting in a tin or covered container overnight!Art of Spirit LeatherWorkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13000233801394372656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271795449011620937.post-18318777647603478762008-11-03T21:20:00.024-05:002008-11-04T13:37:23.998-05:00Stitching Leather TogetherI have nothing against sewing machines. In fact I own 3, each tweaked for different types of <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264621936064216162" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 114px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZDq5mpWwiJoNeOQ9kvb5VfsJ4kqymG9P8juJ28O7Fxu7GZv_NcRnImjVX2ESAaK5hQYclR8omD6ONW0zKi5v1eyRYUMRSt31EpIllpWYgpph45c8PaZo5eCd7qlBPl-nTGuzqKZxXbGz/s200/axe+sheath.jpg" border="0" />materials. When putting cowhide together, however, I usually prefer the low-tech high-strength methods. Here are two of my favorites. <div>For the joining of multiple layers of heavy leather, as with this axe sheath, I like my stitching awl. It's a heavy duty little tool! </div><div>The waxed thread feeds from a center-mounted spool through a groove in the needle.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfA5QOB_6cm5suCXrLXsYMX5ga_k_UsSInfsC6UFNID5BgijdO5ouzL20wO9OBkYE2fD4657a2dsubO8vp_eEDhNZ5nVWT_dNuCbBb93nahETVyVveX8XikBAdsuGlPHU3UCnhPXpYnFA/s1600-h/awl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264622105838374930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 114px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfA5QOB_6cm5suCXrLXsYMX5ga_k_UsSInfsC6UFNID5BgijdO5ouzL20wO9OBkYE2fD4657a2dsubO8vp_eEDhNZ5nVWT_dNuCbBb93nahETVyVveX8XikBAdsuGlPHU3UCnhPXpYnFA/s200/awl.jpg" border="0" /></a>It's a push-pull operation; push the needle through a prepunched hole, pull back to create a loop, then pass thread through the loop on the other side of the project and pull the needle out. This creates a strong, tight and durable lock-stitch. </div><div><br /></div><div><br />The leverage provided by the hand-<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQEVCOejQ7Tx1DIo-P_VwXWM6ySw7IwrutGQ9Y3S0Twtwk-2DoY9VpjTYIiFahmjwGAtjIJxikmqNw_GYXe-Zm28xtK3J9YUpCNAJRTCZ0bCn5EjlRahYoqBTxoHr01ZjH_2o-_cEh0wQ/s1600-h/awl+a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264622898943050610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 177px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQEVCOejQ7Tx1DIo-P_VwXWM6ySw7IwrutGQ9Y3S0Twtwk-2DoY9VpjTYIiFahmjwGAtjIJxikmqNw_GYXe-Zm28xtK3J9YUpCNAJRTCZ0bCn5EjlRahYoqBTxoHr01ZjH_2o-_cEh0wQ/s200/awl+a.jpg" border="0" /></a>held awl is very useful when working with heavy leather.</div><div>When I put something together, I intend for it to stay together!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIojh59R5pVdC1Q3Y23wNu2f5zVI-vWZsn82QFnhkORtChdtKdEmMwR5phmpKMjqHxs_xMmPFcY8YPj4zMVBdXN1xLl_jCnQwyJvCbvppk-1lSGOnLFQV-_vDmBTgZXAGuG4j5xq0yg0-b/s1600-h/awl+b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264623101946083202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 306px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIojh59R5pVdC1Q3Y23wNu2f5zVI-vWZsn82QFnhkORtChdtKdEmMwR5phmpKMjqHxs_xMmPFcY8YPj4zMVBdXN1xLl_jCnQwyJvCbvppk-1lSGOnLFQV-_vDmBTgZXAGuG4j5xq0yg0-b/s320/awl+b.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZDq5mpWwiJoNeOQ9kvb5VfsJ4kqymG9P8juJ28O7Fxu7GZv_NcRnImjVX2ESAaK5hQYclR8omD6ONW0zKi5v1eyRYUMRSt31EpIllpWYgpph45c8PaZo5eCd7qlBPl-nTGuzqKZxXbGz/s1600-h/axe+sheath.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Though there are certainly machines that could handle the thickness, the precision and control of hand-stitching creates a finished result that I consider superior.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZDq5mpWwiJoNeOQ9kvb5VfsJ4kqymG9P8juJ28O7Fxu7GZv_NcRnImjVX2ESAaK5hQYclR8omD6ONW0zKi5v1eyRYUMRSt31EpIllpWYgpph45c8PaZo5eCd7qlBPl-nTGuzqKZxXbGz/s1600-h/axe+sheath.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>For lightweight leather, I prefer the two-needle method. One piece of the same heavy waxed thread i use in the awl with needles at both ends.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4vZL_X_QRHroJBcAhLedxC2lrzHTWsNL_FL_GuC7J4oW76RdTmb6BtsOASPyvK7rG6FFktfz8GSJTifV6s8ljuFzzZFxUILpiEPpgEEQzSy-5C1uegkuFtkJPRw9Q89jb_Qgd8kuJ9Rx/s1600-h/2+needle+method+c.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264623334792537714" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4vZL_X_QRHroJBcAhLedxC2lrzHTWsNL_FL_GuC7J4oW76RdTmb6BtsOASPyvK7rG6FFktfz8GSJTifV6s8ljuFzzZFxUILpiEPpgEEQzSy-5C1uegkuFtkJPRw9Q89jb_Qgd8kuJ9Rx/s200/2+needle+method+c.jpg" border="0" /></a> The needles are passed back and forth through the same holes, making fast work of any job. Pulling each stitch ultra tight is key! </div><div><div><div><div><div><div>The end result is strong and very stable. It's my stitch of choice for my Earth Medallions, as well as for wallets and small leather bags.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0Fa_SKGRcyqWkJzWBEOAMf1dc2HLFluKVB6MEgaxXnWKNuVzX549UW9hHi01OHz1nfKhZkI4qvQnHlhfaMwL75F091KTwde6LeWSV3CJmRXsg67lX5ZH5z6F9g87sIFt-iBJEJsGup9Q/s1600-h/2+needle+method+d.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264677668924750946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0Fa_SKGRcyqWkJzWBEOAMf1dc2HLFluKVB6MEgaxXnWKNuVzX549UW9hHi01OHz1nfKhZkI4qvQnHlhfaMwL75F091KTwde6LeWSV3CJmRXsg67lX5ZH5z6F9g87sIFt-iBJEJsGup9Q/s200/2+needle+method+d.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264678085032609010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 168px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLOzrpxpPGc5vqq_WyoW0aHGj3JtDfnc73Tw_6yrJ2aTE8P8lOvzP5fwgwEyy3hIPfHdUHXPH5rt8kk-Q25GPQGxi1rkArHOScCT1T89yNGai-CfjoJ0dnzqsjtvAC_u-_L7gMJ-ZJaeJ/s200/Jade+Earth+Medallion.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div>There are many other methods of joining leather, including decorative lacing. We'll cover those in a future post!Art of Spirit LeatherWorkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13000233801394372656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271795449011620937.post-20781479300487332382008-03-28T23:49:00.022-04:002012-03-17T13:53:16.610-04:00Tooled BeltsI've spent the last few days working on Tooled belts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtvV054mXHK5Ta3PnZbdRfAlobH6k613TPGmSZDMlZzrYKAKlauOZzil__O3gzL_ITU6xKXlCpciAkvodQF2bW8bvk3OdkADlMPip6nnpmrrjyrgIzMHsPrhA1bCEsFhOe6P94JuvqP0a/s1600-h/workbench+001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183431851596288514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtvV054mXHK5Ta3PnZbdRfAlobH6k613TPGmSZDMlZzrYKAKlauOZzil__O3gzL_ITU6xKXlCpciAkvodQF2bW8bvk3OdkADlMPip6nnpmrrjyrgIzMHsPrhA1bCEsFhOe6P94JuvqP0a/s200/workbench+001.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" /></a>The tooled impressions are much deeper and cleaner if you have an unyielding surface under the leather -- I have this piece of granite that I call Big Block. It works exceptionally well for what I do, but you wouldn't want to drop it on your toes!<br />
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Water is used to moisturize, or <i>case</i>, the leather so it will take an impression. Then I choose stamps from the racks you see behind Big Block and start pounding with my 12oz rawhide mallet.<br />
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The stamps can be arranged into an almost infinite variety of patterns. Geometric and floral designs are a mainstay in my inventory.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KPP8mouNyMXJCoFILINhVh7BfCLXowByXy_Os9libx5C8RRqTofN2r32_Xa-0pzYvSq73lLyXkbTEmVqSatSUSpSRL-ljexVQzIMfVHEO9cnyEXbZsLCit05MbMohi_WHJSJA85HKqY4/s1600-h/workbench+010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183443783015436914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KPP8mouNyMXJCoFILINhVh7BfCLXowByXy_Os9libx5C8RRqTofN2r32_Xa-0pzYvSq73lLyXkbTEmVqSatSUSpSRL-ljexVQzIMfVHEO9cnyEXbZsLCit05MbMohi_WHJSJA85HKqY4/s200/workbench+010.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" /></a><br />
Lots of pounding -- most of my tooled belts are impacted hundreds of times before they're done. I like the flow of a complex design!<br />
Some are a bit more understated, like this flower chain I'm building.<br />
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When I'm working on a pattern I can <i>see</i> (in my mind's eye) what it will look like once it's dyed and that often affects the progression of the design.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9p87nZvAFtTlR86v3mwb2lBdXHqatwo1cTbT_xr3EcEnUMZfF5d3uvHxVe56qtnUfErgD6zHKVU2ncmm1eeAjCcpLJwzCzucpakQfyK_hYsEwJX-dHKN6xHkLtRncB7VHTmLG9yPpyvlh/s1600-h/workbench+009.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183444160972558978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9p87nZvAFtTlR86v3mwb2lBdXHqatwo1cTbT_xr3EcEnUMZfF5d3uvHxVe56qtnUfErgD6zHKVU2ncmm1eeAjCcpLJwzCzucpakQfyK_hYsEwJX-dHKN6xHkLtRncB7VHTmLG9yPpyvlh/s200/workbench+009.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBFd6NxGknQMsRSUuKBdvg5ETODlFPkmhkLwArfi0vpuU50LcM0zW13EB2-rYeW8W-QQQNI-QDYE8AfzKSFyp99319PmQitHA-lG0AEfVtGlNikuZIfkKFfcqg-GcQFxEMjjLVI-3Z3DT/s1600-h/workbench+012.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Y1g4gDuTlnSuRDybcJ-UiieH5A4PxjUfFmULxlDaUt-1dQ6dusbj9ScnrdQhlrB3GLUzrU9cF1Mi_r7ZW60pzbeG_oTRKbFDSHAPkSP70nPFbOyA9m33p0ln9vQr_TeDv3aSSxmr02Rt/s1600-h/workbench+012.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183444470210204306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Y1g4gDuTlnSuRDybcJ-UiieH5A4PxjUfFmULxlDaUt-1dQ6dusbj9ScnrdQhlrB3GLUzrU9cF1Mi_r7ZW60pzbeG_oTRKbFDSHAPkSP70nPFbOyA9m33p0ln9vQr_TeDv3aSSxmr02Rt/s200/workbench+012.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" /></a><br />
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Two more steps add to the "finished" look of the belt before I let it dry -- a beveling tool is used to take the corner off the edge and then the entire edge is compressed by rubbing it briskly with a hard plastic disk called a slicker.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbn1ud_ZnRmWES5YWykKDDaof5eUb0dRjufrVUszgCt4pn_Jgy2RxPtULQtRCpG-0c7bTAQOmnqCYztI_yfNxnQShSJ76S3Bd-XNeHnvvRhRj8tzrzgYRjH4xM7mg2nL15S-b4jrgX2-6/s1600-h/workbench+014.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183444843872359074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbn1ud_ZnRmWES5YWykKDDaof5eUb0dRjufrVUszgCt4pn_Jgy2RxPtULQtRCpG-0c7bTAQOmnqCYztI_yfNxnQShSJ76S3Bd-XNeHnvvRhRj8tzrzgYRjH4xM7mg2nL15S-b4jrgX2-6/s320/workbench+014.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsK7JMj_6g-EqvSXv3trbupFhpfjoNQ2CCu9o7VWYYslYdCnLeXJfX7dhqCY6UIsYMhANWZzw5L-AcqQTkDVL8Qe4pr5gCFs0-2LfjQVYtVs37w3NUlGOPhAPqL6XZtSqUzo8aydQ6saZA/s1600-h/workbench+014.jpg"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnNiIH_Kte9iV_hkjq93YbLu5PSoBBZLCgPTlFbkcQ6noLeVn008qS4Uf9dFPs_0PVBCPihX4a5riRu2kJz7G2RwCdzjPobm2bhX2JwLW3WUCJ-rI0OuYAaiy4ZFuTLvBawnxVArsr_UE/s1600-h/workbench+017.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183445050030789298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnNiIH_Kte9iV_hkjq93YbLu5PSoBBZLCgPTlFbkcQ6noLeVn008qS4Uf9dFPs_0PVBCPihX4a5riRu2kJz7G2RwCdzjPobm2bhX2JwLW3WUCJ-rI0OuYAaiy4ZFuTLvBawnxVArsr_UE/s200/workbench+017.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsHuFCvdlhNX47h95zEontYNgDBwocqninVQIH9dn41r3QNjcAF_gVpnVbjF1u4hVP9jFrYoFBADXWmz_Iyfv8OaGiiyUq30vxzORkv9MHh370Ph_7BWsTrw1AbhrYyM1sVX2A9t8j5l-/s1600-h/workbench+017.jpg"></a><br />
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Last but not least, of course, is color! I use a top-quality professional Oil Dye for the black and brown, usually 2 coats. For the bright color I get great results using ceramic-grade acrylic paint. Some highlighter to enhance the designs, my own secret 3-layer finish and a quick buff with my trusty shoe brush, then holes, snaps and buckles and I now have a pile of belts!<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183438263982461506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLB7DjFDbTPCVBD9kTc7SGgpuqJA7oExbr-T83JiQSOy9ioruSk9Yj_KG69jzuYKgjJx_XbW6W3WVy8i1wlYJOjNsWUbLVZ_GtcBb-JzcZG6PTrLRA62orVGjxTzmoFErYx683cgZySUpx/s400/newtopost+005.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /> No doubt about it -- there's something very satisfying in any creative endeavor!Art of Spirit LeatherWorkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13000233801394372656noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271795449011620937.post-8576904811461378352008-03-22T22:06:00.016-04:002008-06-12T10:50:06.094-04:00Before the Belts...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_PRC34R7oDa_iU0HwyXP94mdJjbCDjv5zwFmptazsfH7YGR-wyWnvAkAJdNItmXQunIAf-sbR33xfgIpVTLQZ1zT5CeIreu03uq7S_EPDZIng577srzkZVPUK5UE7lE0gN0yLISKoqyt/s1600-h/hide+reduction+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180753394026385618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_PRC34R7oDa_iU0HwyXP94mdJjbCDjv5zwFmptazsfH7YGR-wyWnvAkAJdNItmXQunIAf-sbR33xfgIpVTLQZ1zT5CeIreu03uq7S_EPDZIng577srzkZVPUK5UE7lE0gN0yLISKoqyt/s200/hide+reduction+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Even after all these years, I love when my leather shipments arrive.<br />The smell of fresh leather is overpowering to some; to me it's the aroma of possibilities.<br />I order my belt leather by the side, which is basically half of a hide. There are other cuts available, but for ease of handling and direction of grain, sides are my preference. Rolled out, this one measures over 7 feet in length, obviously more than I'll need for belts. The first thing I do is determine how much excess length there is and cut it away -- the end piece will go into other projects.<br /><br />Then I line up and cut a straight edge with simple tools -- a metal straight-edge and a sharp utility knife.<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180756494992773346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IyFiEC34EJZuYCvUpaRbrqwoagoYskWzrjLvfjjQLnKTjh7ZtAinFA_yX5fkGGXBbR39zG6Pv3uqHi52FEMMeET12YDfi99gD73_ogenxfwh5yMBkQNAvoilmjlnD4QMC4Fbp3414Dff/s320/hide+reduction+005.jpg" border="0" /> The next tool is a basic manual strap cutter. Today I'm cutting wide belts, so i have it set to 1 1/2" for some of the straps, 1 3/4 for others. A quick pull down my straight edge and a belt strap falls away. Then another and another until there's a pile of straps and no side!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKJuj3q14oLNgErpxdGiT2qbihVT3ThAEfJ8nZ3GYv7hCCe5QHp1JmK7TFWT5KXsgU8_oKwh7o2g3yTMukBpTBKw5-L7NuwoMCqOTNksQ1A16uTrPf5kEplixks-EWvxU-lz-z-yTRmqn/s1600-h/hide+reduction+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180759879427002642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKJuj3q14oLNgErpxdGiT2qbihVT3ThAEfJ8nZ3GYv7hCCe5QHp1JmK7TFWT5KXsgU8_oKwh7o2g3yTMukBpTBKw5-L7NuwoMCqOTNksQ1A16uTrPf5kEplixks-EWvxU-lz-z-yTRmqn/s200/hide+reduction+006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAPh-YafhnpbKld6ynu0t_UeugjgHqDMH_tD32RaauwQSWU1r5-42NDd9NCmr3H8bMaZ1VKD8IM8uA3GTg-rpd_WGKtIqcSKy6HsGRX0Ct7xBntW1Yr4ng66BPpf35YJcm_l5IPCYVJAM/s1600-h/hide+reduction+008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180760618161377586" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAPh-YafhnpbKld6ynu0t_UeugjgHqDMH_tD32RaauwQSWU1r5-42NDd9NCmr3H8bMaZ1VKD8IM8uA3GTg-rpd_WGKtIqcSKy6HsGRX0Ct7xBntW1Yr4ng66BPpf35YJcm_l5IPCYVJAM/s320/hide+reduction+008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2_YiLQGuRgiud0XSp1wndSgbFXbZoMjQ-1yzrBqcRo4pb8KfsIUPReBq-DwqQeunPEFbDKxYqKtV4vkXZEXuYObL4psbr2xQ48Gf1EaCCbcy5TK8fKCdOmy_9ilJGFEAB0axNv6WDcKJ/s1600-h/hide+reduction+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180761550169280850" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2_YiLQGuRgiud0XSp1wndSgbFXbZoMjQ-1yzrBqcRo4pb8KfsIUPReBq-DwqQeunPEFbDKxYqKtV4vkXZEXuYObL4psbr2xQ48Gf1EaCCbcy5TK8fKCdOmy_9ilJGFEAB0axNv6WDcKJ/s400/hide+reduction+009.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><p>I cut them to length, trim the tips and I'm ready to go!<br /><br /><br />There are few things more exciting to me than a pile of ready straps waiting to become belts; the equivelent of an artist's blank canvas, I'm sure!<br /><br /><br />I'll take pictures of some as I go, so be sure to check back in a few days to see what becomes of this former side of cowhide.<br /><br /><br />Hope your day is as fulfilling as I know mine is going to be!</p>Art of Spirit LeatherWorkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13000233801394372656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271795449011620937.post-85435697105713496512008-03-06T20:06:00.015-05:002008-06-12T10:48:09.269-04:00Polehenge<em><strong><span style="color:#330099;">In the heart of Michigan, alone in a field, stand the mysterious remains of an ancient structure known to many as Polehenge. Though its origins and purpose are lost to time, one can easily imagine this rectangular arrangement of trimmed timbers as the focal point in important ceremonies , perhaps even sacrificial rituals...</span></strong></em><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176289285878759618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JovfaxuxTItnOVC2GQeo60DEnluMJ0u0ezYA1E-lLustwFAflv8G_G0Uu0bLr9PAunsth5HkA1HbOHOp3HpZeS6bnJpPKCF34B0W2tmpsVyiiSBY5jUkDYg4j7VetUXygTln7izinTEy/s320/polehenge.jpg" border="0" /> Okay... lol... tongue out of cheek. I've driven past this once-started, never-finished structure hundreds of times over the years while driving along Hwy 127, and I've always laughingly referred to it as Polehenge. I was surprised and very amused to find out recently that I'm not the only one who calls it that. In fact, mention "polehenge" to almost anyone who regularly drives that stretch and chances are good they'll know exactly what you're talking about!Art of Spirit LeatherWorkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13000233801394372656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271795449011620937.post-24602100280035767012008-02-29T17:49:00.008-05:002008-06-12T10:47:07.870-04:00The Function of FringeIn fashion <strong>Fringe</strong> comes and goes.<br />On a jacket or a bag, sometimes adorned with beads, it brings to mind images of hippies or frontier folk and Native Americans. Since people have been wearing leather, leather has been wearing fringe. The reason is more than decorative, it's elemental; fringe wicks water. It will pull moisture away from the wearer and facilitate drying.<br /><br />In modern times this has become less critical. Most of us, if caught in a downpour, will open an umbrella or dash for shelter. Most of us would go to great lengths to protect our leather from getting wet enough to require wicking.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172545706788821170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Qjr0pSehKx8YVYI-As5L16X7VsKNrStvb8OJnm0xEbwmy_I91Odwg_XyMrKneCK3ck1nki7aoLvGJ3G1e2YdaIZiUbPKzBfh4DAOSNXCzyWGuTkcQAwz7aH518321aE-0k4UUDp3zE2R/s400/Resize+of+Rotation+of+DSC00196.JPG" border="0" /> Personal preference is the determining factor now -- my preference is fringe and lots of it! The fuller and more flowing, the better!Art of Spirit LeatherWorkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13000233801394372656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8271795449011620937.post-4861886107846779192008-02-26T01:59:00.006-05:002012-03-17T13:52:42.438-04:00Process Leads to Product<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsUSZnZKc-EO3O3WqL5_RnvGr2oZ5IDd3AOfNlYi8-eh1xH4MGDOln58TZd_xqf2-vkg2yYl1fvBcPeaVDhLsQq6fJaheb-PWS5OPgeRlY9AoqrEaFOkOeya6yk6SRONnpRDhfSh8itbh/s1600-h/DSC00881.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5171181994125707506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsUSZnZKc-EO3O3WqL5_RnvGr2oZ5IDd3AOfNlYi8-eh1xH4MGDOln58TZd_xqf2-vkg2yYl1fvBcPeaVDhLsQq6fJaheb-PWS5OPgeRlY9AoqrEaFOkOeya6yk6SRONnpRDhfSh8itbh/s320/DSC00881.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
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One of the questions I hear most often is, "How long did it take to make that?"<br />
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Not an easy question to answer. Every project has its own demands, and each is a creation unto itself. I rarely work a piece from start to finish in one burst; there are waiting periods for drying at different stages along the way, and I usually have several pieces going at the same time. Work on one while another is drying... First is drawing and cutting.<br />
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Next I add texture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxAQnZEKgj4Jgx6iVOdTxsHuQ57b9kw_HPD5S9jSvm3tu9CQGcAKTTtS9myEEjec83OWMlrUPJlyi0GRQWoYhKcAyh_a4TvWOI944sMuePdmweikBSzrmOmXCWKylWcOhpuqQN_Dofd4J/s1600-h/DSC00888.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5171365238905391426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxAQnZEKgj4Jgx6iVOdTxsHuQ57b9kw_HPD5S9jSvm3tu9CQGcAKTTtS9myEEjec83OWMlrUPJlyi0GRQWoYhKcAyh_a4TvWOI944sMuePdmweikBSzrmOmXCWKylWcOhpuqQN_Dofd4J/s320/DSC00888.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIhsyLEua21fzrHLxNPuSorz4Zax7EBhroJHK3VwgD6LPex8_SAz-aQrOFVZ_uv5zrF6X_zEXspXdBa8lIY21elwpZ7Su3jrClxd_wRFgF3PVgwp0QsE8pVToWKoVDlG0LQVhamTRhesw/s1600-h/DSC00889.JPG"></a><br />
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Then it is carved in...<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5171366926827538786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94P14u2uv07dNCEjjFqE944zbBiR5jDZ3elDsadeOvF3cRj_NUvdfG_eu3gKIYvOHOFVaNpi89CDk_HPCeg4M15McEuIT_jwlLRY6OsiMqvp9xBwBpKp9VW-DbnoVj2eYvTd5QuVHOuQh/s320/DSC00889.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /><br />
Final steps are painting by hand for brilliant color, then several different steps of finishing products to enhance detail and add protection and background color.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTKU-KLXdDwOuZSMGYZmnLKRubO9dIMxt3IL4owhbDI_VowGmrb7jiZ8PZ5Q_voVxvZJ-Yo16ihYQIA7XGiZx9lby4Xl9BO7AJs5EWIu6MEneTThJtrvvji2wQIoxlRuZh5JH_Myj9JzS/s1600-h/rosey.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5171367970504591730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTKU-KLXdDwOuZSMGYZmnLKRubO9dIMxt3IL4owhbDI_VowGmrb7jiZ8PZ5Q_voVxvZJ-Yo16ihYQIA7XGiZx9lby4Xl9BO7AJs5EWIu6MEneTThJtrvvji2wQIoxlRuZh5JH_Myj9JzS/s320/rosey.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a> The whole process took many hours, but I think it was worth every minute!Art of Spirit LeatherWorkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13000233801394372656noreply@blogger.com4