New Sheaths

I finally sat down and worked up a pattern for a pancake style sheath.  These were built to hold a 4" trapper knife.  I am working up a bunch of these for my trade show table so I'm sure I'll have some on hand all the time.  The one on the left has dyed edges, the right is just natural.  Right now they are going for $25, plain with no stamping. 

Merry Christmas 2011 continued

The top picture is my gift to my parents this year.  (We also put them a basket together of some local foods from around here.  Try to support your local people and less of the Walmarts of the world, you may be surprised about what good stuff you can find.)

This is a new hobby I'm trying to pick up.  If you've noticed my links to other sites, you may notice a slight trend of wood carvers.  I'm amazed by people that work with wood.  I'm absolutely no good at building stuff or making stuff out out of any kind of wood.  Well I came across Lynn Doughty's blog and became addicted.  So in my time between leather projects, I've started trying out some carving.  These are my first two pair of boots.  I gave the first one to my parents for safe keeping.  The second pair is waiting on a set of spurs then they will be displayed in the old BR.

We are stocking up for the show season so I will likely have more belts, legal pads, sheaths, etc on hand for anyone who would like to drop in and get something.  Also you can email me and I'll get it shipped out.  If I can drag my wife out of our cold house to the colder shop, I will try to get a how to up on some of the things I'm building for our booth if there is any interest in that.  I'm looking forward to getting the shop on the road this year.  I think we're going to have a lot of fun now that the kids are a little older and can understand what's going on.  Hope you all had a great Christmas and all of us here at the BR wish you a very happy new year.  Take care, RW

Merry Christmas 2011

Christmas Day is gone again.  We hope everyone had a great Christmas and that we all remember what the day is all about.  We thank Jesus for coming and dying for us so that we can have a life with Him. 

Now that the presents have been opened, it's ok to get some pictures up of some of the gifts.  I'm going to do this in a couple of different posts so that I can keep things better categorized.

My nephews grew out of the belts I made them some years back so it was time for new ones.  I also made another belt for David Johnson of Double A breakaways.  It looked almost identical to the one that I posted before so I didn't get any new pictures of it.

Jesse James Rig

Here was my first attempt at a pattern I have of the rig Jesse James was in possession of on the day he was killed.  The holster is for a 4 5/8" barrel Ruger Vaquero (his actually had a couple of long barrelled holsters and looked a lot meaner, but I didn't have a Schofield on hand) and the belt is a money belt with plenty of bullet loops.  A man in the profession that Jesse was in I would think would like to have plenty of ammo on him, just in case. 
For those of you who may not know about the old style money belts, I'll do my best for a brief description.  In the olden days, before store boughten bread and the federal reserve locked down the gold market, some travellers would carry gold dust or coins in their belts.  This style of belt is made from a wide piece of leather, folded over and sewn on the top.  The tip of the belt is open and allows you to put your coins in the belt.  Then the billet of the belt slides through a hole to close up the opening before going through the buckle.  This way if someone wanted your money, they would have to get your gun belt off which probably was not good news for you, if you know what I'm getting at.  I've always thought the money belt was a neat concept and really enjoyed making this rig.  I also like the design on the holster and thought that was very neat artwork for the time it was created.  Hope you like it, RW

Wyoming Law

Working on a few new designs for legal pads so it made me think of this one I did a while back.  This was shipped out to the beautiful Wyoming mountains to a fella that was attending law school.  They might not have a Heisman trophy winner but Wyoming's school has the coolest color scheme and logo you'll find in colleges in my opinion. 
I'm reworking a few patterns for ease of use and cleaner looks so hopefully some new stuff will be hitting the shelf soon.  I have a couple of belts on the bench right now, should have pictures of them by the end of the week or so.  RW

Shop Special

Here's a picture of a guitar strap I did a while back.  This was something made for a trade show table and I still have it in stock if you are interested.  We're going to call this one a shop special and let it go for $200.  It is a relatively thick strap (not flimsy), fully tooled from almost tip to tip, lined and I believe 3" wide.  If you would like it, shoot me an email and I can get you the length measurements.  It has three holes on one end for slight adjustment.  This is a full size, fully tooled guitar strap for the price of a nice belt!!  Only one at this price

We will be working pretty hard over the next couple of months to prepare for what will hopefully be a busy next year.  Looking to take to the road a bit in 2012.  Lots of items to make to be able and fill a table for the trade shows I put in for.  Pictures will come as I get stuff made and I'll post more info about the shows as they get closer.  We ask for your prayers and thoughts as we hit the road this year to spread the word about the old BR.  RW

On a personal note, we had a voluntary buyout to leave at my real job this week and a good buddy of mine took it and broke free of the corporate world.  He is a fishing guide down in Port A, so if you are heading that way and want to catch some fish make sure and give him some business.  I'll put his website over in my favorites.  Take care and we'll all miss the humor and stories Moon Pie. 

Completed Puzzle

Well  I got a completed picture of the puzzle that Cash (on the left) did out in California.  Hanging from it is the first place ribbon it won.  Cash's piece is the cowhead thing in the middle, mine is right above the yellow flowers.  Looks like it turned out pretty good.  Thanks Cash for thinking of me.  RW

Viva la Revolucion!

Here's an installment of a "sketch of the week" or month or whenever I get one up.  These are usually just little things I do during break at work.  A buddy of mine has a desk full of them that he inherits as I do them. 

Under this cat's serape is of course a couple of long barrelled Colt's.  He must have left his bandoleers back on the horse.  All I'm saying is that if this guy was running this so called Occupy Movement, things might be getting done a little faster.  You really want a revolution... Call me and I'll bring this guy.

Knife Sheaths

Here is one of the few things we do try and keep on the shelf in the shop for people to drop by and pick up.  Right now they are running anywhere from $25 to $35 depending on dyes and stamping.  They should fit most trapper style knifes.  If they don't fit your knife, we can take a look at it and build you a custom one instead. 

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and are ready for Christmas.  Should have some new stuff coming out of the shop soon, not sure what I can post because a lot of it may be Christmas presents but we'll see what happens.  Take care, RW

Double A Breakaway Belt

Here's the latest out of the shop.  It's a fully tooled ranger belt with dyed background, a brand and finger cut liner.  David Johnson ordered this.  In his spare time he makes and sells Double A Breakaways.

 http://www.doubleabreakaway.com/

If your in need of a good breakaway, look him up, all his info is on the webpage listed.  Thanks DJ for the business, hope you like it.  RW

Random Stuff Going On

Not really anything new, but wanted to put an update out there.  I finally figured out that I had comments disabled, but they are now on so leave some comments on things you like or things you'd like to see on here. 

We just got in a stack of our new business cards.  I really like them, but you may have to have glasses to read everything.  By the time you add business name, my name, phone number, email, website, the fine print that keeps you from getting sued, your second cousins married name, etc.; the card is very busy.  I think before long we'll all have to carry bigger wallets because business cards will be at least 11x17.  Anyway, I'll be trying to get those into as many hands as I can.

Also I'm doing a major cleanup and remodel of the shop pondering the idea of opening it up as a storefront for people to stop by if I'm around.  If this goes through, I'll just put a sign out by the highway when I'm open so if the sign is there, stop in.  If it ain't, give me a call or email and I see what I can do about being around.  I really can't open the doors full time since I have a job during the day that actually pays the bills.  Maybe as the kids get older, I can let one of them run the place while I'm gone.  I'll keep you updated on that.

Finally, I'm really trying to get a new flatbed sewing machine to cleanup the look of my belts.  I'm going to go with a little bit smaller thread to achieve more stitches per inch, which makes a stronger stitch.  To help this effort, I'm putting my current machine on the market.  It's a good machine, just not really what I'm needing right now.  It's a Ferdco Pro 440 with a clutch motor and table.  I also have three different presser feet for it that are included.  It is setup right now to stitch with 277 thread on top and 207 on the bottom.  It's a bottom feed only machine and I'm really wanting a walking foot machine instead.  If you know anyone interested, it's on Austin craigslist right now for $950.  Here are some pics.  Take care, RW

Early Work

 

As time goes by, I'm learning that you should really not keep that many things that you make early on in the learning process.  I don't know if everyone is like that, but I am.  I made this photo album for my wife a while back and it's not bad, it's fully functional, but there are just a few things on it that drive me nuts.  She won't let me make her another one because she loves this one, but I can't stand to look at it compared to stuff I'm making now.  I guess it's good to look and see that you are improving.  I still have a few of the first flowers I tooled; I keep them around to show my kids and nephews where you begin if they get discouraged when practicing.

Christmas is coming up on us soon.  If you would like to order anything for a present, please get orders in soon to make sure they are done before Christmas day.  Later, RW

It's Not Always So Flowery

Well to go with the Dias de los Muertos timing, I bring you this.  A good friend of mine was getting married and I offered to make her a photo album.  When I asked what she wanted on it she said "skulls and pinstriping would be cool".  This is what she got.  It was a little out of the norm for me but turned out to be a cool project.

Some More Old Stuff

This is a Bible cover I did a while back.  He wanted a slip on cover that had handles and his brand on the front.  The full basket stamp turned out looking really good, classic and simple.  I was worried about this one because I didn't have the Bible in hand to fit it to, just dimensions over the phone, but it worked out fine in the end.  Hope you like it, RW

Name Droppin'

A little name droppin' to pay some respect to one the guys that has supported me out on the road.  Of course this is the western swingingest, fiddlinest, chainsaw carvingest, creator of the uniquest things to ever come out of Manchaca or anywhere, Doug Moreland.  My wife and I went down to see them yesterday to check out all the happenings at his Cattlelacs gallery.  They have really grown since the last time I was down there.  The place looks great and has all kinds of great chainsaw art for purchase.  I strongly urge you to go check this place out.  A little slice of Americana right outside of Austin.  In a world that is being built like a mall, it's great to have places like Doug's that aren't exactly status quo.

Doug is also an excellent musician.   He has put together a great band, the Flying Armadillos, which can lay out some of the best stuff being played around right now.  They had the first of hopefully many "Woodshend Concerts" last night.  Please go out and support these guy's so they are able to keep up doing what they love.  Doug and Suzan have helped me out for a while now.  Doug has a guitar strap and photo album for his shop from us and they were more than willing to let me display some of my stuff in Cattlelacs a while back.  This post is just a little way for me to say thanks to them for helping me and give credit to them for what they have created out in Manchaca.  Keep up with what's going on at Cattlelacs from the link on the side of my page or just go by and pay them a visit.  Later, RW

Spur Straps

Well I finished up the spur straps I was working on (the bottom pair).  I think they turned out ok.  I tried out my new light box on these photos.  It's still throwing some bad shadows so I'll play with that a little more, maybe I'll turn myself into some kind of photog before this is all over.  I'm going to find a different backdrop that doesn't wrinkle first.

I have all three pair of these on hand right now or I can make new ones with your brand.  All of my spur straps are hand cut since I don't have the luxury of a clicker, so I can adjust patterns a little if needed.  I have a few different patterns if none of these suit you.  Give us a call and we'll figure out what we can do.  Thanks for looking, more to come soon.  RW

And Now for Something Completely Different

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My mentor and very good friend, Cash Cooper, calls me one day with his feet kicked back in the California sand and says "Hey I've got a project I want you to be a part of.  I'm gonna take a side of leather and cut it up like a giant puzzle, then I'm sending the pieces to different toolers I know and let each of them tool one.  I'll get them all back and put the puzzle back together and put it in my shop as a showpiece."  Of course I jump on the prospect because I have seen some of the work that these other guys can do and it would be great to have my stuff displayed beside them.  So the end result of all of this is the top picture.  I'm waiting for a complete picture from Cash of the puzzle reassembled.  Word is that he entered it in a leather trade show out in Ventura, CA and won 1st place. 

A little later I was talking to Sam Cortina, from Kings X leather in Round Rock.  He is a member of the leather guild in Austin and we get to talking and they are doing what they called a quilt.  Same concept as the puzzle and, when finished, it will be displayed in the Tandy Leather store in Austin.  He invited me to also be a part of theirs.  What I came up with on that one is in the bottom picture.

I'm blessed to have these contacts plus the many other folks I've met through the leather trade.  There are a lot of good people out there beating on dead cows.  That sounds a lot more violent that "tooling leather", I guess we better stick with "tooling" so PETA doesn't get upset.  I've got some fully tooled spur straps on the bench right now waiting for oil and finish.  Hopefully I will get a spur strap column  up by next week.  Take care, RW

"Waiter, Check Please"

What has happened to the check?  Everyone is in too much of a hurry to write out a check anymore.  "Why don't you just swipe a card, old man."  The check doesn't give you 5% cash back I guess. 

Here at the Barely Running, we remember the days of the check; so now we bring you our selection of checkbook covers.  These were also done for a trade show table and, as of right now, they are in stock.  If your old checks are cold and lonely, forgotten in a drawer, do them a favor and buy them a new coat today.

Custom Made in the USA

Customizing.  It's that special touch that makes it yours.  Here are a few examples of different ways to add lettering to a belt or any other item. 

The initials in the top pic are made to look like they are on top of the tooling, they will "stick out" if want to look at it that way.  The letters on the bottom belts are "pressed in".  The way that this is done will inherently make them darker than the untouched leather around them.  If you desire an even darker look, we can dye the letters. 

The top belt also has a finger cut design on the liner.  This is one of those touches that will not be seen when wearing it but adds an extra wow factor to the overall belt.  The top belt is a straight 1 1/2" belt, the bottom pic shows a couple of ranger style belts (1 1/2" belt with 3/4" billets, I believe).

I will apologize now for the quality of some of these older pictures.  I am in the process of building a light box right now that should greatly improve the photos in the future.  Stay tuned.
As always, if you need to get a hold of me, go to my profile and click "email me" or reach me at:
brsaddles(at)gmail(dot)com.  Thanks, RW

Belt Tooling Styles

I guess if you're a hairstylist you probably notice every one's haircut.  Is it good or bad?  Supercuts or paid way too much for? Over gelled, mess that looks like a kindergartner did it.  Or maybe if you were a jewelry maker, you'd probably pay more attention to folks rings or necklaces, stuff like that.  Me, I notice people's belts.  That is just what draws my attention.  The classic slick belt, worn to the point of thinning out and black from wear, not dye.  Folks that change belts to stay up with fashions or folks that don't care one way or the other, they just want something to hold their pants up.  I myself prefer the fully tooled style, with a close second being a well done basket stamped design. 

The designs above are the patterns I do regularly.  Sometimes I change things up a bit, but I really like these designs.  All of my belts are made of quality leather (Hermann Oak or Wickett&Craig), 1 1/2" wide, lined, antiqued, and stitched.  Names, initials, or simple brands can be added to any of these designs.  The two-tone dye on the far left can also be applied to any of the patterns.  Antique is done to all of my belts to bring out the tooling and to give them some worn in "life" look. 

These designs can be done on your choice of a straight belt, a tapered end belt, or a Ranger style belt.  I will be posting more pictures soon to show these different styles along with lettering options and other embellishments.  Like with other things, I try to stay close to traditional.  Contact me for an exact qoute of what you would like.  Thanks for visiting, RW

Holster Galore

Recently, it seems a lot of folks have been asking about holsters.  I love making holsters.  Reason A:  They are challenging, yet fun to make.  Reason B: You have to have the gun to make the holster, so I get to see and handle a lot of different types of guns.  Let's get to the picture info:

Coming in 1st is my father-in-laws Colt Navy.  Love those guns.  This one is a blackpowder, but I really want a conversion one.
Up next is a Jesse James replica style holster I made for my Vaquero but now it holds my Dad's Blackhawk.
Both of those holsters were made using Will Ghormley's patterns.  Excellent patterns if you are in the market for making your own.
Last but not least is my Uncle's 22 holster.  My cousins bought it for him for a gift.  I really liked how that one turned out.

I like to make the old style cowboy holsters.  I really haven't gotten into making newer types that are hard molded to the guns.  If you're in the market for some Cowboy Action Shooting gear or just want some leather to wrap around your single actions, give me a shout.  Until next time, RW

A Few Belts

Here is a selection of belts that we happen to have on hand right now.  These were made for display at a trade show and some were out at Doug Moreland's Cattlelac's gallery in Manchaca for awhile.  If you are looking for a quick gift to someone or yourself, these can be shipped out within a few days if the size is right.

Stop by and see Doug and Suzan in Manchaca next time you're passing through.  They are great people and they have setup a very nice gallery of chainsaw artists down there.  RW

Shave Kit / Travel Bag

Here is a shave kit I made for my Dad.  It was an old Al Stohlman pattern I had always wanted to try.  Tooling pattern is something a buddy of mine and I worked up.  Benefit of having a son that does leather is that you get free stuff when he's playing around!

The Old BR Moves Online

The time has come my friends to venture into the vast darkness of the Internet.

To keep friends, family, customers and people that have never heard of me up to date with the ongoings of the not quite yet world famous Barely Running Saddle Shop, we have decided to place some photos on here to check out.  The plan is to start with photo albums of my older work, update from now and then with new stuff coming off of the bench, provide some step by steps from time to time, and maybe you might catch a glimpse of some ramblings that come through my head.

The Barely Running is primarily a custom leather shop.  We provide quality leather goods such as belts, holsters, photo albums, etc.  We don't keep many things "in stock", due the fact that we make the item when it is ordered.  We do have a few things laying around that we use for display at trade shows and such and those things are always for sale if you are in a bind and need it now. 

Every now and then my mind travels to other things which may show up here such as wood carvings, cartoons, sketches or an occasional poem or story.  Not really any limits to what might cross through the doors here at the BR and I plan on bringing most of that to here.  So please keep an eye on us and if you are interested in purchasing anything, just email me and we can work out what you would like.  Thanks and take care, Randy West