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.