Two Tone Basketstamp

Here is the classic basketstamped belt dressed up a little.  The customer's brand is on the other hip, but I didn't get a good picture of it.  RW 

One for the kids

This was made for a little girl we met at the cowboy gather.  It is twenty inches or so to the center hole.  I punched a lot more holes than normal so it will hopefully grow with her.  It is only 1" wide so that it will fit through the smaller belt loops.  Hope you like it.  As always comments and critique are welcome.  Till next time, RW

Another Double A Belt

The fellas over at Double A Breakaways came through with another belt order.  This one was a straight belt with a dyed background and decorative cut liner.  Thanks again to DJ and Mike.  Hope you like it.

Right now I'm finishing up some knife holster sheaths for my trade show table.  The first show of the year we are doing is this weekend, March 9th and 10th, right here in LaGrange.  The Best Little Cowboy Gathering will kick off Friday at 4 and run through Saturday.  Jake Hooker and many others are playing, hope to see you there.  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.

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

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

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