You should learn hand stitching using the saddle stitch technique. This is a far stronger stitch than one using the Meyer's Sewing Awl.
Advice on getting started crafting.
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There's a regular column in Muzzleloader magazine where the guy shows how he does projects just like you mention. Using common materials and techniques. If you're not familiar with the bi-monthly magazine, it's not on newstands any longer but is subscribed directly. Wouldn't be surprised if his past projects are on line, too. Good luck! Such stuff is fun.
For horn work start with a good how-to book. Scott & Cathy Sibly produced a good one. I might have butchered their name.
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I have the Sibley's book! Very informative! They started many years ago with the basics. Worth getting the book.
Don't expect to make a bunch of money doing this. I expect, in most cases, the person at the window of the fast food place makes more money per hour than any crafter on this site.
There is great satisfaction in making your own stuff. Zone out and just get started on something.
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When it comes to crafting, the best advice given to me was, no matter how good it smells, never eat the Play-do. 
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The Book”s” of Buckskinning is a great place to start. That’s where I started. Now I have a bookcase full of books on gun building, horns, bags, cartridge boxes, camp equipment, clothes,
etc. Then there is the shelf full of books on 18th century food ways. Preservation, cooking, making, stills, wine etc!
And then there is the thousands of inter web sites and pictures!
You are starting down the long and endless road of the hobby.
I just really like making this stuff. It’s my favorite part of the hobby!
etc. Then there is the shelf full of books on 18th century food ways. Preservation, cooking, making, stills, wine etc!
And then there is the thousands of inter web sites and pictures!
You are starting down the long and endless road of the hobby.
I just really like making this stuff. It’s my favorite part of the hobby!
I've been really interested in learning to tan hides for my crafts.The Book”s” of Buckskinning is a great place to start. That’s where I started. Now I have a bookcase full of books on gun building, horns, bags, cartridge boxes, camp equipment, clothes,
etc. Then there is the shelf full of books on 18th century food ways. Preservation, cooking, making, stills, wine etc!
And then there is the thousands of inter web sites and pictures!
You are starting down the long and endless road of the hobby.
I just really like making this stuff. It’s my favorite part of the hobby!
I’ve been doing leatherwork, hornwork, etc for over 30 years and half of my projects still start with sitting in front of the materials with a tool in my hand and doubt in my mind. Just jump in. I’m about to make a new shooting bag; if you like, I’ll do it as a tutorial on here and you can play along at home. I spend most of my time working in museums in front of the public, so I’m used to doing most things by hand in a relatively historical manner- you’ll want someone else to do sewing machine and Dremel stuff with.
Jay
Just jump in. I’m about to make a new shooting bag; if you like, I’ll do it as a tutorial on here and you can play along at home. I spend most of my time working in museums in front of the public, so I’m used to doing most things by hand in a relatively historical manner- you’ll want someone else to do sewing machine and Dremel stuff with.Jay
Matt Richards at Traditional Tanners does classes- for about $130 (materials included) he’ll teach you how to bark tan deerskins. I had an amazing time and learned quite a lot. He does braintan classes, too, but honestly you’ll be fine just buying his book and going for it. Holler if you have any questions.
Jay
Maybe I should encourage the use of Dremels? I have made quite a bit of money over the years from others using them.
It was my dad's and he passed away. My dremel ain't going anywhere
It helps to have a wife who will stand by you but let you be yourself.A wife who wants to see you being happy.
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Cool ... Just start out with making small , inexpensive, easy to make stuff first and keep working your way up to more difficult stuff a little at a time . Start off with powder measure from horn or antler , then touch hole pick , pan brush ....just some examples ...and keep going ... One of the first things I made was a powder horn and I didnt do.too bad . I still use the third powder horn I made back in the early 90s . Best of luck ...
Same with horns! ok for wallering out an antler measure, for everything else not so good. Take a powder horn class ay conners prairie, you won't be sorry.
I agree that Dremels are dangerous. I suspect that there are Dremel experts out there who can do a good job, but I wouldn't try it unless you are really good with it.
You mean it's not just me that "gouges"?
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Any tool can be misused by those not skilled in it's use.
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My advice.......pick easy projects for starters, review pics and methods and just do it.
When I first started playing and singing bluegrass you could hear the whispers in the crowds from critics , but some of the best advice I ever got was from a seasoned player and singer that went like this.........
Don't worry about the critic's because even though you aren't as good as you WILL be.... you're doing something that they aren't, and probably never will do. Just keep at it and don't worry about what they think..... you'll get better.
I kind of feel the same about crafting my own goods........they aren't perfect but I learn as I go and every project is getting better through time and experience.
It's all a learning process,...,.. and you'll be doing something that folks that buy everything aren't doing.
Even if it's not perfect ,stay with........it gets lots better with time and experience and besides...it's enjoyable.
Give it a try and enjoy the ride
When I first started playing and singing bluegrass you could hear the whispers in the crowds from critics , but some of the best advice I ever got was from a seasoned player and singer that went like this.........
Don't worry about the critic's because even though you aren't as good as you WILL be.... you're doing something that they aren't, and probably never will do. Just keep at it and don't worry about what they think..... you'll get better.
I kind of feel the same about crafting my own goods........they aren't perfect but I learn as I go and every project is getting better through time and experience.
It's all a learning process,...,.. and you'll be doing something that folks that buy everything aren't doing.
Even if it's not perfect ,stay with........it gets lots better with time and experience and besides...it's enjoyable.
Give it a try and enjoy the ride
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