Recent commissions and a round up.

  I have been so busy something has had to give and that has been my blog. I have been tweeting and facebooking but not blogging. So to rectify that situation here is a round up of recent commissions and events.

  I shook hands on agreement to retain my workshop in Ashby de la Zouch. That has given me a little more security. A small but steady stream of handbag repairs and bag strap alterations keep popping up. I had a little flurry of shoes repairs.

One of my customer's competes in full contact Medieval "sport" i.e. clouting each other with assorted metal weapons.. He wore out the soles on his boots. I was asked to resole them but also to add treads. Whilst not historically accurate you need to have a secure foot whilst beating the b'jesus out of the opponent. His son likes the medieval scene so I was asked to repair a pair the shoes for him. The shoes are so nice and I had such a lot of feedback on social media about them I am working on making some from scratch. When that will be I have no idea at the moment!

Mark as Savage Opress

A commission I competed sometime ago came back in to be "distressed". The costume is Savage Opress, a character from the Star Wars Alternative Universe franchise. I had to dismantle the eighteen pieces of the armour to get all the hidden areas and backs of the plates. It took about ten coats of paint to get the base down. Then another ten passes, in different colours, to create the mottling random enough. I put it all back together again and another couple of passes to get the overall look a bit more uniform, if random can be uniform. I delivered the outfit back the Mark at the Colletomania at Milton Keynes. My good lady came with me and was delighted to see the actor, Paul McGann, in the flesh. It made her day. Mark's day was made with the suit. He had to try it on. I have to say I am pleased with the result although I was not at all certain fo the outcome whilst executing it.

   Another Star war piece was Chewbacca's Bag. The customer had some very definite ideas about what they wanted. I am happy to report the finished article exceeded his expectation so now I have another commission from him....which is nice.

Boba Fett's ammo belt

 I got a photo from a customer who has now finished his costume. Here is Adam sporting his Diamond Awl ammo belt.

Steampunk ditty bag

 I was given carte blanche by a customer to create a small ditty bag to go with her Steampunk outfit. The only guide was that there needed to be somewhere for her lipstick. So with that in mind I made a wet formed bag, finished in contrasting thread AND a small pocket on the front for the lippy.

E-11 Blaster Holster

The E-11 blaster holsters continue to be a steady seller. I got some feedback on them when I crewed for the 99th Garrison at the Nottingham Car Show on the 1st June. The feedback was that they were expensive but really well made. It seems the holsters have become aspirational buys for the well kitted Stormtrooper. I am glad I held my ground on the price. I knew they were worth the expense.

Click HERE to see what he good people at the 99th Garrison do. The collection at the Nottingham Car Show raised about £280 for Dreamflight. Click HERE to see what Dreamflight do.

The Milkman's Cash Bag

   I have just completed a very satisfying refurbishment. A chap saw me at the Ashby show and asked if I could fettle his cash bag. Not a offer you get everyday but more often than you might think! As a milkman or roundsman they get given a cash bag for collecting money from the customers. It is a classic design. It is very like the ones my Dad had when he was a bus conductor.

   In this bag the dividers for the pockets had perished and some the stitching was freying. The centre of the turnbuckle, the part that come throught he base plate to holds the flap shut, had disappeared. The job was to replace the dividers and if possible replace the turn buckle.
 

The first jobs was to split the stitching and clean up the seam edges. With the gussets out it was easy to clean the inside of the bag. Next a pattern was made from what remained of the now free dividers. Then I cut two new dividers from the English bridle leather that was on hand. The next stage was to sew a divider in. The divider had a gusset on each side that formed the pocket which gave three plys of leather to stitch through. The holes in the gusset where already pierced from the sewing when the bag was originaly made bu the new divider was not pierced. The bag was originally machined stitched so the holes were close together. I went round the bag's gusset saddle stitching using the old machine holes as a guide. The stitch holes in the gusset where not too badly corroded so the finish was better than I had expected.


    With one divider/gusset sets complete I just had to run round the second set. One has to be careful not to pinch or stretch the old leather to ensure it that it starts and ends properly onthe bag. It took a couple of hours of careful stitching to complete the job. I then took a look at the freyed stitches. I ripped out what was poor and restitched the offending areas. The last job required a turn buckle to ordered. As you might expect the new item and old item where incompatible. I stripped out the old turn buckle plate and replaced with the new item. The new turn buckle required rivetting to the bag rather than the old one which just had turn out sprags. It probably why the old turn buckle was missing. It was not up to the job. To finish the job a rubbed in a generous dose of Neatsfoot oil. It brought the old leather of the carcass and belt up a treat

     

Ashby Show

   Ashby Show [Click HERE for website] was a big deal for me. It was the first full scale agricultural show I had attended as a trade exhibitor. I had been on the other side of the counter many times. I had been fretting about the weather. For a week before the show the weather had been amazing, hot and sunny, just as a summer should be. I was concerned the weather might break on or before the show. I was at the show ground at 7am. It was grey and we, my fellow traders, felt a couple of spots of rain. We set up, optimistic that the weather gods would be kind to us. As the morning gave way to the afternoon the sun came on in full effect. It was glorious summer's day in England.

   The horse riding event were held early in the morning so they were pleased with the relative cool weather. It took me ages to get set up. As they say work expands into the time available. I usually get set up in 45 minutes at the market. It took me over an hour. My pitch was on the main avenue running between the public car park and the show ring. My stall neighbours was Lester who made horse inspired jewellery on one side and on the other side a pair of brothers, Geoff and Ben, who sold knives. All very complimentary trades. I like to think that was arranged by the show organisers. I was set up before the gates opened although there were some very early starters.

 

   I nipped off and got the bacon butty and a brew. I sat in my fold-up chair and ate them in peace for a few minutes. Just as I wiped the flour off my face the fun began. I was on my feet all day. There was a steady stream of browsers, questions, folks reminiscing about bygone skills, stories of lost loves and working in leather. One chap asked if I was mending things today. Yes was the answer. He whipped off his belt because it needed a rivet resetting. His missus was a bit put out at his actions but this happens to me all the time at the market. He was an interesting chap. I had a chat with the knife brothers. They asked about a sheath for a 14" butchers knife. So just for something to do I made them one. I knew if I started making something it would draw a crowd. The brothers were chuffed with the result. I let them have the sheath. Their knives need sheaths they are wickedly sharp.

  One chap was very interested in the stitching leather together. After a minute or two of disconnected questions I stopped him. I got two small pieces of leather and showed him the process; edge, mark, prick, stitch and burnish. He was fascinated. I gave him the piece and he went any way delighted with his "gift". I like an enthusiast.

   The Denna piece, on the dummy on the left of the stall, drew comments and enquiries all day. I even got one of the girls to try the gorget on. She was a LARPer [Live Action Role Player] so she liked dressing up. The table was arranged from left to right as re-enactors/costumes, tack, bags/cases, belts and the Cedar blocks on the end. At the back I had a couple of hides and on the left I had a belt lengths of hide. I don't make belts a spec. I like folks to pick the leather for the belt from the strips of hide. I think it adds something to buying a bespoke belt.

   Hazel came along to help me with the day. Hazel had sense to turn up a a civilised time. Hazel kept me going but did manage to see all of the show. I managed to see the car stand directly opposite me across the avenue and the quick scan over the vintage cars as I quickly walked to the loo and back.

   A number of familiar faces popped up on the other side of the counter. So a big thanks to them for the support. You know who you are. 

   Plenty of cards where taken and given out with a bit of luck commissions will arise from them. One chap, Ian, said he would see me the next afternoon, Monday. OK I though. 4pm Monday my phone goes off and it is Ian. He give me a commission, exactly as discussed. [Update the commission is completed]. I also went over to see the stunt rides but I just missed there show. I met them at their tent/stable/truck and had a good chat with them about tack and horses. I did just happen to have a few pieces of tack over my shoulder...as you do. It was a very full day. Hazel had brought some lunch but I did not get a break until 2pm and then had to eat on the run as folks were still coming by. I also met a very interesting fellow from the Hedgelayer's Society. 6pm came and a flurry of activity saw the camp disappear into its respective vehicles. It went away quicker than it came out.

   So that was Ashby show done. I got a few ideas, some of which I have already put into action, and met a bunch of decent folk. I even picked up a few quid.

Daily Teaching Paraphernalia

   It has been all go for the last few weeks. I have completed two commissions bar a buckle and brass plaque. I cannot unveil them yet because the customers have not seen them yet. I am pleased with both of them. They are very different pieces. I have organised my work schedule so I will be ready for the Ashby show on 14th July. It does not seem very far away and I suspect I will be burning the midnight oil starting Monday.

  I am close to finishing a tote bag. I call it a teacher's tote because I designed it for my good lady who is a tutor. It takes loads of files and daily teaching paraphernalia. It is as tough as old boot. The latest one is made from strong but soft hide which has a metallic camouflage pattern printed on to it. It am adding the extra securing of copper rivets to the handles. They should look smart too. Pictures to follow.

City Case

Originally Posted 1/30/2013

  I decided some time ago that I would like to make a bag to replace my briefcase. Folks don't cart around a big laptops anymore so something more discreet seems to be in order. It took me quite a while to decide the form of the case and the features. I knew a wanted the case to be fairly small and portrait in orientation. I also knew I want somewhere to store a phone, business cards, pens and a clip for keys. I had decided against external pockets. The case was always going to be black leather with chrome or at least shiny metal fittings. I knew I wanted a “Euro” or “Bauhaus” look to the case.
    The first thing to pin down was the dimensions. The biggest thing the case would hold was an Ipad. That set the height and width but what about the depth. I stacked up what I often carry and came up with a depth of 4inches [100mm]. My dimensions are set at 12 x 9 x inches [300x200x100mm]

     I decided very early on that I wanted a different way to connect the strap. I picked up a couple of bridle hooks some time ago. I decided I would us the hooks to attach the strap. The other thing was that with the hooks the strap would detach quickly and I could have a great deal of adjustment on the strap.
   I set about designing the internal layout with a view to the order of manufacture. I also wanted to try to use as few stitches as possible as they are visible on the outside face of the piece. I arranged for the fixing of the pen loops and key clip to provide the backing of the bridle hooks. The card and phone holders fitted to the back face of the case. These items needed making and finishing before they were fixed to the case. The next item and possibly the most difficult were to sew the long seams that would close the flat carcass into a box. It was as difficult as predicted since the inside face the box cannot be seen. Finding the stitch holes would not be easy. I got into a rhythm using the tip of the awl as a guide for my fingers to position the needle into the stitch hole from the inside. Patience and not rushing got the job done. Saddle stitching is helpful in this case because as the stitches lock the seam become stable and holds the work in the right position for subsequent stitches.

    The next tricky element was to cut the flap to size then fit the turn buckle. The turn buckle has to be fitted perfectly because it the statement piece on the front of the case and one slip here will ruin the whole piece. Full concentration saw the turn buckle fitted correctly. The case just needed all the edges burnishing. The leather the case is made from burnishes quickly which was just as well considering the amount of burnishing that going to be needed on the strap.
    The straps were straight forward enough. The short end had a Cavesson buckle fitted. The buckle is stainless steel. The long end was easier still but what it gave in easiness to make it took away in the amount of edge to burnish. The straps where embossed with a pin stripe to give the edge some detailing. The ends of the straps that where to attach to the bridle hooks where marked up to leave a short extension through the loop then had a couple of holes cut for the hook point. As an extra I made a shoulder pad to spread the load of the 1 inch [25mm] strap.

Essentially that was the job finished. I just need a couple of folio corners to add a little detail to the flap and then the piece really is complete.

Ickle Red Rukki

Originally Posted 10/3/2012

I have finished my ickle red rukki. I picked up a nice piece of bright red veg tanned leather the other week. It was on odd shaped off-cut but it appealed to me. I had this idea floating round my head for a bag thing but worn like a rucksack or as a drop leg bag. I fancied long straps. I had seem the yoofs in the high street wearing long straped bags. So I thought "why not".
It was a bit tricky to design someting using limited leather. I went for a semi-circular profile just for a bit of interest not thinking the "lid" would cause an engineering problem. I quite like the look of bags where the stitching is on the outside edges. I figure that since the stitching is all hand done I should not hide it on internal seams.

The lid is semi-circular and I figured it needed a lip to close the edge between the lid and body of the bag. This meant joining the lid to the lip at right angels whilst following the curve the lid. A cross stitch was the answer. It is a modification of the lacing technique. It turn out well and decorative to boot. The shape of the curve and the thickness of the leather gives enough body for the lip to sit correctly and be robust in use.

I used my favorite sam brown studs to provide the adjust on the straps. As you can see the straps are thin. The strap detach completely so you can change the way the bag hangs. If you so inclined you can secure one of the strap around your waist connecting it to the top rectangle. Then use the other strap to go round your thigh. Very cosplay. Most peoples body ratios are twice the thigh equals the waist...give or take.

I might do a proper drop leg bag as seen on role player such as steam punk and cosplayers.

One Massive Catch up

   One masssive catch up. Here we have almost a years worth of posts from the old Diamond Awl website.

28.03.13 I have been a busy chap getting commissions ready from the last farmer's market and Spaceport. I have a little time to develop some new skills. See the blog entry on chain maille.


10.03.13 It was an early start to get the Seacombe, on the Wirral. I had not been to this sort of event before. The visitors were very interested in the Stars War props I took along. I can report Spaceport is a very interesting place. It even has a section of Wallace and Gromit replicas from "A Grand Day Out" for folks to climb on. It was a long day but I was made comfortable by the lads and lasses of the 99th Garrison and the Mint Imperials.
 










09.03.13 The farmer's market was a little quiet then it went mad all of a sudden. I took an order for a shoulder bag and finally sold a wrist bracer. The lady was very happy with the custom fit.
16.02.13 I have sorted out the blog so now I can add articles. It would be interesting to get some feedback. Also I have two events to go to in March. One the Castle Donington Farmer's Market and the other is Spaceport themed weekend. I am going to Spaceport just to show my wares rather than a market proper. The 99th Garrison and the Mint Imperials with be there as well as some of the actors that were inthe Star Wars Films.
   The Spaceport weekend is just a way of folk seeing my work but I hope it shows the visitors the lengths the players go to for authenticity. It won't hurt if folks ask me about what else I do. I am trying to put together a custume so I don't look to ordinary when surrounded by the troopers.


27.01.13 New entry in the blog. It is about the new City case I have just finished.


26.01.13 I am a clumsy oaf. I have damaged the portfolio area. I was uploading pictures for the latest bag. Here is a picture whilst I fix the gallery. The case has enough room for your city meeting essentials: Ipad or Nexus and holders for business card, mobile phone, your Mont Blanc pens and a clip for your keys. There no chance of anyone breaking this bag in anything like normal use. The corners are rivetted and the leather is heavy weight. Just to make it interesting instead of standard squares or D-rings to attach the strap I decided to use harness hooks. This a horse bridle technique. It has the side effect of making the strap super adjustable.

19.01.13 I have been working on chain maille to embelish the armour pieces I am developing. The bracelet was just a practice piece but it looks really good. It is heavy too! I might make some to order if asked. This one is 9inches [225mm] long. Have a look in Portfolio tag for a bigger picture.

14.01.13 The first of the farmer's market is done for this year. I was well dressed for the cold weather so the freezing weather did not bother me. I took a couple of orders for belts and got sone good feed back from the folks I did nthe Shire horse halter. More new goodies arrived inthe post during the week. Just having a practise working with them.

28.12.12 I have got the blog working again. No new posts as I just got it going a second ago. Computers eh!
 
28.12.12 The shop has to come down for a while. Email with your requests or requirements or just plain questions to me via the contact page..

08.12.12 It was bloomin' cold at Castle Donington Market. I was not in the sun this time.  There were lots of folks about and plenty of interest. I dressed the stall a bit differently. I think it was better. 

05.12.12 Just finished a satisfying job. A refurbishment of a halter for a shire horse. I had to make a new chin strap, repair broken stitching and generally clean, feed and polish the rig. I am used to ponies and the regular size of horse but these young Shires are something else.

02.12.12 Do not forget it is Castle Donnington farmer's market next Saturday between 9 and 1pm. It is a small but bustling market.  

01.12.12 Latest job is the repair and refurbishment of a halter for a Shire horse.

30.11.12 My latest commision, A Boba Fett ammo belt, has been received in Australia. Isn't the Internet a great thing.

15.11.12 Another commission out the door. Bracers this time for a Sith Lord.
11.11.12 Well..... the market stall went well. A morning sat in the sun with a bacon butty and tea having a chat to folks is never a bad thing. Have a look at the blog to find out what I thought about it. I made a very few bob for Movember.

07.11.12 This month has been renamed "Movember". It is about growing a moustashe to raise awareness and cash for Men's Health issues mainly prostrate cancer. Click HERE to go to my Mo bro pages and see what it is all about. A couple of us mo bros have joined together as a team. We call ourselvers the Moira Mo Bros. We are mo bros and we are for Moira. I am all for keeping it simple. Check out the website and give what you can, should you feel that way inclined. 

31.10.12 Its offical I shall be at the Castle Donington Farmer Market on 10th November. Click HERE for the markets website.
23.10.12 It has been a busy couple of days. Saturday I went to the Walsall Leather museum. Click HERE for  their website. Some interesting characters working at the museum. One chap had worked there 70 years. The museum is one tannery building that was saved from the 60's planners. Next it was up to Stockport to talk discuss the next developments for Star Wars characters. Then today was a make up day. I made a buch of wrist straps. Check the shop out for the individual items. I finish them to length and with a fastener of choice to order and all for £8.50 + p&p!
  










14.10.12 I went to the National Ploughing Championships in Whittinton today. There was a lot to see. H and I were mainly interested in the horse drawn ploughing. It was a splendid day. Not too hot, not too cold and a big blue sky for most of the day. I could not help but cast an eye over the the tack even if was supposed to be a day off.


13.10.12 I got did not attend the Apple Fair as a stall holder but I did go to meet the folks that run the event. I have agreed to go on the next market which is 10th November. I now know what I need to do and what I need to get before the event.

01.10.12  Enquiries are starting to drop in on a regular basis. Folks imaginations are great. I would not have though of doing any of these things. Got to keep busy producing. The Apple Fair is approaching.   

26.09.12 Finish a rather nice mini rikki. I saw a young lass sporting a small low slung rucsack the other day and light bulb went off in the my head.

21.09.12 A busy day in the workshop. Check out the blog for info on the cross belt set.

16.09.12 I finally made myself a drum sling for my tenor side drum. I was going to do a black one then thought "hold up", why not make a set.

 15.09.12 I have yet another order for E-11 blaster holsters. Just as well I got some new 3mm black shoulder in.
12.09.12 The new website went live this evening. This site loads more quickly and has a blog and shop. The blog and shop were hard to operate on the other providers platform. Have a browse round the site. The shop is live so feel free to order one or more of everything.
07.09.12 A new client has taken delivery of their repaired handbag and adjusted bag strap. Check out the blog and facebook for the details.
01.09.12 I have had a couple of rush orders for E-11 blaster holsters. Delivery made on time. Rob at RS a happy chap.
14.08.12 I back from holiday. Two weeks the English Lake district. I picked up loads of metal work and leather. On my way out I delivered commissions for two clients. One was a Star Wars E-11  holster. The other a Trader's Money Apron. Have a look in Portfolio/ Bags for the apron.
27.07.12 I dropped off my commission . It down very well. Look in portfolio/belts for the latst item, a watch strap. I picked up a new commission which I finished in double quick time. I deliver it tommorrow. I made some new  contacts at the Manchester Expo.  Some interesting thing are being to come out of the meetings.
21.07.12 This weekend is the comic-con expo in Machester. I hope to hook up with a few folks. I also have to drop off my completed commission pieces. As soon as they are dropped off I will post pictures on the Portfolio pages.
15.07.12 The Living History fair was washed out...doh! Went to the local country show intead. It was a lovely day out.
10.07.12 Check the gallery, FB and the blog  for pictures of pictures of Hazel's belt.
We are of to The Living History Fair this weekend. Check FB for details.
The shop is not ready yet but bank accounts and paypal are