Time again for me to offer thanks to all the people here (long but heartfelt)

[Tallbald]

Late last night I was pondering the 18 or so short months I have been actively pursuing this hobby. I started out with too thick a hide (11 ounces) and thought in my ignorance, I could just make a pattern, cut and glue it then drill and sew it and be done. I literally broke a piece of new 11 oz leather trying to beat it into submission with a rawhide mallet around too sharp a curve! I also flooded my first holster with black dye thinking the dye would soak into all areas and even out. The first time I used clear finish, I gave the holster a good HEAVY coat. When it dried, the holster was so hard I had to mash it to get my revolver to even slide in, and again, the clear finish cracked and looked horrible. I used to not even show my stuff, despite my loving Penny saying "honey it's beautiful". I Literally cut up several holsters on my bandsaw and threw them in the shop trash, carefully covering them with old beer cans and paper towels lest someone (Penny) see what I had tossed and tried to retrieve the pieces. Man I was ashamed of the time and money I had wasted.
  Then enter this forum. Enter the kind, helpful and patient folks that participate here. I really do not recall meeting  a less opinionated or condescending group  in all the years I have perused web rings and forums. The enthusiasm with which you all share the wealth of knowledge you accumulate is both  astounding and heart warming. If there's a cross word exchanged here I have never seen it. My questions are answered with several options to try. Sources and techniques are discussed freely, as opposed to members shadily hiding the information lest someone improve on them and outshine the person answering. I have seen these things happen in work settings and groups, so that behavior here is most notable in its absence.
Thank you all. I will not attempt to list individually all those who have helped me, for to do so entails the risk of damning some with faint praise. Just understand that the time and effort each one expends in contributing to the forum is both acknowledged and appreciated by me, and I am certain many others. Encouragement goes a long way toward elevating a neophytes enthusiasm to learn and practice more. I hope to be here a long time. Don

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Tallbald, it's good to hear you feel this way. You've echoed what we all feel. We all learn from each other. No one is too good to learn something new. I've picked up tips from every person on this forum, regardless of how long they've been working leather. Now you're one of us and will pass on your tips and hints as you learn them. You also get to say, "welcome" to the next newcomer. It's what makes the forum what it is. Thanks for sharing your feelings.

[Tallbald]

Group hug time??

[GunClick Rick]

WY you lop eared dirt dwellin varmit galoot! What you think that mallot is made of!


Gotta round things off a little

[WaddWatsonEllis]

TallBald,

I think you have done your own share of supporting the site ... your self deprcating humor makes other people think that hey, if he can admit to it here; I can do it ....S*

TTFN,

[GunClick Rick]

Ain't that the truth huh Wad.I never even tried to make any yet,if i did it would be a walnut dyed bloody leather mess But becuase i have seen what you guys do someday i will! I been savin my holey socks and beat up t-shirts to clean up with,almost got that 50 gallon barrel full up!

[EE Taft]

The world works perfectly in a few hidden places.......This is one of those places!

I don't get on here enough.....wish I did....The vast knowledge of the folks here'bouts is simply wonderful. The fact that we can all gather in one place to help each other learn and grow in the art is a true blessing!

Keep on keepin' on! I'd love to see some of your work! There is no good or bad as far as leather here. Just good help and great pards!

~EE Taft~

Oh and......Wadd, you and the rest of you guys quit beatin' yerselves up!........y'all should'a seen my first leather project years ago!.......Y'all are talkin' to the only leather worker in history that screwed up a keychain!