The works of a greenhorn

[Graveyard Jack]

Thank you all very much for the kind words.

I don't do anything deliberately but somehow all my work come out looking old. Which is alright with me. 

[Tallbald]

Those are absolutely beautiful. Don

[Bruce W Sims]

The leatherwork is stunning! I'm looking for a cross-draw holster for my own Dragoon and
have a question about the design.
a.) Seems like I see a lot of what seem like Slim Jim holsters albeit with loops. In the design of
a holster, what function are the loops for and what decides when they are used?
b.) For a cross draw holster of the size needed for a Dragoon, how would the holster be attached to
the belt?  Thoughts?

Best Wishes,

Bruce

[dwight55]

As others have said, . . . excellent work.

I personally like being able to find some minor imperfection in a piece of "handmade" work, . . . that is when I can be sure it is indeed hand made. 

The stuff that has 3000 perfect stitches, . . . exact same length, . . . none "wavering", . . . all stamping that is ever so "perfect", . . . and on and on:  it makes me think it was machine made. 

While I don't see any blaring noticeable imperfections, . . . you may know where the little ones are, . . . and that makes us all a bit better as craftsmen.

May God bless,
Dwight

[KidTerico]

Great looking work.. KT

[Graveyard Jack]

Thanks again for the kind words, it is truly humbling. It's been an interesting two years or so since I made that first Dragoon holster. Things have progressed and my shop is better equipped. Actually I have a new shop we built over the last 8months. I've started piddling with carving and am procuring more stamps for that purpose. I try to be unafraid of trying new things. Just this week I'm finishing my first two flap holsters and have conquered my first sewn toe plug on the first try. I still need to get with Chuck on doing a beaded knife sheath.

Bruce, what are the loops you speak of? Do you mean cartridge loops sewn onto the holster? Like El Paso's John Wesley Hardin holster?



I make a belt loop for the Dragoon holster like any other. It's wide and well attached and rides a little higher than normal but nothing unusual. What it really needs is a wide, heavy belt for proper support.

Dwight, oh I definitely see the flaws in my work. My eyes are instantly drawn to them. I try my best to minimize them but I do realize that it's the hallmark of a hand work. And all my work is done by hand, except for using the bench sander to smooth my seams. I pay particular attention to my stamping and stitchwork.

Some of the more memorable projects from the last year:

Johnny Ringo...


Flames of Hell...


Dodge City (holster and belt not same color)...


Still very proud of what was only the 2nd rig made for a customer...

[Dan Gerous]

Really, REALLY nice. I know what you mean about seeing all your mistakes. I'm my own worst critic. Just remember what I told my wife when she asked if I was pleased with my last project. "No, I'm not pleased because I can see all my mistakes, but I'm proud of it because I did it my self."

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Beautiful work, Craig. I like the Dodge City especially. Very nice work on all of them.

[Skeeter Lewis]

Authentic-looking work, Craig. Well done.
If Chuck likes it, you're doing something right.
Skeet

[St8LineLeatherSmith]

Nice leather Craig
AS Skeeter said very authentic to the original

[Graveyard Jack]

Thanks guys!

[ChuckBurrows]

Craig - got your email and will try to give a shout back later today or for sure tomorrow - and you know what I think of your work    as others have noted you have the talent the rest is just doing it....

[ChuckBurrows]

Authentic-looking work, Craig. Well done.
If Chuck likes it, you're doing something right.
Skeet

thanks for the 'vote' of confidence and yep I think well enough of Craig's work to recommend him to potential customers.

[Graveyard Jack]

Y'all are making me blush!

Look forward to your response.