Author Topic: Bag #8 - A bit fancier than the last one....  (Read 2236 times)

Offline Marcruger

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Bag #8 - A bit fancier than the last one....
« on: January 26, 2019, 11:17:53 PM »
Hi Folks,

For anyone keeping counting, yes this Bag #8 was finished after #9 I already posted.

I had the inspiration from the ancient steel engraving image I am posting here.  It's not a direct copy, but my interpretation.  I could not figure out the snake shaped pattern on the steel engraving bag's flap, but I am sure someone here will chime in with what that represents.  I used a shell instead.  I am thinking this is a 1700s bag with a European influence, like someone may have carried in the northeast with an early Germanic rifle for instance. 

I added a thinner "hinge" to the top of the flap so it would open easier, but the flap itself could be thicker leather (4-5 ounce).  The bag itself is 2-3 ounce veg tanned cowhide. 

I have been wanting to do something outside my comfort zone, and was inspired by the old image.  This bag took a lot of thinking ahead to determine what had to be stitched together when and how.  For veterans like James, this is likely old hat, but it stretched me a bit which is a good thing. 

I hope this entertains y'all.  Best wishes, and God Bless,   Marc



















Offline Tim Crosby

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Re: Bag #8 - A bit fancier than the last one....
« Reply #1 on: January 27, 2019, 01:53:55 AM »
 WOW! I like how it finished up.

  Tim

PS: I like how that guy in the engraving has his horse hobbled, of course it also looks like he may be shooting his horse :) TC

Offline Marcruger

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Re: Bag #8 - A bit fancier than the last one....
« Reply #2 on: January 27, 2019, 02:53:44 AM »
I agree.  Maybe the name of this bag is "The Horse Shooter".  Hah!   :-) 

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Re: Bag #8 - A bit fancier than the last one....
« Reply #3 on: January 27, 2019, 03:16:22 AM »
Another great job!  You're doing well.  Keep 'em coming. 

Online Greg Pennell

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Re: Bag #8 - A bit fancier than the last one....
« Reply #4 on: January 27, 2019, 03:27:11 AM »
Yet another nice one, Marc!  Bravo!

Greg
“Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks” Thomas Jefferson

Offline James Rogers

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Re: Bag #8 - A bit fancier than the last one....
« Reply #5 on: January 27, 2019, 03:41:55 AM »
Very nice work. I think that image has a ring on one side and a buckle on the other. It's 1740s or 50s IIRC

Offline Marcruger

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Re: Bag #8 - A bit fancier than the last one....
« Reply #6 on: January 27, 2019, 04:49:27 AM »
Thank you for narrowing down the timeframe James.  That really helps. 

I did see the D-ring and buckle setup.  I didn't care for the idea of the strap hanging down over the flap if the strap was adjusted shorter.  So I changed it up a bit. 

Thanks again.  Have a super weekend.  Best wishes,   Marc

Offline James Rogers

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Re: Bag #8 - A bit fancier than the last one....
« Reply #7 on: January 27, 2019, 05:31:47 AM »
Thank you for narrowing down the timeframe James.  That really helps. 

I did see the D-ring and buckle setup.  I didn't care for the idea of the strap hanging down over the flap if the strap was adjusted shorter.  So I changed it up a bit. 

Thanks again.  Have a super weekend.  Best wishes,   Marc


A man with taste! I have always shunned that set-up as well because of that. I have some pics of a German bag with that same buckle location and have seen other American originals with a buckle on both sides there but it just doesn't turn my crank to make one like that for the same reason you chose to omit it.

Offline aaronc

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Re: Bag #8 - A bit fancier than the last one....
« Reply #8 on: January 28, 2019, 03:10:04 PM »
Nice work marc
- Aaron C
At the work bench.

Offline EricEwing

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Re: Bag #8 - A bit fancier than the last one....
« Reply #9 on: January 28, 2019, 08:12:21 PM »
There is a lot to like about this bag. The shape is really pleasing and all the elements come together really well. The scale and size is awesome too. I love the fact that you felt compelled to step outside your comfort zone and mess around and that you were inspired by the weird and strange of old illustrations, I’ve always found that sort of stuff fascinating and being inspired (almost without your own will) to make something based on the imagination stirred by a simple and very vague illustration is what makes you an artist and not just a craftsman. Also amazing that this is your 8th bag!

The only criticism I can offer is I would be intrigued to see what happens when you start to experiment with different dying methods or avoid dyes altogether.

Offline Marcruger

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Re: Bag #8 - A bit fancier than the last one....
« Reply #10 on: January 28, 2019, 08:52:30 PM »
Many thanks Eric. It means a lit from a man of your skills. I agree with you on dye experiments. That is in my very near future.

I did a two-tone bag with light flap back before the last CLA, as well as a light pigskin mountain bag. What I want to get is blonde and russet finished working on tooling leathers.

Thanks again. Marc

Offline BOB HILL

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Re: Bag #8 - A bit fancier than the last one....
« Reply #11 on: February 01, 2019, 07:53:43 AM »
Looking good,Marc. Looking good. You’re sure turning out some nice pieces.
Bob
South Carolina Lowcountry

Icoreiny

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Re: Bag #8 - A bit fancier than the last one....
« Reply #12 on: February 02, 2019, 01:27:40 AM »
Another great bag Marc!  An excellent example of your leather craft. It’s not only beautifully crafted it appears sturdy as well.
Very Nice.

Steve

Offline Marcruger

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Re: Bag #8 - A bit fancier than the last one....
« Reply #13 on: February 02, 2019, 06:30:25 PM »
"It’s not only beautifully crafted it appears sturdy as well.
Very Nice. "

Thank you Steve.  I was thinking that applies to your fine knife work! 

You should see the lobed horn Tim is making to go with this bag for the CLA auction. 

I count myself extremely blessed to be able to work with real artists.

God Bless,   Marc

Online J. Talbert

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Re: Bag #8 - A bit fancier than the last one....
« Reply #14 on: February 06, 2019, 05:03:07 AM »
Very attractive design and so well executed.

Great bag!

Jeff
There are no solutions.  There are only trade-offs.”
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Offline hanshi

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Re: Bag #8 - A bit fancier than the last one....
« Reply #15 on: February 06, 2019, 09:14:56 PM »
Rather than "fancy", I think "elegant" describes it best.  Very, very nice.
!Jozai Senjo! "always present on the battlefield"
Young guys should hang out with old guys; old guys know stuff.