Second Leather Project - Possibles Bag #2

[Marcruger]

Well folks, here is my second ever leather project (Bag #2), and I need to take a break because I am tired of stitching for now!  This one is a simple flat bag (versus inside-out), with a scalloped welt. 

I decided to try a few new things, and keep the things from Bag #1 that I felt worked okay.  There is still so much to learn. 
James Rogers of course gets huge credit for inspiring me and answering questions.  My dad as well for patiently teaching me leatherwork on Bag #1 a few months back.
 
The pewter button I bought in Colonial Williamsburg, and has their fancy engraving on it.  The nifty 18th Century buckle Bob Hill found for me at the Camden Reenactment.
 
Ron Hess and Jim Parker have sent me some plate brass to try to make a fancy 18th Century buckle per the Crosby/Roger tutorial in my last post. I hope I can pull that off.
 
If anyone knows of someone casting or making really nice 1700s buckles in the 1” to 1-1/4” strap width, I’d love to hear about it. 

Best wishes, and God Bless,   Marc

[James Rogers]

Very nicely shaped bag Marc!

[skillman]

WOW! Very nice.

Steve

[BOB HILL]

Excellent job, Marc. Very classy pouch. We are very proud of your efforts and we know your father has to be as well.
   Bob

[n stephenson]

Marc, as stated VERY NICE WORK!!! It is hard to believe that this is only your second bag. If I was a bag maker by trade , I`d be planning on finding a new job when people see your work . Man , this is NICE work!!!  Good Job!!  Nate

[KC]

I like it. I like your work, very finished and professional looking.
K.C.

[Tim Crosby]

 Very nice Marc, Great attention to small detail.

   Tim

PS: Like the makers mark too. TC

[Pukka Bundook]

Marc,

Yon's a Very competent and "saddler" quality bit of kit!  You have done a lovely job, not only of the sewing but also of the design.  Congrats on such fine work!

Richard.

[rjpalmer]

Simply elegant. Excellent design and craftsmanship. If I may ask, how are the scallops cut along the edges of the bag?

[Marcruger]

I don't know where my last post went.  Maybe it will pop up later.  My sincere thanks to all for the encouragement.  :-) 

The scallops were cut with a pair of scalloped pinking shears.  I got them from Amazon, and they are Nikken Belltex brand.  They cut 2-3 ounce leather fine, but 4-5 ounce is tougher.  I wouldn't try any heavier than that. 

Best wishes, and God Bless,   Marc

[James Rogers]

Here's an old style way to cut those if you are fortunate enough to locate one........or have time to forge and file one out.

[Marcruger]

A couple of months back I went in search of pinking punches to do fancy edges.....and found that no one makes them any more.  You're right, you have to search out an oldie or make one yourself.  They sure do "pretty up" an edge on a nice piece of leather.

I did discover that Fiskars makes rotary material cutters....they look like a pizza cutter.  They make interchangeable blades, some with zig-zig or other designs.  I have no idea how they would work on leather, but some reviews say they do okay.  I went with the old time-proven set of scallop shears.   :-) 

Best wishes, and God Bless,   Marc

[BOB HILL]

 I have used the plain cutter on leather, cuts fine. Never have seen the zig-zag or any other style. I'll have to look around. I have used a gouge to cut the scallops one at a time.   Bob

[rjpalmer]

I thank everyone for their replies to my question about how the scallops were cut. I think this feature really makes the bag "pop".
I couldn't for the life of me figure out how these scallops were cut. This is really a finely crafted and designed bag. I think we'll be seeing more outstanding work in the future from Marcruger.

[hanshi]

Now, that bag easily falls into the "eye candy" category.

[Marcruger]

Hey rjpalmer.  As fast as I ruin leather, and as slow as I stitch, I don't know how many bags you'll see from me in the near future.   :-)  I do appreciate the compliment though, and I like the scallops too.  I might make a sheath next with a scalloped welt.   

The real master with loads of talent is James Rogers.  Go check out his website.  Yow! 

Hanshi, I was actually after a little bit fancy bag, even though I am just starting out.  I see a lot of what I would call serviceable, solid bags for sale.  I also see some that appear to be hillbilly inside-out pelts hanging from twine.  On the other hand, I see lots of Golden Age flashy rifles as well as flashy horns.  I think if someone back in the day had a carved, inlaid beauty of a rifle, they'd have had a fancy bag to go with it.  That is what I was aiming for, even if my execution needs more work.  So thank you for the eye candy comment good sir. 

Best wishes to you all,   Marc

[Cory Joe Stewart]

That is some good looking stitching. Well Done!!