Thanks all.
I'm just a "banger" at the table, but I've got the entrance covered
Here is Mr Machine from way back then.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WHQI5iKYfM
Back when commercials were 60 seconds
The metal clips are just that. Metal clips.
There isn't much different to make a WIP worth while.
Just think lined pouch sheath with a separate flap. But REALLY BIG.
The tubes came from an electrical supply place. I think they are used to protect fluorescent lights in the fixtures.
Wifey sewed the velvet into long skinny 'tube socks'.
I just slid the velvet and foam in the tube together and secured it at the bottom with the foam core circles that I added for rigidity.
The bottom of the case had me stumped for a while
I kept working on the rest and let that simmer on the back burner.
I got my inspiration from an SBUX coffee cup.
I used the foam core circles that I cut to stiffen the tubes and molded a piece of leather around them. That mimicked the shape of the tubes. Thru trial and error I folded and trimmed the end that fit where the case was joined.
Then I fit that piece into the bottom of the case that was already glued shut on the long edge. Marked and glued the bottom in place and then trimmed the excess and set the clips around the edges.
The leather is lightweight
3oz?
I cased it half at a time by filling a 3 lb coffee can with the appropriate amount of water so only half of the rolled leather would be immersed. Leaving the already tooled side high and dry.
Oh, carving and stamping the front?
About 7 hours.
What did you learn from it?
This is what it is all about. Learning and inspiration.
I learned how to attached the D rings correctly with a rivet and sewn flap thanks to Al Strohlman.
I learned that I need a lot more practice with the swivel knife and shading tools.
I made the brain to hand connection with the smooth shader halfway thru the project, getting it to run along with the mallet in a smooth predictable fashion.
I learned to just 'let go' and let it happen.
First with the illustration style. Originally I envisioned it with a different look. I work on layout paper which is similar to tracing, translucent but a brighter white. This way you can lay one sheet over the previous attempt, trace the parts you like and make your changes as you go. After a couple layers, my own drawing style crept in and I got away from the super tight, circle template, blueprint look that I envisioned and started with. Everyone who saw the drawing said make it more your style. So I did.
The other part about letting go was when I was considering how to dye the piece.
My former art director and web designer wifey saw me fretting
I told her my intended plan along with my doubts. She gave me the best advice ever.
"Just go for it.
You know this won't be the only one you make."
I'm inspired by all the great work I see here. And I love to learn. Thanx all
