metal work

 I don't know if you've ever been to Portland between the months of September and July but it kind of rains a lot here. And it rains for a long time too (as in about 6 or 7 months of rain plus 2 or 3 or 4 more months of un reliable weather). To combat cabin fever and to help myself not have a wet ass all the time I made some fenders.  I should say I made some fenders again. The last set of these got stolen, along with my bike in the early spring.  I'm still waiting to see my old bike go by so I can bulldog some one in the bike lane...Anyway, I had some copper left from the last time I made these.

Pretty simple to make.  I just had to draw a center line and wail on them for about 6  hours until they were roundish.  The first set took way longer.  The rear that I made last only actually took me about 2 hours start to finish. I'm starting to get the hang of stretching the material where I need to to get the curvature I need.

I just beat on the copper on a panel bag I made with some suede hide and some playground sand. They have a slightly dimpled look as I didn't feel like spending 12 more hours picking out all of the high and low spots to make them perfect.  I like the look, plus I'm hoping the indentations will help capture water and make them patina faster.
 And like always, no process photos, I'm always too busy making things to stop for documentation.

Wow

It's been a while since I posted anything on here.  I wish I could say it was for a good reason, like a world tour or even some jail time but...I've just been busy with work, life making things and above all just plain lazy.  So to the one or three of you who actually look at this (probably no-one now given the length of time it's been since my last post) I'm almost sorry.  Without further fanfare here are a few things I've done lately.

I made a pair of collars for some dogs.  They are made of latigo using only rivets for attaching articles, no stitches to fray or break when the dogs are out doing dog things.  I was presented with a challenge when making these and that was that one of the pair of dogs is apparently Satan and if she can get a hold of her dog friends collar end she will tug and tug on it.  Thus tightening and strangling her friend.  So here owners wanted the collar end to be somehow tug proof.

 After thinking on it for a little bit I made the end of the collar go back under the collar and lie against the dogs neck.  To keep it there I used a Sam Browne button.  Simple and safe.  And it's in line with the rest of the over and under interplay of the collar, which I like.

 Next (but actually before the collar) I made a tool for setting rivets.  I use a rivet that you hammer on to set.  I feel it's a more secure way to fasten rivets than the split rivets Tandy sells and it looks better as well.  The only problem is making them look nice and somewhat uniform through out a piece can be frustrating.  So I made this little gem out of some stainless steel bar.  I drilled one end out for setting the ring on the rivet shaft and the other end is domed for setting the actual rivet.  After that I milled off some of the sides so it wouldn't roll off my work station.

 Next is more of what you've seen before just some refinement in the process.

Key chains in a few colors

Card sleeve and front pocket card wallet with my mark on them

And here is a ladies belt that I've made a few of.  It can be worn at the waist or hips and is secured with a piece of ribbon, color of your choosing.  This makes it work with just about any outfit.
 That's it for now.  Since the monsoon season has returned I promise I'll post more now.
Also, if you like any of the items you see, or if you want something you don't see, get a hold of me.

-Dusty