A Touch of Color

Saturday, January 23, 2021 ~ George Crawford ~ Leave a comment

Colored saddle thread was on sale at my supplier last month so, guess what? I’m going to try it out on some upcoming projects and see what the reception is. Nothing too flashy, just a bit of red, yellow, or blue on the horizon.

Since I’m also a fan of mixed materials, this next bag is two-toned; Hermann Oak natural and drum-dyed in brown. To my eye it is a good match.

I think this combination will age beautifully and settle into a nice two-toned patina.

Stacey found this nice pewter vintage button for a closure. The photo above shows it on the workbench stuffed with a rag an drying after wet-forming and burnishing. Tomorrow, it will be time for a coat of dubbin and off to market.

Traveler’s Wallet

Sunday, April 21, 2019Sunday, August 25, 2019 ~ George Crawford ~ Leave a comment

Once again, I am producing some large, traveler’s wallets. While some are waiting their finishing touches, here’s the first of six. They are all of the same general size and design but each has some variation in shape and closure type.

A simple wrap closure. This can accommodate a bulging wallet.

I think my dying is improving. Having read more on the subject, I’ve been able to create a nice overall finish. The dye is applied in many diluted layers and hand rubbed to force it into the leather.

The leather is from a 6 – 7 ounce vegetable tanned cowhide that was a real beauty. The side was just shy of 30 square feet. To start working the nine foot long hide, I had to move my operation into the kitchen and onto the floor for initial cuts. Maybe someday I’ll have a shop table big enough to accommodate something this size again.

The interior divider provides four pockets. Big enough to hold a load of cash, passport, and the separated slots are sized for standard identification or credit cards.

This wallet is perfect for keeping everything in one place for log term travel or to be used as a small clutch purse.

Edges are burnished to give a finished look and the body has been waxed with all-natural dubbin.

The thread is heavyweight bookbinder’s linen in dark gray (nearly black) so is absolutely period correct for the reenactors out there.

If you are interested in this or some of our other work, check out our Etsy shop, look at the previous sales, and read the reviews.

Have a great day!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LostWorldCrafts

Practicing Primitive Daily

Tuesday, January 19, 2016Monday, March 12, 2018 ~ George Crawford ~ 3 Comments

Primitive is a loaded word for some people. To me, it means simple and lacking industrial materials. That’s not to say primitive cannot be complex or fine work; in fact, it’s often just the opposite. Sometimes even, it involves recycling the detritus of the modern world, such as tire rubber for shoe soles.

Looking at my high-graded and favorite camping gear I came to the realization a couple of years ago that by removing a few modern items my kit looks about 250 years out of date. That made me kind of happy. I’m not really a reenactor but I do occasionally participate in period events. It seems my tastes really do just lean toward a quieter, handmade, preindustrial world.