1 comments about The New Bullwhip Book.

1. This is a great and easy to follow book. Also a must in your collection.

5 comments about Tan Your Hide!: Home Tanning Leathers & Furs.

1. This book will walk you through the basic process of tanning a hide or pelt.
   
   The basics are well-covered and this book provides all the resources you would need.
   
   It did leave me wondering a little about alternative (natural) processes for tanning a skin or hide without using materials that were extremely dangerous, or would "dye" a pelt when coloring was not desired.
   
   This shouldn't be the ONLY book on the topic on your bookshelf - but it should be one of them.



2. I purchased this book for my husband who is just starting to deal with rabbits. He loved it and we received it very timely and in great condition. Thank you for your excellent service.



3. ever wanted to know how to make hides? this book will walk you thru it



4. Besides being light on details, the copy I got had several key pages missing - there but just blank. Shows a lack of attention to detail. If you are just getting started in the tanning/leather/rawhide business it is an OK read about history and techniques but there are better books on the market. Get this one from the library.



5. No offense to the author, but this book just doesn't have enough detail to successfully teach you to tan a hide. I tan and teach home tanning for a living, and I regularly meet folks who have used this book as their reference and failed to produce anything remotely like leather. There is nothing inaccurate about the information but their just isn't enough detail. Tanning is a fairly simple craft, but it is very tactile and precise. You need to know the details, the ins and outs. Amazon.com sells two books that I highly recommend if you wish to learn home-tanning: DEERSKINS INTO BUCKSKINS: How to Tan With Natural Materials, and Wetscrape Braintan Buckskin. Get one or both and you'll get the results you're looking for.

2 comments about Gorgeous Leather Crafts: 30 Projects to Stamp, Stencil, Weave & Tool.

1. Although I have yet to try the projects, after looking long and hard at the book, I think it's going to be fun to try some of them. the instructions seem adequate and the pictures are beautiful.



2. I used to do leather craft way back when it was pretty much limited to kitchy country western style motifs. Boy have things changed!! This book drew me in with it's updated stylish designs for home accessories that would complement many decorating styles (there are some killer pillow designs in here!!). The photography is great, there is a nice intro to different leathers, tools, and crafting techniques and the project instructions seem pretty good too.
   My only beef with the book is that you must visit the publisher's website for a supplier list of materials (many of the materials required for the projects would NOT be available in your local craft chain store). And...on the website there is only one leather supplier listed.
   Also...this is not a "weekend craft...use tools you already have around the house" book. As I mentioned above, the projects are lovely, but will require an investment in tools and supplies specifically required for working with leather.
   If you are already a leather crafter, a returning leather crafter like me, or a serious beginner willing to invest in the required materials I heartily recommend this book. I think you will really be inspired by these projects.

3 comments about Home Tanning and Leathercraft Simplified.

1. I actually really liked this book, because it seemed to cover the basics.
   I was specifically looking for info on rabbits, but I read the whole book on principle. (I just can't NOT finish a book.) It did seem a bit scattered, and I found rabbit skin advice in the sheep section (or vice versa).
   The section on how to skin the rabbit was pretty clear. I was pleased that there was mention of what type/thickness of skin you would get from different ages or sexes, and what time of year rabbits would be in the best fur.
   The instructions for tanning/dressing the furs were very well written, and I basically feel like I could try it just based on the info I got from this book.
   I would have given it 5 stars except for two things a) it mentions rabbit leather (furless), but not how to make it, and b) I haven't actually TRIED any of the advice yet, or read any other "how to tan a rabbit skin" books, so it might be really horrible.
   But 4 stars for the fact that I now know what 4-ounce leather is, and what a split is, even if you don't get them from rabbits. :)
   
   Nicole



2. Super informative book for dealing with furs and skinning them. Very graphic so if you dont like bunnies being gutted and stripped of fur stay clear of this one. I bought it mainly to clean sheepskin and it wasnt that informative for that- I found more info on internet (wash out by hand with woolite and ring, ring, ring out and put on clothes line to dry then use a cat or dog slicker brush and comb it wet and then when dry)



3. I recently checked this book out of the library in preparation of tanning a sheepskin. The book seems full of pertinent information, but it frequently seems scattered. You should definitely read through all sections as it seems tidbits of information in one section pertain to procedures of another section. Overall it seems there is a good variety of methods, types, tanning recipes and projects. This is the only book I've read on tanning, I feel educated on the subject but feel a slightly clearer, less scattered book would give me more confidence in approaching my first project.

5 comments about Deerskins Into Buckskins: How To Tan With Natural Materials - A Field Guide for Hunters and Gatherers.

1. I found this book very interesting and informative for anyone who wants to learn how to tan hides for making clothes. For that purpose I don't believe one could find a more useful guide. It covers in detail, everything from how to skin deer in order to get the most out of the hide, to sewing methods. however, the book only covers tanning hides for making clothes and apparel from buckskin. I found no mention of tanning hides with hair on. If you are looking for information on tanning hides with the hair on, it might not be what you are looking for.



2. Well written and easy to understand without being simplistic. Detailed in all the right places, and fun to read.



3. The author took the complex task of making buckskins and makes it even harder by explaining the most minute details of the process. I was looking for more step by step detail on hide tanning. This book will be great for you if you really want every detail explained. I would have given this book 5 stars if it simply had an an appendix at the end of the book with step by step instructions of the process, but with much of the verbage removed.



4. I bought several other books on brain tanning buckskin when I first started out, but this one is hands down the most informative of the bunch. The author did a great job at explaining the details necessary to sucessfully produce a brain tanned hide. Richards does this for a living, and he really knows what he's talking about.
   
   This book is best used with the companion DVD, "Deerskins Into Buckskins." I bought the DVD first thinking I wouldn't need a book if I got the video instead. Turns out the book goes into even more detail about the process. (The video would have been just too long and drawn out if he were to have put every piece of information from the book in it). Both the book and the DVD are excellent resources, and I highly recommed them both if you really want to learn to brain tan.



5. I bought this book based on the recommendations here. If you are like me, and view tanning as an arcane art out of reach of most people, you are in for a surprise. The author, in a most readable manner, goes through the basics of tanning a deer hide. Materials required can be found around most homes.
   
   The scope is narrow - deerskins to buckskins. This shouldn't come as a surprise - it's spelled out in the title. If you are interested in other products - pelts for instance, or animals other than deer - there are other books out there, but I would recommend reading this one first to see what an uncomplicated process it can be.
   
   I have since read Monte Burch's "The Ultimate Guide to Skinning and Tanning" This is a book that has some great ideas on tools and working area arrangements. It also goes into using some of the more toxic, manufactured treatments for curing hides. I would have never considered tanning if I had read the Burch book first. We have a small homestead, and it would be difficult to dispose of these toxic materials. Thanks to Richards and "Deerskins to Buckskins", I know there are alternatives.
   
   Other books will tell you how to skin other animals and how to preserve the fur, but this book will show you that you can do this at home and you can do it with materials that are not hazardous.
   
   This is an outstanding book, well written and extremely practical.

5 comments about Art of The Boot.

1. I give this book a 4 out of 5 because I was hoping for a little more history on the boot and maybe a little more info on how the boot pertained to the old west. This book had a huge variety of photos and photos that were well taken, but they were mostly very colorful "fancy" boots. If you're looking for some funky looking boots, this is your book



2. Just what I expected, pictures of great cowboy boots with short write up's on their history. Great gift for a boot collector!



3. this was my first boot book and it's no coincidence that my obsession with wanting to make boots began shortly after buying this gem. i had always been romanced by boots and the people who collect and wear them. however, art of the boot by tyler beard, was my first taste of the incredibly talented group of people actually responsible for making them. my favorite thing about this particular book is how it is divided between into two major parts.
   
   first comes an in depth written and pictorial biography on boots and next follows the rich conversational profiles of 28 master boot makers and shops in the business. both sections of the book effectively capture the social history of the boot from its humble beginnings, to the most notable trends of the present (which in the case of the book was the late 1990s.)
   
   each master boot maker or shop featured has a dedicated profile providing an intimate account of who they are in the custom boot world and how they got there. some, like tex robin, a second generation boot maker, were born into the trade, others like lisa sorrell, gracefully fell into it. regardless of their stories, examples of their boots and dedicated craftsmanship are included and will no doubt impress.
   
   once and every time you finish this book (mine has a permanent spot next to the bed), you'll be ready for a pair of custom boots. included in the book is guide to ordering custom, a pictorial explanation of the anatomy of a boot, an amazing glossary of bootmaking terms and a directory of resources by state.
   there is a 2006 paperback reprint of the art of the boot that has a white cover.
   
   i am fortunate enough to have a first edition copy of the the hard cover. the directory may not be the most current, as the book celebrates 10 years this year, but the history captured in this book will always remain unchanged.



4. This book is a boot lovers dream come true! The quality of photography is excellent and the historical discussion brings the art of bootmaking to life. There are so many styles of boots represented here as well as bootmakers past and present from all over the United States. The art of the boot is a love affair that covers the world and this book gives ample voice and photographic interpretation to that subject.



5. Big rich photo detail (that many baby-boomers will appreciate.) The cowoby boots in this book are the closest you'll ever find to life-size.
   
   Tyler Beard asked America's finest bootmakers to send him their most spectacular boots...and they did, many remarkable pairs were made especially for this book. These new and vintage cowboy boots range from wowzie-zowie to "museum-quality." No pair could be counted as plain, or the least bit ordinary.
   
   This book is a must for every collector. Tyler gives an unmatched, detailed history of cowboy boots and portrays the life and lore of America's top bootmakers. (A few who have since retired or passed on.) This book is one of my favorites.

1 comments about Leatherwork.

1. I have to admit, upon receiving the book and spending about an hour with it, I was pretty disappointed. At the high retail price, and it also being a hardbound book, I expected it to be a good reference book to be displayed on my bookshelf. But that was not the case. It had some good chapters (Tools & Materials, Pattern-Making & Design, Hand-Stitching & Skiving, Carving, Stamping, etc...), but didn't really cover any of the topics in detail. As a matter of fact, there were not too many pictures to help illustrate the points - so the readers are completely reliant on understanding the writers thoughts as he tries to EXPLAIN the techniques. (A big "no-no" in my book)! And on top of that, the writer seems to be British, so all the "Useful Addresses" for suppliers and tools are useless to us in the good ole USA. The only reason I did not go all the way down to "ONE STAR, was because I did get a few good points from the book. In my honest opinion, invest in the Al Stohlman books. They are profusley ILLUSTRATED, hit the topics in great detail, and show the American readers great photographs of his personal projects to show us how it's PROPERLY done. (If we're going to learn, let's learn from "THE" master)!! So to end, the book was a big "Two Thumbs Down"!!

2 comments about Saddlemaker to the Stars: The Leather and Silver Art of Edward H. Bohlin.

1. THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL BOOK. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT IT IS A USED BOOK. IT IS IN MINT SHAPE. A GREAT PRODUCT AND GREAT SERVICE.THANK YOU. ELIDE ALBERT



2. This magnificent book is beyond breathtaking and deserves far more than a 5-star rating. I saw many of these priceless silver saddles, spurs and other Edward Bohlin masterpieces in parades years ago. They're even more dazzling today. Gorgeous color photographs taken by Susan Einstein certainly do them justice. I'd have paid the full $60.00 for this one without a whimper.

2 comments about Leatherwork: 25 Practical Ideas for Hand-Crafted Leather Projects.

1. Very, very basic. Suitable for children and beginners wanting simple artsy-craftsy stuff along the lines of the pictures on the cover. Very little of the contents will carry over into fine work.
   
   If you are interested in learning fine leatherwork, an excellent alternative is this book: The Leatherworking Handbook: A Practical Illustrated Sourcebook of Techniques and Projects



2. Leatherwork is filled with gorgeous photographs and excellent projects for beginners or experienced leather crafters. Instructions are well written and easy to follow. A perfect gift for those who love trying new things.

5 comments about Wet-Scrape Braintanned Buckskin: A Practical Guide to Home Tanning and Use.

1. This book is a very good book, but I think it is better suited to the more experienced tanner. I think Matt Richard's book is better suited for beginners, but I did learn some new things from this book.



2. This is the a very good job of writing on the topic. It's easy for the reader to know what it is all about.



3. This new reprint edition keeps in print all the great information found in the previous edition "Wet-Scrape Braintanned Buckskin", but adds some new minor revision, some new illustrations, and a new more attractive title and cover. We hope you will like it, we do!



4. This book is not really "out of print", but has been reissued under a different title and ISBN #. The new title is "Buckskin: The Ancient Art of Braintanning" ISBN# 0-9654965-5-4 and is available on Amazon.com. This new reprint edition features a more attractive title & cover and some minor revisions, but is essentially still the same great book. Thanks for your interest.



5. There is a lot of information contained within these pages...written by two excellent brain tanners and experienced teachers. It is the kind of book that you can go back to time and time again and find new and valuable information that you missed the first time. I do think its a little hard for the beginner to find the simple and straightforward how-to do it information in, but it is there, and it will teach you what you need to know, and then some.

   "Wetscrape Braintanned Buckskin" has a particularly good bibliography, section on tool sharpening, troubleshooting, museum quality illustrations, good humor and a whole lot of excellent information. I've been brain tanning for a living for 11 years, teach it regularly and have written a book on it myself, and all I can say is that if you are considering getting this book, just do it!