Hi, my name is John. I retired from the military after 20+ years in the Air force. A few years later, I landed a great job at a semiconductor factory, and wo...
I know it's been awhile. Not sure if anyone out there in the ether is reading any of my posts. It's like staying up at night and broadcasting on a HF transmitter (ham radio), and not hearing back. Just wondering if this is all worth my time. I hope if you read any of these entries, to leave a comment. I will have to approve it first, but I will try to check my blog daily now. This entry is about…
Here's a new shofar strap I designed. It holds a ram's horn, or kudu (antelope) horn, used in religious Jewish ceremonies. I've made quite a few of these for friends at church, but this is an update. It adjusts from 47" to 61", so it can accommodate a horn from 24" to 48". I bought more brass hardware from Buckleguy; everything I use will now be from them, as they have high quality stuff, although…
I just updated a wallet that I designed awhile ago for my dad. I modified it to put his name, plus his rank when he was in the Army. He retired as a CW4. I put the four bars on there for his rank, and engraved all the pieces and had it cut out on my X-tool S1 40W laser. I wet the pieces and then put them in the laser. I used vegtanned leather. It helps when you dampen the leather beforehand to…
I've been doing leatherwork for many years now. It's difficult. I am retired, 62 years old, but I would like to earn extra money from what I'm doing. I don't know what the secret is, but I am really good with computers, using AI, and creating web pages. I don't know a lot about SEO, but maybe that's something I should focus on. Here's my updated channel on YouTube, it used to be JFClayLeather, but…
These notebooks I've made are available on Etsy. They are laser cut and personalized, and dyed with gold colored Italian water based dye and hand burnished. Here are some sample images if you're interested: Tree of Life Leather Mini Notebook Cover Tree of Life Regular Leather Notebook Cover Leather Calendar Cover
I made this wallet since I ride my bike quite a bit. I don't like stuffing my wallet in my pocket, since it can come out easily. I made this design so I can clip it on my belt loop. I can carry four credit cards, and never worry that anything will fall out. And it leaves room in my pockets for my phone or other items. I love this wallet and how thin and how much utility it provides. It's on my…
Actually, it's not honey. It's beeswax. I buy my beeswax from this older Hispanic gentleman who is in his 80's. He sells honey, but I always ask him if he has any beeswax. The first time I asked, he produced about 4 lbs of dirty beeswax that was buried in an old cardboard box, in the front of his truck bed. I asked "How much?" and he replied, "No charge." I went back to my car and got $20 and gave…
I made this bag awhile ago. The design is from Country Cow Designs , they are a husband and wife team based in Cornwall, UK. They have an actual shop where they sell items as well. It looks like a quiet, quaint little town. A place I would enjoy living. Regardless, I bought a pattern for this clutch shown in the images. It's easy to make, and easy to build. I don't currently list this bag in my…
I have a shop on Etsy. It's ClayLeatherWorks as well. I just recently updated the name. Please visit if you are interested in buying leather goods. Here's the link: ClayLeatherWorks
I made this trucker wallet for my sister who lives in New York. My mom reminded me that I made something for everyone except her. Guilty as charged. So I got one of my favorite patterns, the trucker wallet from Justin of Makesupply Leather. He's the main reason I started on leatherwork and advanced to where I am now. Someday I hope to be a successful businessman like him. Anyway, here are some…