Sporran #4

[A Hay]

After picking up some new materials and tools, here is Sporran #4.







Here are some technical specs for those interested.
Dimensions are 7 1/2 inches wide, 8 inches high, and 2 1/4 inches deep. Color is Tandy Medium Brown Antique. I like working with the antique stains rather than dye. I tried the dye on a test piece and it was a real mess. The stain is water based and easier to clean up. It is tricky getting the color to come out to match closely between two pieces of leather. I made the front and back panels out of a new hide I got a couple of weeks ago. It is much better than the leather I used for the first 3 sporrans.

Closure is with a magnetic catch.

I used a 3 inch strip of soft brown finished leather for the gusset. That makes it easy to get your hand into. I also glued a small pocket for coins inside, made of the same leather as the gusset. One of the new tools I got was used to put a groove around the edges. Makes a nice decorative frame for the lion I think. I also got an edge beveler which finishes the edges better.

On the back I made the piece that holds the sporran strap about 3 inches wide versus the 1 1/2 inches on my purchased sporrans. This makes it more stable I think. Next time I will move it about 3/8 inch higher, to about 1 1/8 inches below the top of the sporran.

I still have some technical details to work out. For example, I need to make the front panel about 1/4 inch narrower on each side than the back flap. This should make it look sleeker from the front. I also need to be more careful about where I start lacing the gusset to the back. One side is about 1/4 inch too low and it left me with a small pucker at the bottom that hardly shows, but I know it's there.

Overall I think it is a big step forward on the first 3 I made. Couple more and I think I'll almost have it down!

Hope I'm not boring anyone with these details. My interest is in leather, but I enjoy reading about other's efforts in making kilts and whatnot. I'm glad the moderators put this forum in.

Cheers,

Tom

[Freelander Sporrano]

Very Nice . More inspiration to take onboard

[Tattoo Bradley]

Wow, your sporrans just get better and better.

[MacTavishOfJapan]

Tom, wow! That looks amazing. The talent on this forum is astounding. Great job.

[BLAZN]

I love it!

The color is simply amazing, and I LOVE the Rampant Lion. You have got to share that pattern with me! ;)

I'm seriously planning to join Tandy's wholesale club. That way I can save some cash on tools.

[A Hay]

I love it!

The color is simply amazing, and I LOVE the Rampant Lion. You have got to share that pattern with me! ;)

I'm seriously planning to join Tandy's wholesale club. That way I can save some cash on tools.

Blazn: I went to Google images and searched for Rampant Lion. Tons of variations. I basically used the one from the red and gold Scottish flag, with some simplifications and additions. The details I'd like to keep to myself as I'm sure you understand. But have at it and let's see what variations you come up with.

Thanks to all for your encouragement.

Tom

[David Dalglish]

Thats a good looking sporran. the talent of some people, well done

[cgrinder]

Just absolutely outstanding!! I was like "Holy Crap!!" when I first saw the picture pop up.

[BLAZN]

Blazn: I went to Google images and searched for Rampant Lion. Tons of variations. I basically used the one from the red and gold Scottish flag, with some simplifications and additions. The details I'd like to keep to myself as I'm sure you understand. But have at it and let's see what variations you come up with.

Thanks to all for your encouragement.

Tom

Well I'll be... I didn't even think of Googling it. Thanks.

And again... beautiful work!

[Irish in Tacoma]

Really nice work. Beautiful carving.

The part I have the most trouble with is the dying. I'll have to try the antique stain. Do you have any trouble with it running when it gets wet?