There is nothing worse than trying a new technique on a project and it just doesn't work.
When trying something new (or even if you're experienced at it), one of the best things you can do is practice on some scrap leather.
I haven't made a Western saddle since 2013, so I needed to practice carving.
(I carve freehand on things this small)
I had been doing full-sized carving for a while, so switching back to carving in model-sized scale was tricky!
The lower scrap was just coming out too large for what I wanted, so I tried again on the top scrap.
Success!
Practice pieces have a second fantastic use- testing out leather dyes and/or finishes!!
It's always a good idea to test out leather dyes and such before putting it on a project, to make sure it is the color/look that you were hoping for. I needed a different shade of brown, and I really liked the test piece on the right for my new saddle.
Carved fenders
Carving upper skirt (my swivel knife is shown)
Ready for color!!
Assembled quickly in time for a show, and I will go back and add more small details in later.
Reserve Champion Ranch Horse at Mid-Atlantic Regionals (MAR) last weekend for Bar Skippin Star, who wore the brand new set.
Practice paid off, allowing me to figure out what I wanted and needed to do to create my project successfully!
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