Do you ever feel like you create more work for yourself some days?
A cowboy boot is supposed to have four pulls, and so far I’ve made seven. I ruined the first two “name” pulls by not paying attention and laying them down next to my oiled sharpening stone, so they sucked up big dirty oily spots, and this was AFTER I’d cut out and skived everything. Yesterday I had four pulls completely finished–stitched and everything. I grabbed a new brand of leather conditioner to wipe away any marking pen residue, and it ate right through the finish on one of the floral pulls, leaving a big ugly spot. I took it home and picked out the stitches last night, and managed to re-use the beading at least.
I’m getting ready to go stitch the replacement floral pull. Wish me luck.
Lisa Sorrell, cowboy boot maker 
Yes, I have felt like that, many times! Usually just “Oh *****, I’ve done it again!”
I’ll never have an oiled stone mess again, though. I bought a couple diamond hones from Paul Z. at Leather Wranglers and started using the techniques from his book and class. No oil, just a tiny drop of dish soap in water; spray it on and then wipe the stone clean and dry afterward. I’ve sharpened knives since I was a kid (back in the ’50s) and this is the best yet; highly recommend.
The requested luck is hereby wished you, along with a most blessed Nativity feast and a Happy New Year!
Regards,
Mark
Thank you, and thanks for the sharpening tip!