I've had the leather and the idea now for quite some time. Hope to have it ready for the season that is fast approaching, only I am going to get fancy with it and do some carving and everything. Only thing is, I've never done any of this, but I have a lot of leather working tools. The main part of the quiver is cut and I worked out a little more of the design. It is a Hill style but with the sides cut out and a piece of darker suede leather in this place. This leather is lighter in weight and I think will help it form to the desired collapse easier. I will get pics of this when I can, think it will turn out nicely, just think I am not estimating the time involvement correctly.
Before you start carving you might want to practice on a scrap piece especially if you've never carved leather before.
Good luck, I hope everything turns out well. I can't wait for pictures.
Ya, I practiced a little after work last night. I think I can do a decent job with it. I just have to come up with the design is all. I am wet forming the bottom piece tonight. I am going to glue on another piece for the bottom, then put foam on top of that.
Something I thought about while I was making a form for the bottom piece, is that there is no drain. Should I put a few holes in the bottom to allow for this?
If you're following Bud B's plans then the holes for the lacing would be more than enough for drainage. I wouldn't go adding more holes and weaken the leather on the base. Now something I would suggest is some kind of waterproofing agent. I've used SnoSeal with success on a pair of boots and my feet stay dry. I coated both the inside and outside of my quiver. I haven't hunted with it yet or had it in bad weather, however my feet stayed dry with it on my boots in mud and snow so it should protect your quiver very well.
Something I did to help quiet my quiver was to add fur around the opening of it. That keeps the arrows from bouncing around so much and holds them still. In the bottom I have two layers of carpet to keep the arrows from banging against each other.
This is my first ever leather project. I did some you tubing for the idea on how to do the carving. I have a ton of leather working stuff a friend of mine gave me a while back, and I've had the idea and leather for quite some time. Figured it is time.
So, without further ado. Here are some pics. I am going to make templates for all the pieces as I get them all finished also, before I stitch it all up.
I just have to go look at how to post the pics first.
1 moment...
(http://i.imgur.com/gTKNOIE.jpg)
This is the bottom piece. I wet molded it by cutting a template of the shape I wanted the bottom. Then cutting the shape out of a board and cutting the side clamp pieces. I let it soak for 15 or so, then formed it over it and clapped it in a vise, then put a board over the top and strapped it down over it. Let it sit over night and came back and it was good to go.
Next I am going to glue another piece on this to add a little thickness and stiffness also.
(http://i.imgur.com/bw7UOt5.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/mQQsgJy.jpg)
Wish I could figure out how to get it where you can just see it when you come to this post.
Ok, so on with it.
This is an idea of the quiver put together, the two sides will have a piece of buckskin leather or something like that on the sides.
(http://i.imgur.com/kMSBd3T.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Kjduqje.jpg)
Here is the design I originally came up with, but when I added the stitching and the borders it would not fit.
(http://i.imgur.com/XICehyo.jpg)
I traced the design with tracing paper then used a tool with a rounded tip, and wet the leather then trace the design.
After this you take a knife 9a swivel knife would have been great) and then a tool with a small spoon shape and push the leather down so that the pattern stands out. I still have some detail work to do.
(http://i.imgur.com/t2XRFSH.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/49OhxJY.jpg)
I will cut a strip down the middle of the back and glue that in, and around the top and stitch that one in. All the edges inside will be covered will glue or something so the broad heads don't catch. I also have rabbit fur that I am going to put on the upper opening.
More to come......
That looks awesome
That is looking great!
Looks great so far!
Am enjoying your take on BQ construction. Molding a double layered bottom is a cool idea.
So I unclamped the bottom piece. Hindsight being 20/20, I should cut the top piece a little bigger then cut it after it is glued up. I didn't because I burnished the edges of that piece to help a little with the water resistance bit. I think I am going to put a hole at each end and one in the middle back for a little drainage.
Ok, so here is the progress for tonight. Looks like it's going to take a little bit to get this piece all finished. then I can dye it andstart sewing things together. I am going to put some bracing in also. I'll have to add another row of sticking along the top for a piece. I am going to put rabbit fur on top of this also. It will line the top area. I am also going to put another brace down the middle going down the back for bracing. I want the back to be somewhat rigid while the front (which would actually be the back, the side exposed) to be more collapsible.
Looks like a couple weeks, but it will be worth it once I get er done.
(http://i.imgur.com/leByriA.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Q8tCsQP.jpg)
Looking good so Far!
Looks great. I personally like the look of the leather darkening naturally instead of using dye but to each his own. Also if you dye it, be sure to get something that won't bleed off to your clothes when you sweat or get rained on. Again great job.
Going to Tandy in a little bit for some leather. Thanks for the tip on the dye Gordon. I'll make sure I do that. I just want to darken it a little so that the design comes out a little. I'll probably put resist on the design.
I went to Tandy today and got some pretty good stuff to finish this up. I got a springbok hide for the sides. It's going to be good. I also got a new weave stamp that is pretty nice. I'll post pics of the new stuff later.
Gordon's on the money about dyeing this. I'd just give the finished leather a treatment or two with Neatsfoot, Pitch Blend Oil, Olive Oil, etc. and let the leather take it's own patina, I think you'd be happier seeing your art work this way in years to come.
Bud Blaylock built a quiver for me three years ago. Here's a pic of when he had just finished it
(http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n525/rgreen1958/Back%20Quiver/101_0156.jpg) (http://s1138.photobucket.com/user/rgreen1958/media/Back%20Quiver/101_0156.jpg.html)
And the same quiver this Spring. I use pitch blend oil.
(http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n525/rgreen1958/Back%20Quiver/002.jpg) (http://s1138.photobucket.com/user/rgreen1958/media/Back%20Quiver/002.jpg.html)
That looks pretty good Green. Will it continue to darken or will it stop at a point? I was looking at dying it and sealing it in really well to help the water resistance. I like that look also, but I put in a lot of backgrounding that will come out better with a dye applied.
Ok, so I can't make this easy on myself. I did some more and have plans for the rest. Here is where I am at. If anyone has not done any leather work, don't worry neither have I. It is not hard to work with though. Here is a way you can do it.
(http://i.imgur.com/w2AwvRD.jpg)
Start with a picture you want to put on the leather. You can use one from a magazine or anywhere. (http://i.imgur.com/wh7XDL5.jpg?1)
Next trace the picture on tracing paper with a pen. (http://i.imgur.com/LBk1r62.jpg)
Decide where you want the picture to be placed and tape down the picture after dampening the leather with a sponge and water. Use a tool like the one shown, for this detailed of a picture make sure it has a fine point. (This tool has a blunt blade edge but a fine pointed tip) Use light pressure so that you don't cut up the tracing paper, it will be plenty to get this picture onto the leather if it is good and damp.
(http://i.imgur.com/yRkmJ9f.jpg)
Next, if you have a swivel knife, use this to cut the main picture into the leather, again, make sure the leather is damp and use light pressure. I used a regular leather knife on the bottom pieces, but the swivel knife is much better. They go for 20-50 depending on what you get. (http://i.imgur.com/IkEgyNh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/pzaKzpG.jpg)
Strop the blade regularly during this process with a scrap piece of leather.
(http://i.imgur.com/XwIdPAU.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/Mf7Osfy.jpg)
With a small spoon tool go around the picture and push the leather down outside the main parts. You will then push down the leather with the spoon to get different depths in the leather. When the leather is damp you can apply pressure and push the leather down. (http://i.imgur.com/rXXt9CH.jpg)
This is done by pushing down and dragging it across the leather. (http://i.imgur.com/9FGmgCD.jpg)
These are the basic tools you will need to put your pictures onto the leather.
I am not done with this picture, but wanted to give an update. I will put two oak leaves above and below this picture and run the deer and turkey tracks up a bit more with oak leaves above them. I think this will be done after that and I will move to dying it and finishing and conditioning it. Then finish making the pieces and start putting things together.
Very nice art work....you'll definitely have a one of a kind BQ!
John.....the quiver will continue to darken if I continue with annual coats of oil. With all the work on yours, I can understand your desire to dye/seal it for protection.
I must say you do very, very good work with those tools. My talents stop with stick people. Just could not get the "swivel " into the swivel knife.
As for darkening for high lights. You should be ok doing that but I would use a oil rather than Laq finish Tandy sells. I made a quiver years ago from veg tan but decided it would look good in black. I dyed it, and two of my shirts as well. Lesson learned. Latigo is waterproof but it bleeds as well. I use olive oil and rub it over and over to get out as much of the red as I can. I do have a shirt that goes with that quiver as well.
But alas, it is just to hot here in Zoney land for me and a back quiver so mine are fancy arrow buckets.
Oh by the way, buy more leather, you will want to make more.
Will the leather bleed if you dye it and seal it in? I would prefer to do things a bit more natural, but want to make sure all this work comes out too. I also want to make sure that it stays the color I want it.
Sweet!!! That's going to be one awesome looking quiver!!! :clapper:
Ok, so I think I am about ready to dye it and move on. I need to work on the strap next. I want to do one without a buckle kinda like a martin style. I will punch 6-8 holes and lace a piece of leather through them.
(http://i.imgur.com/jWUkrSW.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/95AvjUV.jpg)
I don't know why but Imgur is being finicky. I tried posting these last night but it will not see me last photos. They are on the comp, but when I go to load them Imgur doesn't see them. I can't drag and drop them either like it says you can. I had some others closer up, but you can see the whole design in the first photo.
Sweet, I got it to work. Here are the other two.
(http://i.imgur.com/8UtkU4f.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/iRk7Ryd.jpg)
I made the strap today. I am going to do it kinda like the Martin quivers, with lace on the bottom stitched through so it can be adjusted and a leather strap sewn on the top. Here is what I have now. (http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p669/Jessepics1/IMG_0062_zpspcdzdt3q.jpg) (http://s1345.photobucket.com/user/Jessepics1/media/IMG_0062_zpspcdzdt3q.jpg.html)
(http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p669/Jessepics1/IMG_0063_zpssiwcithx.jpg) (http://s1345.photobucket.com/user/Jessepics1/media/IMG_0063_zpssiwcithx.jpg.html)
(http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p669/Jessepics1/IMG_0064_zpsjg6jrz9z.jpg) (http://s1345.photobucket.com/user/Jessepics1/media/IMG_0064_zpsjg6jrz9z.jpg.html)
I had to figure out a way to stick the rabbit fur on where I can still do a double loop or a braided top without going over the fur on the stick. I think this will work. I stitched the fur then folded it down. I will stick this leather brace to the upper part of the quiver and cut the spring book hide for the sides and stitch them in. After that I will start sewing them in.
Next step is to dye the strap and the main piece. Then I will start stitching in pieces.
Sweet!!!!
That gobbler looks really good!!
I finally did the dying. I was kinda not looking forward to this, but I think it turned out good. It is a little darker than I wanted, but will work. I will put on a satin sheen tomorrow. The hides are just taped in right now, I have to shave a little more around the edges. I will glue them in place then stitch them in. I am going to glue a liner in also after I get the hides and strap stitched in. The hides are pretty thin and I want a little extra protection.
(http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p669/Jessepics1/IMG_0320_zpso9sw7u9h.jpg) (http://s1345.photobucket.com/user/Jessepics1/media/IMG_0320_zpso9sw7u9h.jpg.html)
(http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p669/Jessepics1/IMG_0321_zpsc9gy3zds.jpg) (http://s1345.photobucket.com/user/Jessepics1/media/IMG_0321_zpsc9gy3zds.jpg.html)
(http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p669/Jessepics1/IMG_0322_zpsizklffdt.jpg) (http://s1345.photobucket.com/user/Jessepics1/media/IMG_0322_zpsizklffdt.jpg.html)
(http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p669/Jessepics1/IMG_0323_zpseixyu5pw.jpg) (http://s1345.photobucket.com/user/Jessepics1/media/IMG_0323_zpseixyu5pw.jpg.html)
(http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p669/Jessepics1/IMG_0324_zpsqlnhlglb.jpg) (http://s1345.photobucket.com/user/Jessepics1/media/IMG_0324_zpsqlnhlglb.jpg.html)
I had to use this Springbok tail on this quiver. It is presented better when the hide is bent the other way, but this area is really thick with fur so I used it here for a shoulder pad.
(http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p669/Jessepics1/IMG_0325_zpscdzf6ox0.jpg) (http://s1345.photobucket.com/user/Jessepics1/media/IMG_0325_zpscdzf6ox0.jpg.html)
(http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p669/Jessepics1/IMG_0326_zpsb3yoqvnx.jpg) (http://s1345.photobucket.com/user/Jessepics1/media/IMG_0326_zpsb3yoqvnx.jpg.html)
I was apprehensive about cutting the hide, but figured out a good way to get the spots that I wanted. My delima was that I could place the leather over where I wanted, but have to cut the hide from the other side. So, I needed a way to get the areas that I wanted. A friend suggested putting pins in the hide to mark where I wanted them. I then traced the panel out of a piece of spliced tracing paper (because you can see through and make sure the piece will be big enough to go through the stitching holes. I used these templates to mark the hide on the leather side and the pins to make sure I was where I needed to be.
I didn't have a camera when I was doing this. I trimmed the edges of the hide. I still have a little more to go. I am using an electric razor to shave off the hair from the edges about 3/8" on the outside to give the glue a good surface to bond to.
The next steps are to get the hair shaved down the rest of the way, put on the finish, and start sticking in the sides and top. After I get the sides and top I will glue in a liner, and then I can start lacing it all together.
Making progress, but man is this more work than I originally thought.
I stitched in the lower part of the strap to the main part of the quiver last night. I also applied the finish and tried to shave down the rest of the edges of the hides. Has anyone used Nair to eat the hair down to the leather on stuff like this? I may try it with a scrap piece to see if it will work.
I tried Nair to see if it would remove the little hair that is left. No dice! I glued the right side panel on with gorilla super glue gel, but it took forever because I did a little area at a time. The left side I am using contact cement. I did a test piece of each and they both hold well. After I get these glued in I can start lacing them.
I forgot to mention also, I did two pieces that I will cover the inner sides of these hides with. It is a little lighter weight leather than the main body, but enough to protect the hides, there was already a small slit in the leather side of the hide. I want something to protect them from broadheads. I dyed those also, very quickly, didn't care how it looked as long as it was about the same color. I am about to put a couple coats of satin sheen on them as well.
I almost got the hides stitched in. I think the cement was easiest. Just shave down the edge as good as you can. I only shaved about 3/8" off the edge. The cement fills the area nicely with a thick coat. I coated the main panel and gave it about 20 minutes to dry, then you can put it on lightly and make sure it's where you want, then press it on. Stays on good and you can pull it taunt.
I got both hides stitched in tonight. When doing the hide I sets it was much better to use the cement. I will hopefully get the liners glued in this weekend and get a good ways on the lacing bit also.
well buddy thats some fine work right there well done :thumbsup:
Looks really nice!
Thanks Jeff B. You are a lucky man, I love where u are at. I spent a month on the north and a month on the south islands.
Love it there, want to live there someday.
I got the hides stitched in now. I'm visiting my Dad and brought the quiver with me, we'll see if I can do anything else to it, otherwise looks like I may actually finish it next week.
I didn't get to do any work on it when I went to visit and help out my Dad. I got some work on it tonight. I glued in the liners, and started the lacing up the middle.
(http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p669/Jessepics1/IMG_0510_zpsyd5biygx.jpg) (http://s1345.photobucket.com/user/Jessepics1/media/IMG_0510_zpsyd5biygx.jpg.html)
(http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p669/Jessepics1/IMG_0512_zpsuqeivegh.jpg) (http://s1345.photobucket.com/user/Jessepics1/media/IMG_0512_zpsuqeivegh.jpg.html)
(http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p669/Jessepics1/IMG_0514_zpsxnsqgxup.jpg) (http://s1345.photobucket.com/user/Jessepics1/media/IMG_0514_zpsxnsqgxup.jpg.html)
For the lacing up the middle I am doing a mexican braid. You go up 4 holes diagonally and down 3 on the side away from you. You keep the laces under and over. I will probably put a liner strip over the lacing on the inside so I don't cut them, this lacing is taking a long time so far.
As most HH style quivers are overlapped, I was wondering how you were going to lace this one up. As with everything you're doing here......way above what was expected to be seen!
I can't seem to make anything easy on this one.
jmar595, I just want you to know, that if you decide that this quiver isn't for you, I'd be willing to "relieve" you of the burden. lol
Looks great. I don't have any artistic skill, I just build things that work. I'm glad to see someone putting in the effort to make something so nice. I hope it works out for you.
Thank you Dorado, I think I may pass this one down though.
That is truly impressive, where did you learn to leatherwork?
This is my first project. Watched some youtube videos to get some ideas.
I finished lacing the middle. WOW, very TEDIOUS. The mexican braid is a nice lace, but it takes a very long time and your hands will hurt after. There is a lot of pulling through. I would definately say to use larger holes instead of the slits. I had to open up all the holes every time I went through them with an awl. You have to go through the holes a couple times, and open them up both times. You get a rhythm after a bit, but it is still very slow going. I learned quickly that you can pinch the lace between your fingers and pull it through them to keep the lace from twisting up like crazy. The lace needs to be very long for this. I had to do one splice and the next time I made it a lot longer. On one side I ran out, only had one stitch left. I just used the other sides lace, as it was the last one.
So hindsight, use holes. I will post pictures later, going to get some sleep now.
Had some more time. I got the lacing down the middle flattened out a bit. I used some conditioner that I rubbed in then put in a box of brad nails inside to act as an anvil and used a big metal mallet and beat the lacing down a bit.
I got the bottom laced in with a double loop two tone lacing.This is a pretty easy lace, I kinda messed up the beginning and the ending. I had JUST enough lace to finish. The Tandy lacing book tells you you need 4x the amount of the length for lacing. I would go with 5 to be more on the safe side.
(http://i.imgur.com/fJAKUB4.jpg)I also glued the fur on the top with contact cement. I applied the glue to the inside of the quiver and to the inside of the fur also. Let it sit 15 to 20 minutes then carefully tucked it in and pressed it down.
(http://i.imgur.com/3U4tbsy.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/dHE6QJZ.jpg)
Next I will lace up the top and then poke some holes around the strap at the fur area and lace around the edge of the strap and the fur. After I get the opening and the strap laced up I will stitch in the lace that will be the bottom of the strap. For this I got 1/4" lace.
(http://i.imgur.com/kLNUCjp.jpg)
This is the close to finished product. (http://i.imgur.com/7rFTMz6.jpg)
Very nice!! Your attention to detail is amazing!
I may just finish this tonight. I got the bottom and top laced in and glued the rabbit fur in. Now I need to lace both sides of the strap where the fur is, and put in the lacing to the bottom of the quiver and run in through the holes in the strap. I also need to put a hole in the bottom right of the bottom of the quiver for drainage, forgot to do this earlier.
Almost done, it will be done tomorrow. Just have some finishing details to do and give it a good conditioning. I have a spot on the top side that the finish cracked. I will need to refinish that area also.
The quiver is wearable now, and works like I waned it to. I put it on and moved around wildly with a couple arrows in and no sound, not a peep. That was only a coupe arrows, but looks like it will work well. It collapses in the middle easily but maintains its shape and you can get arrows in and out without them getting caught.
I need to figure out something for the front lacing where I can adjust the fit. I have two ends hanging out and am thinking a good antler button or a square piece of leather with two holes and a little design on it would work nicely for this.
I will need to let it air out pretty good because of the contact cement, but should be able to take it out in the woods in a couple weeks.
Ill take it
Very cool
Ok, so I got it done. I'll add a few small things like a call holder and a knife sheath on the strap, but it is now done and usable (after it airs a bit).
Some things to remember on the next one.
1 Don't use red shop rags. I used one for putting on the conditioner to the middle lacing and picked out enough red lint to knit a mouse a nice cozy sweater. It turned the lacing purple. Hopefully I can get all that out someday.
2 Make sure your slits or holes or large enough for your lacing. I had to open up all the holes I did which was much more work than if I'd done it to begin with.
3 Have fun and remember it will eventually get finished. The outcome is worth the extra effort and time.
I'll post pictures when I can.
Looking forward to the final pics jmar. That's quite a piece of functional art you've made for yourself. Should last a few generations. :thumbsup:
Wow!!! Your first project is better than my best project. You did a fine job, thanks for sharing. :archer:
Here are some of the finished product. (http://i.imgur.com/Wcvf8iI.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/62qun07.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/W3nQVAn.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/ZzsLlGD.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/XZrjTgo.jpg)
I'll post some more of some of the different areas later on.
WOW that's a beauty. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
A duplicate like that would make an incredible St. Jude's Auction item. ;) ;)
DANG! Can I sleep with that? What a masterpiece! You sir are an artist!!!
Dang - The first time I do anything new it will look like a 2nd grader did it until I get good at it. You are a pro right out of the gate! Super job!
QuoteOriginally posted by Ray Lyon:
WOW that's a beauty. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
A duplicate like that would make an incredible St. Jude's Auction item. ;) ;)
You ain't kiddin it would! Great job.
:thumbsup: :notworthy:
Your first one, eh?
Wait until you really get good at it...
Beautiful, a real heirloom there. Well done.
Beautiful...Fantastic job!
Thanks all. That would be a nice item, it just takes so long right now, and the materials are expensive. I would like to get the time down some and see if it could be something I could do for a little extra income.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :archer:
Beautiful work, John. It is definitely a labor of love.
I was wondering about the hair on the shoulder strap. Seems like it would make it slippery. Suede would give more grip in that situation.
Thats the tail of the Springbok Pat B. It was too cool not to put on the quiver and this is the only place I could find. It's not really slippery, I laid the grain running from my front over my shoulder towards the back, it kinda helps it stay and is a good cushion. Wish I could of used it somewhere where I could have turned the tail the other way. Did you see the picture of it curled into a mohawk?
Yeah
I did. you could make a matching hat with it. :p
Didn't think about a hat, would have been cool, but don't know what the whitetails would think of that.
Might be dangerous during the rut. :eek:
Impressive indeed!
Nice work.
Very Nice Sir, You are a leather craftsman! :notworthy:
That turned out really sharp!!!! My hat's off to you, sir!
Shoot straight, good luck and God bless,
Rodd
I get to take it out to the woods tomorrow for the first time. I am also taking my son out to the woods for the first time too. VERY excited about both. Been looking forward to this since I heard it was a boy. :bigsmyl:
That's awesome, what a great quiver!
Here's a few of it's first trip out in the woods.
(http://i.imgur.com/cjRdys2.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/THO74xN.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/DHEBs8O.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/a99cms8.jpg)
Here it is out in the woods.
Nice, really NICE!!!!