I'm going to start a new hobby,

**MarkT** · 05-06-2011 07:26 AM

I used to make saddles, purses, wallets and all kinds of leatherwork. Well, I'm going to get back into it again. But this time, I'm going to get set up the right way. Big work table, industrial leather sewing machine and the tooling to make anything. First order of business is to make a few holsters. One for my wife and one for my S&W 460XVR. Her's will be concealable and mine an ammunition belt with a holster. And I need to make myself a new heavy duty belt. My old military belt is getting too slick for it to stay tight anymore. Old friction type-

**MarkT** · 05-23-2011 02:14 AM

Well, I better get on the stick for my belt, my pants just the floor. Yes, tighty whiteys just a shining!

**Seeker_Advice** · 05-23-2011 07:07 AM

eBay? Etsy? Might be some interesting places to sell your wares if you have any desire to do so.

I have a friend who was/is a knife and firearms dealer, terrific outdoorsman, individual sports entusiast (hunting, fishing, hiking, kayking, survivalist, etc.) and he does very very well, far better than his retail store, on eBay and similar sites selling his wares.

Like you, he's had some "challenges" with his SO and found this was a terrific outlet for him. Also found that it helped him with his "challenges" from his SO. He realized that it wasn't all her...it was a lot him...

**snooks** · 05-23-2011 06:00 PM

Its great when a hooby you really enjoy could be a bit of a money earner too! Good luck I hope you do try marketing your wares, and eBay is a brilliant way to go.

**MarkT** · 05-23-2011 06:34 PM

I love a good challenge, especially when it comes to shapes. As a sheet metal worker, my job was not only to weld but I was the shops only pattern maker. I can build anything with these old calloused and cut up hands. They hold many stories of years of abuse. They've been burned so many times that all feeling is gone in them. I grab hot pans right out of the oven with them and set them on the bar. Around here, I'm called "Asbestos hands" lol...

I used to make purses that my Aunt would sell in St. Louis for $500 and never could keep up with demand. All hand stitched and handmade, custom one of a kind things even personalized.