The "Boar-ran"

**Tattoo Bradley** · 29th October 07, 01:00 PM

I've been a fan of our own Tom Hay's (A_Hay!) hand made sporrans since the very first one made and posted pictures of. While I much admire the talent and creativeness of our members making the "Rob Roy" pouch style sporrans, I personally prefer the "modern" shaped sporrans. So, Tom's creations have always struck me.

I deliberated long and hard as to what I would want to have him tool into one should I ever be fortunate enough to get one. I dismissed my clan badge seeing as I wear many different tartans and didn't want this sporran restricted to the two in my family tartan I own. Well, fanciful folk lore often places the Hendersons in line with an ancient Pictish King. I'm also a fan of the Pictish art. So, that was a start. I decided on a Pictish boar for a couple of reasons. But, what it boils down to is he's a pretty tough looking critter and embodies several things for me.

So, I contacted Tom and he was enthusiastic to take on the project. And, I was thrilled to finally commission him to make me one.

I'm some what of a minimalist in regards to design. So, there was never any question that I wanted the boar to be tooled into the leather with no color added other than what was applied to the rest of the leather. I had to make the choice whether or not I wanted to go with black or brown (for now.) That was much tougher. I finally settled on black because I only have a nylon SWK Nightstalker and a very cheap and falling apart economy sporran. I needed a "real" black day wear sporran. I'm more than pleased with the results of Tom's work. Have a look for yourselves.

This was (I assume... Tom correct me if I'm wrong) the piece he made the inital "run" on. However, I think he through it in to show me how sweet it looks on brown leather.

I particularly like the use of the natural leather color and the brown dye.

**Arizona Scot** · 29th October 07, 01:02 PM

Wow what an amazing piece of art and functional to. One of these days, hope hope hope...

**CameronTaylor** · 29th October 07, 01:05 PM

Me like muchly. What are the measurements of said sporran ?
It looks great, the artwork especially well done. I have a kilt pin like that.

CT - bigger is butter

**CactusJack** · 29th October 07, 01:07 PM

You are a very lucky man, it is outstanding..

**McMurdo** · 29th October 07, 01:10 PM

Excellent sporran TB wear it well, A-Hay's work is amazing isn't it. One of these days, one of these days.

**thescot** · 29th October 07, 01:18 PM

Man, that's a nice sporran.

And a nice likeness. He really caught your best side.

**Kid Cossack** · 29th October 07, 01:20 PM

Sweet!

**DTrain** · 29th October 07, 01:24 PM

He threw in the brown so you have something to add to your Christmas list. Looks good!
BTW, who needs only 1 sporran? Go ask Hamish.

**Tattoo Bradley** · 29th October 07, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by CameronTaylor

What are the measurements of said sporran ?

It measures right at 8" X 8". And, it looks like the gusset can "swell" to nearly 2.25" if need be.

It'll easily hold my wallet, keys, Motorola RAZR, Blackberry, and of course the new iPod Touch. Hmm.... sounds like I need to go find that newest "what's in your sporran thread."

**Tattoo Bradley** · 29th October 07, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by DTrain

He threw in the brown so you have something to add to your Christmas list. Looks good!
BTW, who needs only 1 sporran? Go ask Hamish.

I believe that's the case!

And yes, I'm already contemplating a brown one. I went with the black first as the brown sporran I have is still quite serviceable (though nowhere near as attractive as this!)