Largest batch commission to date!

**Nighthawk** · 18th February 11, 09:47 PM

As most of you know by now, I'm in a living history group called the Renaissance Scots Living History Association. The idea that I should make a few items to give in exchange for donations to the group was proposed at our last general meeting, and it was decided that I should make a run of 10 flip cell phone cases and that we would see how much interest there was. Materials were bought and work began in earnest. Here's what I came up with
:

If you saw these at a Highland games, would they be something you would be interested in owning? (I'm not asking with the idea of selling to the rabble- just getting feedback.)

**Cowher** · 18th February 11, 10:12 PM

I think I would get one if it fit on my kilt belt. What were you thinking on price?

**Nighthawk** · 18th February 11, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by Cowher

I think I would get one if it fit on my kilt belt. What were you thinking on price?

I designed them with the idea of them fitting a kilt belt! They require $15 for materials, so I think a $25 donation was the figure suggested. If I were retailing them, I think $35 would be fair. I did these with charity in mind, though- the Ren Scots are something I'm passionate about.

**Downunder Kilt** · 18th February 11, 11:01 PM

Nighthawk, from other threads you have posted I see that you and the others of your group have actual working displays, though I cannot remember if you do tooling in them. I think that with customers/benefactors actually seeing people at work, making the the same/similiar items that they are obtaining, gives them that extra urge to part with the readies.

I think the designs are outstanding and in this day and age a most appropiate accoutrement. I also think that the cost you propose is most reasonable.
All the best for the project.

**English Bloke** · 19th February 11, 07:25 AM

Blimey! They're nice. I wish you every success with those.

**Spartan Tartan** · 19th February 11, 07:35 AM

Very cool! I like the details in the leather.

**Cowher** · 19th February 11, 08:14 AM

Yeah at that price a hand tooled item like that I can bet youll sell out of them. Yet again NightHawk awesome stuff

**ForresterModern** · 19th February 11, 08:41 AM

I do believe I could probably find a good use or one or two of those, so yes I think they are a nice product for merchandising.

Well done you.

jeff

**Nighthawk** · 19th February 11, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by Downunder Kilt

Nighthawk, from other threads you have posted I see that you and the others of your group have actual working displays, though I cannot remember if you do tooling in them. I think that with customers/benefactors actually seeing people at work, making the the same/similiar items that they are obtaining, gives them that extra urge to part with the readies.

I think the designs are outstanding and in this day and age a most appropiate accoutrement. I also think that the cost you propose is most reasonable.
All the best for the project.

Yes sir, we have working displays. I plan on devoting my time at the festivals this year to making a reproduction of a targe that has been posted in the Historical Highland Wear subforum. I also give lessons on stitching- people see the sewn items and are just convinced that they have to be machine sewn! Well, the only machine I have is attached to my arms and has scars and callouses from sewing needles!

I give demos on tooling, on dying, finishing, edge burnishing, and sewing. I have several different kinds of hides that I have out in my tent for kids to look at and touch- I have a sheep skin, a goat hide, hair-on cow hide, rabbit skins, and I have veg tanned tooling leather "in the raw" so people can see how products like those cases start out. I'm making myself a tool case for this year so I can ditch the canvas duffel bag and make my display a little more period in appearance, so I'll be using the straps that I make for that as a demo on differing belt qualities- you know, showing people why their belt from JC Penny falls apart in 6 months, and why they should buy their next belt from Dickie's instead! Or better yet... have me make their next belt!

As to other displays- we have a working blacksmith, to whom my son is apprenticed. My son will be making me a belt buckle this summer. We also have a textiles guild who show the entire process from raw wool to tartan. We have a lot of other things that we do as well. I'll detail those later- my niece is here and wants to play!