FINALLY got around to making my targe.

[Nighthawk]

Good on you!

The fur backing is very (as I understand it) authentic. To help the leather lay flat you should have wetted it down. Oil only goes so far with veg tan (which I'm assuming this was). Give it a good casing, then temporarily attach it to the back. After it dries, you can remove it, dye it, and then re-attach the flat leather.

It looks quite nice, and I love your shade of green. It certainly seems strong enough to defend against a hail of beenie babies.

Yeah, I did that... Notice that there is a crack in the face. That happened after I cased it and laid it out.

As to the fur, I have a goat hide that I plan to use on my next one. I have seen so many examples with fur on the back that it seemed most correct- and I like the look! And yes- it most certainly worked against the beanies!! At least Jo was impressed...

[artificer]

Yeah, I did that... Notice that there is a crack in the face. That happened after I cased it and laid it out.

As to the fur, I have a goat hide that I plan to use on my next one. I have seen so many examples with fur on the back that it seemed most correct- and I like the look! And yes- it most certainly worked against the beanies!! At least Jo was impressed...

Woah! the leather cracked after you cased it!? That must have been some mummy-dry leather!

In any case, it looks the biz, and I look forward to the next one.

[Nighthawk]

Woah! the leather cracked after you cased it!? That must have been some mummy-dry leather!

In any case, it looks the biz, and I look forward to the next one.

Man, I can't even tell you! I was amazed I was able to do anything with it. I had to case it just to get it to unroll. Thanks for the compliment. I put a lot of work into just getting the leather usable. Tandy has a great sale going right now for shoulder leather- a whole shoulder for $15! You bet your rear I'm taking advantage of that!! I think it's just a Colorado thing, though- we have a new location opening.