what do you use to carve the designs in leather?
I use a combination of wood cutting and lino tools.
what do you use to color the saddles? how does the color hold up to use?
I have been using acrylics and latex paint to color the saddle. I find that latex adheres better to leather, but acrylics allow for more flexibility. Since flexibility is less of an issue for saddles, I primarily use latex. Before painting, I use a blade to scratch the surface and create texture for the paint to adhere to. It usually takes 3-4 layers of paint to create a smooth, consistent color.
The highly colored saddles you see in the gallery were commissioned with the knowledge that they would be used sporadically or for display purposes only. That being said, I have carved and colored a few saddles so far that were meant to be used consistently and after two months of use, the color still looks like new. I am optimistic about color fastness on leather and will continue posting pictures to document how color holds over time.
sidenote: I have used latex and acrylic on other leather items such as bags, belts and boots. Granted these items are exposed to different kinds of wear, but I feel it's worth noting that colorfastness on these items has been superb.
what kind of saddle is best to use?
My experience lies only with Brooks saddles thus far, but I am willing to expand! If you would like me to carve a saddle that isn't Brooks, I will most likely ask that you send me your saddle (at your expense!) so that I can examine the leather and determine whether it's a good candidate for carving.
A good candidate for carving will be smooth and quite firm. It will also have a good color contrast between the dermis and epidermis. You can check this by comparing the back and front of the leather (or surface and underside of a saddle).
how does carving affect the lifespan of a saddle?
I cannot at this point make any guarantees as to the durability of a carved saddle. It would be foolish of me to deny that carving will have some effect, since ultimately I am removing the surface of the leather and exposing the dermis. However, leather is an incredibly durable material. The crucial factor is that it is maintained with care and consideration. An experienced rider who rides light on the saddle and is conscious of tension and leather care will most likely do fine. Remember that leather needs to be taken care of with a conditioner. Avoid exposing it to rain. Should the saddle get wet, dry it at room temperature and treat with conditioner. Do not ride a saturated saddle until it is completely dry. Follow basic care instructions and you should be fine.
If you are concerned with the functionality of a carved saddle, then perhaps you should stick with something that is guaranteed to be functional. As I mentioned previously, my work is art and needs to be treated as such. I can supply you with something that is unique, beautiful and can add so much more personality and style to your ride.
do you carve only your own designs? what designs work best on leather saddles?
I am willing and able to carve most any design! There are a couple rules of thunb that are important to remember:
One, the design cannot include really fine line work or complex detail. My tools are only so small, and carving lines really close together can look messy and confusing.
Two, the design shouldn't require that I carve out large areas of epidermis. With most of my designs, I try to maintain a good balance between surface area removed and surface left behind. Not only does this create a better looking design, but it makes sense that this would help the durability of the saddle as well.
Also, remember that these designs are all hand carved. It is incredibly difficult to execute perfectly straight lines or shapes. Make sure that your design is flexible and can accomodate the hand of the artist! Organic designs generally work the best.
If you are unsure about your design, feel free to send me images. Remember, each of my price points includes up to two (2) revisions of a design, so you can run ideas by me without any extra charge.
still have questions? feel free to email me at karaginther_gmail.com