From "justin.luna" <justin.luna@...>

Can one make an income if he or she does not have any industrial
machines I have the old tandy deluxe tool kit and thats it, I am a bit
of a romantic so I don't mind promoting hand stitching. I am
definitely a greenhorn when it comes to leather work even though I've
had the tools for four years now and have only made bracelets and done
some repairs on allready made products. I guess to really make money I
need to make the "easy" product but is there anybody here who has a
successful business without industrial machines?

Yes it is possible, that is how I started in 1972. I made belts,
wristbands, and laced handbags like I describe on the Henry's Leather
News blog. http://henrysleathernews.blogspot.com The whole trick is
selling the stuff. I found a cheap rent and later bought my own store.
I didn't have any equipment other than hand tools for the first couple
of years. I don't know how I managed, there isn't much business in a
mill town environment. Repairs were always a good percentage of the
business and the reason most people came into the shop for the first time.
I know other people who have always done shows instead of having a
store. There is probably less risk, or at least limited risk, doing
that. I always thought that every show was like starting in business
again but I guess it really isn't because major shows have a following.
It isn't without cost, you need your display and have to be accepted
by the show organizer and pay a rental fee. You need enough inventory
to make it worth the effort. You have to have unique products that
people want. You have to figure out what that is yourself. Some people
only have one product and just make it in a lot of different colors.
One product I saw lately is a handbag with a three dimensional face
on the flap. Every one is a little different. Instead of tooling, it
was made by wetting the oak leather and pushing out and forming the
leather from the back. They probably have some sort of mold for that.
Shows become a way of life for those who do it seriously. I have
been told that, "The only shows worth doing are the ones where they
charge admission. Shows that are free only attract people who are
looking for a place to walk their dog".
Sugarloaf is one show promoter I am familiar with. I know three
leather people who have been successful with them and do several of
their shows every year. They have a show going on in Baltimore MD
right now. Their news letter is below.

Dear Sugarloaf Club Members,

The new show in Wilmington, DE last weekend was a great success. The
attendees came from Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey to
welcome the artists to Wilmington. The Chase Center on the Riverfront
was a beautiful setting for the colorful work presented. Sales for
individual artists were a full 20% higher than the last first year
show we held in Hartford, CT in 2004. Many thanks are due to all of
you who came out to this new event and enthusiastically supported the
American artist. We all love our customers.

This weekend the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival comes to the Maryland
State Fairgrounds in Timonium, MD. Show dates are October 3, 4, 5,
2008. This show, now in its 32nd year in Baltimore, features hundreds
of American artisans from 38 states, educational craft demonstrations,
live music, delicious food, specialty foods with sampling and
interactive children's entertainment.

The best way to preview this show is on our website. We have added
many more listings that include pictures of what you can expect to
find at the show. It's a great way to show your friends what this is
about and how Sugarloaf shows are more upscale and contemporary than
they might expect.

I heard from many attendees last weekend that they are getting an
early start to their holiday shopping. There is no better place than
the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival to find unique, high quality gifts that
come with an interesting story.

The Sugarloaf show is in the Baltimore area for only three days and
won't return until next April. Don't miss this great opportunity to
have fun, forget your worries, get some gifts purchased early, and
find something to treat yourself. With the problems we face today,
you deserve this break to take a little "Retail Therapy". You will be
glad you did!

Sugarloaf Club Members can save $2.00 off the regular adult admission
by clicking here and buying tickets online for only $6.00 each.

Don't miss this fun event this weekend. Hours are Fri 10-6, Sat. 10-7
and Sun 10-5. Children under 12 and parking are free. Admission gets
you in all weekend.

To see information on all of our upcoming shows and preview all of the
artists visit our website, www.SugarloafCrafts.com.

Sincerely,

Deann Verdier
President & Founder
Sugarloaf Mountain Works, Inc.
www.SugarloafCrafts.com

I got this email that may be of interest:

Hi, Henry!
Just a quick note to let you know how much I appreciate your newsletter, blog
and website. Very informative.

You may already be a member, and if so, I apologize for overlooking you. If
not, I'd like to invite you to check out http://www.Leatherworker.net. If
you're not already a member, you'd certainly be a most welcome addition.

That's it for this time.
As always the unsubscribe link is at the very bottom of this email if you want
to drop out.