2nd Annual MERF Birthday Photo Contest

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Elleth
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Re: 2nd Annual MERF Birthday Photo Contest

Post by Elleth »

Oh that is lovely... I can't wait to see the finished product! :)
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Udwin
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Re: 2nd Annual MERF Birthday Photo Contest

Post by Udwin »

Looking WAY cool, Taurinor! (You're going to post a tutorial of your method when this is all over and done, right? ; )
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Taurinor
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Re: 2nd Annual MERF Birthday Photo Contest

Post by Taurinor »

Got the pouch as finished as it's going to be until it has a new owner -

Image

Image

It's about 7" by 6" by 1 1/2" and made of veg-tan leather, stained with walnut dye, and stitched with linen thread that was also stained with walnut dye. As you can probably tell from the picture, the walnut dye highlighted the irregularities in the leather. I think this looks cool and gives the pouch character, but if you win the contest and want a flawless piece of kit as your prize, you probably shouldn't pick this. Since it's so hard to find buckles that really seem to fit Middle-Earth, I cheated and just put a tail on the top flap that slides under a little strap to hold the pouch closed. This seems relatively secure, but if whoever gets the pouch finds it insufficient, they should be able to add a buckle or button stud or other fastener pretty easily.

I say that it's "as finished as it's going to be" because I wanted to give the new owner the option to choose whether the pouch hangs at or below the belt.

I've used both set-ups, and like both, but it's an easy thing to customize before sending it off, so whoever wins it can let me know which style they prefer and how wide a belt they plan to hang the pouch on.
Last edited by Taurinor on Sun Jul 23, 2017 6:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: 2nd Annual MERF Birthday Photo Contest

Post by Manveruon »

I... I have no words... that is gorgeous. Simply gorgeous.
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Taurinor
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Re: 2nd Annual MERF Birthday Photo Contest

Post by Taurinor »

Manveruon wrote:I... I have no words... that is gorgeous. Simply gorgeous.
Thanks! Having seen your artwork, that means a lot coming from you.
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Re: 2nd Annual MERF Birthday Photo Contest

Post by Greg »

Proof once again that, though Tolkien's designs sometimes seem a little odd in his color illustrations, they fit so well when used as decorative motifs. WOW.
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Re: 2nd Annual MERF Birthday Photo Contest

Post by Farodel »

Great work Taurinor!

As I was the recipient of Taurinor's 2nd place gift last year, I will refrain from an official entry out of a sense of honor. BUT I'm still going to get out there and get some photographs! I still need to do a proper kit update, and my boots will arrive on Wednesday.

Love these community events. Cheers, all.
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Elleth
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Re: 2nd Annual MERF Birthday Photo Contest

Post by Elleth »

Oh my - that came out great! And yes - amazing how much better the Professor's drawings look in this medium.

I'm curious Taurinor - what did you use to inscribe the design? A stylus? Dull blade? Something else?
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Re: 2nd Annual MERF Birthday Photo Contest

Post by Taurinor »

Elleth wrote:I'm curious Taurinor - what did you use to inscribe the design? A stylus? Dull blade? Something else?
I cut the design in with a knife - not putting enough pressure on it to go all the way through, but to go through the grain. I then wet the leather and use a dull plastic clay knife to open up the cuts and take some of the edge off the the cuts. I don't truly bevel it, so I don't want to use that word, but it's a similar idea.
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Re: 2nd Annual MERF Birthday Photo Contest

Post by Manveruon »

The design came out great! However simple the method, it certainly worked!

And Farodel - by all means, if you want to opt out that's your choice, but I absolutely wouldn't stop you if you wanted to participate! Can't wait to see pics of the new kit items!
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Re: 2nd Annual MERF Birthday Photo Contest

Post by Melthrist »

Just wanted to know if this is still on, or if it has fallen through.
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Peter Remling
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Re: 2nd Annual MERF Birthday Photo Contest

Post by Peter Remling »

Melthrist wrote:Just wanted to know if this is still on, or if it has fallen through.
Still on as of this time to the best of my knowledge.
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Re: 2nd Annual MERF Birthday Photo Contest

Post by Melthrist »

Is there an end date yet or has that not been decided?
A Elbereth Gilthoniel
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o menel aglar elenath!
Na-chaered palan-díriel
o galadhremmin ennorath,
Fanuilos, le linnathon
nef aear, sí nef aearon!
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Peter Remling
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Re: 2nd Annual MERF Birthday Photo Contest

Post by Peter Remling »

Melthrist wrote:Is there an end date yet or has that not been decided?
At this time it's still listed as March 15th. In the past several of the entry times have been extended if there are few entries. At this time of year it's not unusual to extend a time frame mainly due to weather effecting members ability to get out and create their entry pics.

Manveruon will let us know if he chooses to extend the contest. He'll most likely post it to this thread if that is his decision.
Melthrist
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Re: 2nd Annual MERF Birthday Photo Contest

Post by Melthrist »

Peter Remling wrote:
Melthrist wrote:Is there an end date yet or has that not been decided?
At this time it's still listed as March 15th. In the past several of the entry times have been extended if there are few entries. At this time of year it's not unusual to extend a time frame mainly due to weather effecting members ability to get out and create their entry pics.

Manveruon will let us know if he chooses to extend the contest. He'll most likely post it to this thread if that is his decision.
Okay, cool. I haven't got much of my gear yet but it seems like no one has entered so it might give me enough time.
A Elbereth Gilthoniel
silivren penna míriel
o menel aglar elenath!
Na-chaered palan-díriel
o galadhremmin ennorath,
Fanuilos, le linnathon
nef aear, sí nef aearon!
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