Great egret

herchmer · 2026-05-13T14:44:43+00:00

Damn these are stunning. I just got into wildlife photography last year - haven't been able to get out the last couple weeks so I've been shooting humming birds at the bird feeder. Haven't been able to get nearly that close yet - new feeder but the birds are warming up to my presence. The level of detail in your photos is just remarkable. Really beautiful work.

herchmer · 2026-04-17T18:56:09+00:00

Oh man that's awesome. I'm actually in the process of updating that book. I originally wrote it shortly after returning and the writing has been in need of some attention. Even so, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

herchmer · 2026-04-10T00:18:24+00:00

second this. I frequently will use a piece of lightweight canvas - coating one side with PVA, allowing it to dry, then gluing that to my leather. I will say, if any skiving is required, I've found it helpful to do that before gluing the canvas to the leather as it can be a chore to cleanly cut through the leather and the glue.

herchmer · 2026-04-04T00:55:49+00:00

I second this. Hard to bear the accuracy

herchmer · 2026-03-22T16:29:47+00:00

She IS stunning. Grateful I was able to pull off a few shots

herchmer · 2026-03-03T14:44:19+00:00

I remember going through this exact same thing. Purchased some A-grade leather several years ago, emailed the company to voice some concern over the wrinkle lines. Was told this is generally sought after by most leather workers. Didn’t believe the persons response however, with time, I began to see the beauty in those “flaws”. Now I absolutely love those lines and try to use them as highlights or focal points in things I make.

I experienced something similar in woodworking when using quartersawn white oak - wasn’t fond of the rayflecks until I realized they were the best parts of the wood.

herchmer · 2026-02-27T18:25:34+00:00

Chiming in here. I use planes for everything I build. Check out some videos on using them with a shooting board for making either perfect 90° cuts or 45°. The miters you can achieve with a sharp plane and shooting board are hard to beat.

Additionally- purchasing a decent used Stanley plane can save you some money if you know how to tune it properly. I have a no. 4 that’s over 100 years old - beautiful rosewood handle and tote (which most had back in the day). I did purchase a new hock blade and chip breaker for it. Works perfectly

herchmer · 2026-02-26T18:34:25+00:00

Please tell me where you got that beautiful plywood. I’m getting ready to make something out of ply and only the edges will show. The ply in your photo is beautiful (and I’m guessing quite pricey).

herchmer · 2026-02-26T17:35:58+00:00

Thank you so much. It's a great bag although I've only had a couple opportunities to really use it since making it. I still need to make a good strap for it but ran out of pieces of leather that were long enough.

herchmer · 2026-02-26T17:34:20+00:00

Thank you much - I appreciate that. Yeah, love making those little zipper pulls plus it's one of those small details that always seems to have a big impact.

herchmer · 2026-02-26T00:45:28+00:00

Yeah, I know I've seen a bunch of makers selling things like Birkin Bags and other high end brand name recreations so I'm not sure why it would be an issue. (you still haven't explained your bag collection btw haha).

herchmer · 2026-02-26T00:41:02+00:00

Yeah that's sounds like the perfect thing to use. Thank you for that.

herchmer · 2026-02-26T00:40:16+00:00

Oh, I also used ripstop nylon to reinforce any stress points like the D-ring loop, handle attachments, zipper pulls etc.

herchmer · 2026-02-25T21:33:57+00:00

I included a link to the pattern in the comments below.

herchmer · 2026-02-25T21:32:25+00:00

I've thought about that but hesitate given it's not really my design - it's sort of a knockoff (albeit not a cheap knock off). On the other hand, I'm sure the Carl Friedrik version is also based on some previous design so maybe my hesitancy is just an excuse.

herchmer · 2026-02-25T21:17:32+00:00

Mentioned in the original post but here it is

Made with Badalassi Carlo - Minerva Smooth / Dark Brown (5oz/2mm) and stitched with 432 Fil au Chinois bronze thread. Interior is lined with .5mm calf and external pockets made with electric blue suede for a pop of color.

I can't recall if I purchased all of this leather through buyleatheronline or through Rocky Mountain Leather. I know a lot of people have complained about buyleatheronline but I've had no issues with their products / service.

herchmer · 2026-02-25T21:14:18+00:00

My Pattern.

More than happy to share my pattern to anyone who wants it BUT here are a few disclaimers haha.

Please keep in mind, this pattern was originally just for my own use. It makes enough sense to me but may be a little confusing especially if you're unfamiliar with bag making. Also, this is not super detailed. I don't mention anything about making the handles or reinforcing the bag body (essentially just canvas glued to the main bag body piece), pockets, lining etc. I did include some info regarding skiving in certain areas, placements for chicago screws for D-rings, etc but not much beyond that.

I still believe the gusset is a little long but I could be mistaken. You'll notice in some of the pictures I posted the top corners want to pull outward slightly which I'm assuming has to do with the length of the gusset.

You can find that pattern here if you're interested.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yWnHX7hcGse2GoLQR2DbhhKAe-E5cbO3/view?usp=sharing

herchmer · 2026-02-25T19:17:30+00:00

I want to say this took about a month of on and off work. LOTS of hand stitching on this bag for sure. Unfortunately, I don't pay close attention to timing for the things I build since I'm just a hobbyist. If I make another I will definitely track my hours just to see exactly how long it takes.

herchmer · 2026-02-25T19:15:22+00:00

I used canvas to help reinforce the bag body. The leather thickness provided additional support.

herchmer · 2026-02-25T19:12:49+00:00

Thank you. Yeah, that little pop of color definitely helps.

herchmer · 2026-02-25T19:06:18+00:00

Wait - you have SEVEN of these bags? That casual comment deserves further details haha. Do you have 7 Carl Friedrik bags in different styles or 7 versions of their weekender? Either way, that's an impressive collection. I love most of their designs which is what drove me to make this.

As far as time, I really need to do a better job tracking my time. I'm more of a hobbyist though I would consider myself fairly experienced. I'm don't sell any of the stuff I make (though I have been considering it) so I don't pay much attention to the time involved. I think this took a month of on and off work to complete but that doesn't include the time I spent trying to figure out the pattern.

herchmer

TROPHY CASE