Wow! Bill Sables' instrument straps

Subject: Wow! Bill Sables' instrument straps
From: Alice
Date: 06 Nov 99 - 12:00 PM

I would like to draw the attention of Mudcat visitors to the fact that an auction is going on with the offer of Bill Sables' custom made leather instrument strap. I was just looking at the photos of these instrument straps, and I think they deserve their own "blue clicky thing" link in this thread. Great work, Bill. The butterfly and ladybug motifs remind me of my own home-page.
Scroll down on this page to see Bill's leather work.

Subject: RE: Wow! Bill Sables' instrument straps
From: MMario
Date: 06 Nov 99 - 12:12 PM

wow. oh, wow. I want one. I don't even own an instrument and I WANT one. seriously need to start saving.

Subject: RE: Wow! Bill Sables' instrument straps
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 06 Nov 99 - 12:16 PM

Hi Alice, I heartily concur. When I took up leather carving 10 years ago, I searched in vain to find a really GOOD role model and discovered that there were very few carvers that approached the stardards I wanted to achieve. The VERY few doing really good work all seemed to be in their seventies and eighties and lived thousands of miles from here. Eventually, after participating in several competitions and exhibitions, I was able to see top notch work up close. I can tell you that Bill's work is comparable to that of Al Stohlman, Kat Kuzak, Peter Main, Bill Gomer and my personal hero Al Shelton. His carving is clean, precise and deep.
By the way I found out that EVERY leather carver is always asked "how much time did you do?" Yup, it used to be THE prison pre-occupation! You also get an insight into some "alternate" lifestyles. One of my first customers wanted a series of ornate dog collars . Jokingly I asked "Is this for your dog or your boy friend?" My husband. She answered.(with a very straight face)

Rick

Subject: RE: Wow! Bill Sables' instrument straps
From: selby
Date: 06 Nov 99 - 12:49 PM

I would like to echo all thats been said I have a Bill Sables belt and my wife has a strap made by Bill on her melodeon. So can quite happly comment on the quality of both the leather and the carving. Keith

Subject: RE: Wow! Bill Sables' instrument straps
From: bbc
Date: 06 Nov 99 - 04:40 PM

I've seen Bill's work in person & it is truly gorgeous.

bbc

Subject: RE: Wow! Bill Sables' instrument straps
From: roopoo
Date: 07 Nov 99 - 02:42 AM

We are very fortunate to be living quite close to Bill. He has made belts and straps for quite a few of us who go in the Jug. My husband and I both have belts, and earlier this year he made me a pair of melodeon straps: harvest mice, wheat and poppies on black. They are stunning! The guy is a perfectionist, and his work is very distinctive. People often come up to us and say, 'I know who made that'. You should see his own guitar strap - celtic knotwork and very fine in detail.

Ok Bill, I'll collect me commission on Wednesday!

mouldy

Subject: RE: Wow! Bill Sables' instrument straps
From: ericsymonds
Date: 07 Nov 99 - 06:23 PM

Bill produced a most wonderful guitar strap for me some two years ago and it is just starting to "loosen up", It's a real work of art and the detail and skill causes a lot of comment.I don't know of any one else with his ability,skill and eagerness to please his customers.... That will cost you at least two pints from the masterful Sid,if any one wants to see his work in the Newcastle area,phone me on (uk)0191-2852000 Cheers ,gareth.