Tuesday, July 15, 2014

RF Tack Gaming Sets - Saddle Blankets

The color accented gaming sets I make generate more excitement than anything else I post on my page, and each one is unique.  Balancing color on a set so it doesn't look "tacky" (excuse the pun) while still achieving a wow factor can be a challenge. I really important part of it is the saddle blanket. I love to search images of real tack, and experiment with different methods of bringing it to life in miniature.  Here is a photo of my first ever color accented gaming set, that was a commission based on the customer's real life saddle.  A good reference photo is key!
Another first in this set was the pad, which I had a good reference photo for.  I got to put my sewing skills to the test, and the result was a good mini version of what I set out to replicate.  I took a small piece of the green leather to a fabric store and matched it to a quilting square so the lime greens match perfectly. Nothing like having two versions of one color that clash to distract you from admiring a set! Making a pattern for the saddle pad, I sewed the edges (inside out) leaving a place to turn it (always on a straight edge to make it easier), and then used a black accent thread to "quilt" it onto felt.  I sewed it onto a larger piece of felt and then trimmed it down to fix exactly.  The wear leathers and corner pieces are glued on with tacky glue (great for fabrics!).  Here is a similar pad I made with different colors.
I have made other gaming pads, here are a few photos:
These have matching thread designs:

 This one is simple but clean:
 This one doesn't have any corresponding color, but is an authentic pad you would see gaming. The cutback withers make it ideal for models like Ruffian.  I used zigzag scissors on the edges, and rounded the tips for a scalloped look. I also made a pink pad with the set before mailing it to its new home.
Well there you have it, a little collection of the gaming pads I've made, and a little on how I make them. Now back to moving chores....

6 comments:

  1. Thank you for the tips! I love your color selections.

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  2. Do you write down your measurings?

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  3. I am just getting into making western saddles for models...what should I expect for a price on them? What do you charge?

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  4. Thanks for giving such a great information about horses
    Horse matching is so important as far as my concern
    I'm very crazy about horses.
    keep doing well.
    Horse matching sets

    ReplyDelete
  5. Je to úžasné prosím je možné zakoupit u vás na zakázku?Děkuji Email Cristyna-Mauer@seznam.cz

    ReplyDelete