. . . build big 30-inch western saddle small. . . small as 3-inch inches. . .

Want to make a 3-inch model of a western Wade ranch saddle? And, looks like the life-size 30-inch Wade saddle?

You can.

Learn how here.

Bob Jones

Tiny Saddle Maker, Writer and E-Guide Author

Learn and build

Perhaps you have tried to build a small outdoor shed without any blueprints or plans to guide you? If so, did you build the shed yourself or did you call a friend to help? Most of us would call a friend.

You may want to make a western saddle by yourself, but, like most of us, you realize very quickly that you need help. You are not alone because you are not a proven saddle maker. Well, at least, not now.

So, your first job is to learn how to make saddles.

If you make life size 30-inch saddles or 3-inch model saddles, you need to learn the saddle making process first.

Sounds simple, right?

But, where do you learn how to make 3-inch western saddles?

About the saddle maker

Let me introduce myself.

My name is Bob Jones, a tiny saddle maker, writer and the author of the e-guide “The Art of Making Tiny Wade Ranch Saddles.”

The e-guide was written exclusively for the tiny saddle maker who has limited, if any, saddle making knowledge or experience.

I wrote the e-guide after I got lost in the making process maze with the old stand by of a hit and miss method. That learning curve took too long and the results were not successful.

My first saddle was made in 2007. After making five saddles with the hit and miss method, I knew I had to find a better and less frustrating building method.

My building notes were kept in a loose leaf binder. I organized the notes and wrote the e-guide focusing on helping others to make tiny 3-inch saddles with less stress and frustration.

Now you can learn to make your tiny saddle.

When I say “make”, I am referring to following the written instructions in the e-guide plus using the saddle patterns to make the components of the saddle.

The instructions in the e-guide are numbered sequentially within each chapter so you do not get lost in the making process. You know exactly where the component goes.

You make the style of saddle you want. You decide how you want your saddle to look.

You learn the saddle making process with practice.

Because the more you practice, the better your skills become.

The better your skills, the better looking your saddle becomes.

Intentional practice

But, practice for the sake of practice does not produce the desired saddle making results.

Intentional practice has a purpose–improve your skills.

Two of these intentional skills include:

sharpening the knife blade correctly to keep a sharp edge longer
cutting a piece of leather without tilting the blade to the right or to the left.

These two practices help you improve your skills as a saddle maker.

Basic leather cutting skills are easy to learn.

Following a daily practice routine distinguishes a maker with good skills and one with mediocre skills. Decide to be a maker with good skills.

In addition to your tiny saddle making skills, the e-guide titled “The Art of Making Tiny Wade Ranch Saddles” is a guide and a blueprint.

The e-guide includes 27 chapters—one chapter for each saddle part or component—detailing the step by step instructions in a numerical sequence that does not allow you to get lost in the process.

Also, 18 of the 27 chapters include a saddle pattern. You read the instructions in each chapter to make one specific part in 1/9th inch scale for a 3-inch saddle.

One chapter is titled the “Scale Conversion Chart” changing the actual full size saddle measurements to the 1/9 inch scale model equivalent decimal. The chart shows the inch increments to a specific decimal.

The title tells what the chapter is about and that is why it is hidden. The title is obvious, and so important, but the meaning is easily overlooked.

This chapter is the foundation of tiny saddle making. The actual size of the life size saddle is changed to 1/9-inch scale size dimensions. The equivalent decimal scale factor makes all the scale numbers consistent in the making process.

Each part is converted to scale size and that makes fitting all parts together much easier and less stressful even with minor adjustments.

The conversion factor adds up to a real time saving because the scale factor allows the making process to flow smoothly from one part to another eliminating the need to re-draw each pattern.

Mistakes

Mistakes? Yes–you will make mistakes.

All of us saddle makers with all kinds of building experience and skill levels make mistakes.

Why? Because mistakes are a part of the building process. Small and unnoticed mistakes–but still mistakes. We just strive to make fewer mistakes.

It’s just that simple.

Accept that mistakes happen. Then, fix the mistakes and move on.

Three building elements

In addition to your e-guide, you need to select a photo or image of your favorite saddle that you want to make.

Write on a piece of paper all the details you want to include. For example, some details may include a larger horn cap; full or narrow fenders; or hardware of steel, brass or wood.

Make the list first. Try not to make any additional changes during the building process. One small change may lead to more non-planned corrections. Keep the list handy as you build your vision of your tiny saddle.

The three elements are:

Favorite saddle photo
List of items you want on your saddle
Your vision of how a finished saddle looks

The more details you include prior to beginning the making process, the easier to see a completed and finished tiny Wade saddle.

The e-guide is the foundation connecting the three elements together.

You learned the saddle making process. You made your tiny Wade saddle. Now, you are a tiny saddle maker.

Congratulations!

Let’s make your saddle.

But–is tiny saddle making for you?

Before you get started making your tiny saddle and before you buy the how-to make tiny saddle e-guide, you have one step to do to confirm you want to be a tiny saddle maker.

You may recall reading earlier about learning the saddle making process?

Well, making a fender is one step of the process.

The fender is one of several saddle parts that’s easy to make.

Read the following how-to make fender instructions and see if you think it is easy.

Make a copy of the master paper pattern and keep the master pattern in safe place.
Glue (white glue) the paper copy to an index card.
Cut out the pattern from the index card.
Place index card on a piece of leather (8×11 inches) and trace around the card.
Turn the card over from side to side (left side facing up and turn over to right side) without removing the card from the leather. Trace around the card on its turned over side.
1. Cut both patterns out of the leather.
2. Use a hobby X-Acto knife with #10 blade or utility knife to make the cuts. Both knives are available at a hobby or crafts store

You followed the instructions. You now have one fender for each side of the saddle.

The fender pattern and instructions

The instructions are easy to follow. The pattern is easy to cut.

You have shown your interest in tiny saddle making.

Will you commit yourself to be a tiny saddle maker?

Should you not want to make tiny saddles, thank you for reading. Best of luck in your endeavors.

Now, let’s begin making tiny Wade saddles.

Click on the button “Send me the fender pattern”.

To help you become a tiny saddle maker, a revised second edition of the e-guide is coming soon.

Watch your e-mail inbox for the announcement.

When you sign up for the fender pattern, your name and e-mail address will be added to the e-mail list to receive the “Tiny Tips Newsletter”.

The newsletter is published monthly on the first Thursday of the month with tiny and helpful articles exclusively for tiny saddle makers.

Enjoy making the fenders. And, enjoy your journey of your making your own tiny Wade saddle.

PPS

Coming soon. Revised e-guide “The Art of Making Tiny Wade Ranch Saddles”. Watch your inbox for updates.

TINY SADDLES