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PRODUCT:
Customized Fox Creek Leather Deerskin Gauntlet
Gloves REVIEWER:
Petra Lattmann, VTwin Mama REVIEW
CONCLUSION: REVIEW
SPECIFICS:
A gentle gathering of elastic at the wrists kept the softer deerskin shape properly in place and the extension over the jacket sleeves provided what I expected in wind/cold protection. These gloves can be ordered in a lined version, but for me, I prefer to add a thin silk layer under if I need a bit more "sheltering," but then, I have heated grips and like being able to layer to mix/match for temperatures! I'll simply add that if you have any concerns about ordering gloves online, Fox Creek Leather encourages a prospective customer to provide a hand trace (with fingers spread) and the style of interest, and they'll match that for a first time, right time fit! The gloves were then sent to Montague, California, home of Ace High Leathers. Nanci had offered to customized something for me, and as I currently subscribe to the more is less theory of bling, opted to have the gloves done.
Because my motorcycle is mandarin orange (sort of towards golden orange) and black, she is nicknamed Bumblebee . . . hence the design choice for the gloves. I emailed Nanci a graphic bumblebee outline I found online that was in line with what I had in mind. I felt the orange would stand out nicely on black gloves and although I first thought of white wings, Nanci suggested the silver as more visible and exciting. I agreed! From there, I let Nanci follow her artistic and creative mind in creating the final details in use of leather, stitching, and bling stones. Upon completion of the first glove, I received an email with an attached picture and gave the go ahead. I was especially pleased about the suggestion that the two bumblebees not be exactly identical in size, detail, and orientation . . . soooo much more interesting as far as I was concerned!
Although we did talk it out, the orange leather choice was a bit more "orangey" than I had thought it would be, but when I brought them out to the bike, felt that that had been a better choice than veering towards a more traditional yellow for the bumblebee body. I'm jazzed! Something truly unique that will be commented on every time I wear them! I'll add that Nanci offered to send me color leather swatches in advance, but I trusted her instincts . . . for your project, remember that this is an option if you really have a specific shade/tone in mind. Here are some other examples of Nanci's most recent work . . . customers are raving!
Of course you can see these are chaps examples, but I wanted to add that if your chaps aren't quite fitting right, the shop can handle alterations as well! NEW: Take your favorite pair of jeans and turn the fronts into a leather chap concept!
It was a lot of fun letting my imagination run wild, so if you're thinking of custom work, definitely hop onto the Ace High Leathers website and start pondering the buzz you'll generate by creating something all your own! 4/30/07:
I just thought I’d let you know that I
finished one of the orders I got from you….God Bless you child! LOL
9/27/07: Here are some pictures of what I’m venturing into, which is taking the bling a step further with customizing the bike. The VStar is mine (a work in progress) and the Harley is my friend Elaine’s. Under the console on the VStar is my business card holder. Enjoy!
2/11/08: Another picture of some stellar work!
3/25/08: Belt chaps now available!
4/24/08: Tank bib, tank bib, tank bib with custom seat.
8/11/08:
An interesting alternative to full
chaps: “Half
chaps” are
often times called “boot chaps” or “leggings” and are worn by many
riders, both western and motorcyclists to protect their shins from rocks,
bugs, brush or road debris. Our Ace High Leathers half chaps are
hand made using your measurements which must include: length from bottom
of the knee to the top of the boot, ankle, calf and upper calf
measurements. These half chaps are lined with vegetable tanned
leather and the outer shell is a stiffer leather allow the chap to stand
on its own as well as be comfortable while riding a horse or iron horse.
We can create these in any variety of colors, with several snaps, buckles
or Velcro closures on them. We can also add conchos, bling or
contrasting leather too. You design them to suit your tastes and needs.
It’s all up to you. (Pictured here is an English ridding
style that was brought to me by a customer who had purchased these form
2/13/09: I would like to start sharing some of the unique products which we have developed as many people cannot find someone who can “fit their bill.” Featured in this letter is a custom back support for a customer who has scoliosis. She needed something that was going to provider her with more support than conventional supports but looked good as well. Being that her spine has already moved to the right we placed the thick leather supports exactly where she wanted it. These support pieces where sandwiched between the inner and outer layers of leather. Copying her old back support, we added the lacing which allowed her to make adjustments as needed. We went crazy with the color, which matched her bike. We have plans to make a back side panel out of perforated leather for the summer time giving her skin more air and less sweat. Having her old support as a pattern, this insured that she would receive the fit she wanted. It was fun making this support for her as it allowed her to continue riding despite an uncomfortable back situation. Thanks again Mama!
3/30/09:
I was approached by Sherri from She stated that after studying my website she really like the infamous tuxedo seat (my own bike) and wanted that seat on her Shadow but in magenta, not pink. Thus she and I started the long process of deciding what and how it was all going to look. It is difficult for some who have never seen my work to picture what exactly what is I do and what the limitations of my trade are or how what I do comes out looking just like what the customer wants. Well it’s called “a lot of emails and a lot of phone calls” plus how ever many samples its takes, but in the end when I turn out a set like what I did for Sherri, the numerous connections were worth the time. Production for this special set went flawlessly. The matching pocket purse was a surprise as she did not expect it. I now do follow up calls or emails to any customer who I do custom work for so that I know that everything went as planned. Here is what I got back from Sherri: Hi Nanci, Thank you for following up. Yes! I am very pleased with everything and it looks great. I have been getting lots of remarks, looks, and compliments. I even saw a man remove his sunglasses and start to touch my seat while I went into a store for a few moments. I am surprised that a lot of men really think its great. Thank you! Sherri Now, I have to admit that not everyone wants a tuxedo seat with a rose on the tank bib, but whether you want everything done in skulls, spiders, Betty Boop, Barbie or just very simple and clean looking, take the time to figure out what will make you feel good. Themes can be fun an compliment you and your bike. It can set you aside from the millions of other bikes produced just like yours and this can be the difference in your confidence as a new or veteran rider. Ride safe.
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