I’m violating some of my ‘rules’ with regard to decoration on this year’s TCAA saddle. The color on the flowers is something I’ve done before, but have never been very fond of the idea. I reduced the color so that after oiling and antiquing, it should be subtle. I’ve done some experimenting on some scrap leather and am hoping for the best. The work we do for our show in the fall is an opportunity to reach as far as we can artistically and technically. There will always be a certain amount of risk that will go with this kind of stretching. It is a risk worth taking, for it is invigorating, challenging, and rewarding.