I've been holding on to three pieces of scrap leather that are of badge-ish size and, now that my electrician apprenticeship aptitude test is out of the way, I finally have the time to offer a couple of experimental leather badges. So basically, I'm looking for three volunteers who are willing to (at a reduced price) guinea pig for me.

The catch:
The characters on the badges need to have pretty naturalistic colors, i.e. no bright reds/blues/greens/etc., since I don't want to be dropping money on paint that will have a very limited use. The badges may also take more time than could be expected (as much as three months), since this is the first time I've ever done this kind of thing, I'll need time to order the colors (since I'll be waiting to order them until after I know what I should be ordering), and it may be I'll fuck something up on the first try and decide to redo a badge a few times until I feel it's right.

What this will cost:
The cost of one badge is $30. This will include shipping. Payment will be up-front but held in my Paypal account until the badge is finished.

What you will get:
Three badges. One badge per person. Each badge will be tooled by hand and painted on veg-tanned leather, measuring approximately 3"x4". (For an example of carving I've done, look here.) Badges can only be shipped within the continental US. They will be shipped with a silica gel packet to protect the leather from moisture during shipping. The badges will include a means of being attached to a lanyard clip. (I'm still researching possibilities; leaning toward a small D-ring or the like.)

What this will involve:
If you're interested, comment below with some refs. Again, characters with naturalistic colors only, please. (Browns/grays/whites/tans/blacks, that kind of thing.) Please only comment if you are willing to furnish payment up-front. If you want your character doing a particular expression or the like, let me know.

I will select three people from the comments on Friday, January 23rd.

Those selected will receive an update via e-mail every two weeks on how things are progressing with the badges, including photos. If an update is not sent without any previous explanation, those selected will be entitled to a refund, if they so choose. (This is really just to make sure I stay on the ball with this.)

And that's all.