After Joan Gretten received this bag she made the following entry to my web site guest book.
I just received my second "Dave Pocketbook". It is absolutely gorgeous. He created this beautiful bag from a simple sketch I sent him. I was looking for something particular, with side pockets. Something I had envisioned for years but never found. His talent has no limits....he can do anything! Dave is a perfectionist....all of his creations are flawless. The quality of leather he uses, his precision workmanship and his creativity stand out above all others. I have received so many compliments on this pocketbook..... even total strangers have stopped me to ask where I bought it. Dave is the "Michaelangelo of Leather"!
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I replied to her by email and said - I've just got to tell you again what a kick I get out of your saying "Michaelangelo of Leather". I have a hard time calling myself an artist - to me, that is subjective for others to decide. Sincerely, ...Dave
She then further replied to me by email saying:
Dave..... Well, I have exercised my right to be subjective... you are truly an artist. Only a person with an inborn talent could create the beautiful leather items you make. I have always loved leather --- anything....jackets, pants, skirts, vests, halters, pocketbooks. And, to feed my addiction, I have always been drawn to leather craft stores, booths, tack shops, etc. I swear, I have never walked past a leather store without checking it out. I used to go up to Lake George on a regular basis to look for leather goods because there used to be a ton of leather shops up there. In all my years of searching, I have never found any leather products as fine as yours. I have been introduced to numerous individuals that call themselves leathercrafters, but they all lack compared to you. You probably don't even realize it yourself, but you have an inner ability, what you do comes natural to you......nobody had to teach you. Talent is a gift....you can't buy it, you can't learn it...either you have it or you don't --- there is no middle of the road. It is a natural resource that comes from within and it provides you with your flair -- style -- preciseness -- perfection -- creativity.....all the components necessary to get to that highest level that you have attained, that of an artist. These other people that call themselves leather crafters are only businessmen --- YOU ARE THE REAL THING!
I still recall the first time I found your web site... When I saw the things you made I couldn't believe what I was seeing....everything was so beautiful, so perfect and of the highest quality. At first I thought, is this for real or are the pictures making these things look better than they actually are. The more I looked at your portfolio, the more I realized.... THIS GUY MAKES BEAUTIIFUL PRODUCTS! So, take it from a leather freak.....YOU ARE AN ARTIST of THE HIGHEST DEGREE. There is nobody out there that can compete with you.....YOU STAND ALONE!
I have no reason to bs you! If I said you were just okay, or so-so, you would still sell me a pocketbook! You are the most phenomenal leathercraftsman that exists......never before did I see work like yours. So, you've earned the title.... you are, "The Michaelangelo of Leather."
I have received so many compliments on that bag you can't imagine! I tell everyone, I found the Leather God and that is where I got it!
Well, Joan, that is just too much to keep - I had to share it here. Thank so much for your kind words. Sincerely, ...Dave
