Well my contact in Australia finally got back to me. He does not have time to do the work and knew of no one in The Australian Plaiters and Whipmakers Association who might be interested in doing it.
I guess its pretty boring compared to making selling fancy whips (you guys think you spend boo koo bucks on bikes?) and probably does not have any real cache involved.
Now I'm no craftsperson and if there is anyone who has any experience or interest in leather work, please email me. Mike suggested where I could get decent hide (but I don't want a WHOLE kangaroo hide!) maybe I can get someone who likes sharp tools and can cut a straight line to do this for us.
In the meantime, I'll stick to sewing on buttons, that is about as "crafty" as I get.
Ann Phillips in Atlanta GA
tired of winter, tired of rain and cold...