Dudley,
Like your layout, follow Les Elms contributions you will find his shop is immaculate, large Painted and most perfect in every way he is the master of many things, makes working wood locks, incredible animals with the scroll saw, one of the best innovators on this site bar none. While everyone talks the talk he walks the walk, a caster of delicate blanks , delicate in he ties his own flies uses a short trace and incredible feathers one either side on a white background. Must be something in the water in Calgary Canada. He can make pens from ordinary so well they jump out of the page at you, in quantities we only dream of consistently sells a huge variety of his ORIGINAL WORK, as an innovator he tops the list individually. I have followed his progress from day 1 and I say to you the ABC of what you are now making he mastered years ago. Leses workshop is part of his house finished like most peoples front room immaculate.
I admire your deference and honesty in using his name and instructions, all of us could do well to watch and learn when he details his experience and knowledge.
Have a friend here in Australia not far from me who makes world class fishing rods by hand from Japanese Bamboo shredding from huge Bamboo poles to a hand finished product that is translucent and perfection IMHO who received a pen made by me from Les Elms tied fly blank who is tremendously impressed. This maker of rods travels the world flyfishing, writing, demonstrating the art of fishing. His trademark handles are Aussie Burls and the intricate engraving he commissions would blow your mind. He lives in a city of 30 odd thousand people, self taught and terrific. He and Les remind me of home grown geniuses who simply go about their art, make money not excuses, lead the field with no angst.
Congratulations in seeing past the woods to the individual masters and putting into practice
his detailed instructions along the lines anyone can follow. I clearly remember his early contributions when he offered a humble timber he mastered and the pages of rejection and downright discourtesy extended to him not I might add with regard to his workmanship almost perfect pics etc.
Kind regards Peter.