Cuir Bolli Bauzband Attempt Mess

I'm working to replace my venerable, mismatched vambraces with some new, harder, matching, colorful, octofoil-decorated bauzbands. Using Cariadoc's instructions, I attempted (again) to mold the leather enough that I don't need to add darts. I was more confident than last time, since I had a more accurate thermometer than last time.

Nevertheless, it seems impossible to get enough bend in the elbow to close up the back.

These pictures are of the first attempt, done in 10-11 ounce leather.

See how straight the whole thing still is?

Anyone with opinions, please feel free to share. But I'm not going to dish these like a piece of metal.

More pictures behind the cut.

Not enough bend.

Also, as you can see, I managed to burn the face of the leather on the bottom of the pot. Duh.

Worse, the flesh side of the leather starts to crack as I stretch it.

Another pic of the cracked leather.

Looking at Cariadoc's pictures of what he has made, I think he didn't try to get as deep a curve as I want.

I may finish this one out enough for loaner use.