I recently found a local source of Emu leather and leggings, very tough stuff despite being rather thin. This one is for the Emu ranch (farm??) owner, traded the Bob Schulz knife and sheath for a nice supply of emu. The background inthe pic is the skin, showing the quill marks.
It started as an inlay design, and became an onlay when I found the emu has enough stiffnesss to be used without a window. I dyed the thread for the onlay to match the emu, but setting the holes was a little different due to the rough texture. Had to be done by hand, eyeball measurements only.

Fun project, good learning experience :)
Mike

http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/standard?pictid={CF2ADBB4-299F-402A-ABD2-05BA92D07175}&exp=f&moddt=38196.6943620949

Mike, that is very neat---and your eyeballs seem to be right on! ---Sandy---

Looking great Mike,can't wait to get to mine.Dave :101

Thank you gentlemen :) Each time I try something like this I'm reminded of how easy you make it look. I will attest to any new makers reading this, that while it's very satisfying, making inlays and onlays is by no means easy. Glad I have my friends here as sources of inspiration :D
Dave, you're going to find that emu is very friendly to work with. Just make sure that you get a good layer of cement on the back first and let it dry, then a second layer when ready to assemble. It wants to suck the stuff up. I also found some of the scruffier leather on the back side can be trimmed or sanded to get a better mating surface. But it cuts like cardboard, not as hard as it looks.

Mike