The Art and Craft of Leather : Leatherworking Tools and Techniques Explained in Detail

They also instruct on the necessary tools and show how to use them. Finally, they present eight original step-by-step projects in which beginners can master the techniques that are fundamental to the art and craft of leather.Creating handsome leather products is an enjoyable and rewarding hobby, but its a craft that requires training and specialized tools. This attractive volume presents beginners with the information and instruction they need to get started. Following a brief illustrated history of leathercraft, the authors describe how animal hides are processed into various types and grades of leather. The heart of this book begins with an introduction to leatherworking toolsmallets, awls, bevellers, groovers, special needles, coloring and dying agents, and others. Next, the authors demonstrate techniques and the use of tools for embossing, cutting, sewing, and shaping. They conclude with detailed, photo-illustrated instructions for eight different projects, which include construction of a beautiful leather basket, an elegant serving tray, a unique clock face, a stylish picture frame, a handsome set of scrapbook covers, and several more beautiful items. Hundreds of instructive color photos and a useful glossary.Eva Pascual i Mir studied Art History at the University of Barcelona and currently works as an expert in documenting furniture collections and decorative art for a number of museums. She has written widely on various art media.Maria Teresa Llad i Riba has created artworks in a variety of media, but prefers leather crafts over all others. Her work can be seen in public and private collections in her native Spain, as well as in Germany, France, Switzerland, Japan, Argentina, and the United States.