|
|
| (4 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) |
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| − | '''Leather crafting''' is the practice of making [[leather]] into craft objects or works of art, using shaping techniques, coloring techniques or both.
| + | This article describes leather carving in detail. For information about leather craft in detail, please see [[Leather Crafting]] |
| | | | |
| − | ==Leather dyeing==
| + | Leather carving is the process of giving a three-dimensional appearance to leather by a process of cutting and stamping the surface. |
| − | {{howto}}
| |
| − | [[Image:Phdinoleatherpic.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A dyed leather [[Leather carving|carving]]]]
| |
| − | Leather dyeing usually involves the use of spirit or alcohol based [[dye]]s where alcohol quickly gets absorbed into moistened [[leather]], carrying the pigment deep into the surface. "Hi-liters" and "Antiquing" stains can be used to add more definition to patterns. These have pigments that will break away from the higher points of a tooled piece and so pooling in the background areas give nice contrasts. Leaving parts unstained also provides a type of contrast. The predominant brand of leather dye is Fiebing Leather Dye.
| |
| | | | |
| − | Alternatives to spirit stains might include a number of options. [[Shoe polish]] could be used to dye and preserve leather. Oils, [[Neatsfoot oil|neatsfoot]] or [[Linseed oil|linseed]], can be applied to preserve leather but darkens them. For that reason, a wax paste more often than not serves as the final coat.
| |
| | | | |
| − | One interesting note, old gun rigs, saddlebags, wallets and cantanas used by cowboys and buccaroos were rarely colored in the old west. The red, brown, and black tones develop naturally as the oiled leathers absorb the rays of the desert sun.
| + | == Raw Materials == |
| | + | The only type of leather suitable for carving is vegetable tanned, top grain leather. This is because the vegetable tanning process allows the leather to absorb water, which is used to soften the leather before the carving process, and the grain of the leather is necessary to allow the leather to hold the shape after the carving process is complete. Other leathers lack these two essential qualities. |
| | | | |
| − | ==Leather painting==
| |
| − | Leather painting differs from [[leather]] [[dyeing]] in that [[paint]] remains only on the surface while dyes are absorbed into the leather. Due to this difference, leather painting techniques can not be used on items that can or must bend nor on items that receive friction. Belts and wallets are not suitable for treatment.
| |
| | | | |
| − | A two dimensional surface backed with a board is ideal and common. Often [[acrylic paint]]s are used on [[tooled]] leather pictures, backed with wood or cardboard, and then framed. The glass in not put on top of such pictures because it causes the leather to mold.
| + | == Tools == |
| | + | Leather carving is accomplished using three main tools: |
| | + | * Swivel Knife |
| | + | * Rawhide Mallet |
| | + | * Stamp Set |
| | | | |
| − | Three dimensional forms are possible so long as the painted surface remains secured.
| |
| | | | |
| − | ==Leather carving== | + | == Preparation == |
| − | Leather carving entails using metal implements to compress moistened [[leather]] in such a way as to give a three dimensional appearance to a two dimensional surface. The surface of the leather is not intended to be cut through at all, such work being known as [[filigree]].
| + | Before carving can commence, the leather must be prepared to accept the tooling by 'casing' it. This is done by applying water to the grain side of the leather with a sponge. After a short time, the surface of the leather will darken and feel cool to the touch. At this point, the leather is ready for carving. For some large projects, it may be necessary to re-case the leather as it dries during the carving session. |
| | | | |
| − | The main tools used to "carve" leather include: swivel knife, veiner, beveler, pear shader, seeder, cam, and backgrounder. The swivel knife is held like a pencil and dragged along the leather to outline patterns. The other tools are punch-type implements struck with a wooden or raw hide mallet. The object is to add further definition by them to the cut lines made by the swivel knife.
| |
| | | | |
| − | In the United States and Mexico, the western floral style of carving leather predominates. Usually, these are stylized pictures of acanthis or roses. California, Texas, and a few other styles are common. By far the most preeminent carver in the United States was [[Al Stohlman]]. His patterns and methods have been embraced by many hobbyists, scout troops, reenacters, and craftsmen.
| + | == Swivel Knife Cuts == |
| | + | When the leather has been properly cased, the swivel knife is used to make the bold cuts that form the backbone of the carved image. These cuts are made to a depth of up to approximately half the thickness of the leather being used, depending on the effect desired by the leather worker. Care must be taken during this step to keep the swivel knife vertical at all times, as any tilt is detrimental to the ability of the leather to be properly stamped later in the carving process. |
| | | | |
| − | ==Leather stamping==
| |
| − | [[Image:StampingOnLeather.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Examples of geometric stamping on leather.]]
| |
| | | | |
| − | Leather stamping involves the use of shaped implements (stamps) to create an imprint onto a [[leather]] surface, often by striking the stamps with a [[mallet]].
| + | == Headline text == |
| − | | |
| − | Commercial stamps are available in various designs, typically geometric or representative of [[animals]]. Most stamping is performed on tree-bark tanned leather that has been dampened with water, as the water makes the leather softer and able to be compressed by the design being pressed or stamped into it. After the leather has been stamped, the design stays on the leather as it dries out, but it can fade if the leather becomes wet and is flexed. To make the impressions last longer, the leather is conditioned with [[oils]] and [[fats]] to make it water-proof and prevent the fibers from deforming.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ==External links== | |
| − | * [http://old-crafts.com/colors_and_painting/compositions_to_dye_skins_or_gloves.htm/ Historic Compositions to Dye Leather]
| |
| − | *[http://www.crupisgallery.it/claudia/inglese/claudia_index_inglese.htm Landscapes leather carving]
| |
| − | | |
| − | [[Category:Leather]]
| |
This article describes leather carving in detail. For information about leather craft in detail, please see Leather Crafting
Leather carving is the process of giving a three-dimensional appearance to leather by a process of cutting and stamping the surface.
Raw Materials
The only type of leather suitable for carving is vegetable tanned, top grain leather. This is because the vegetable tanning process allows the leather to absorb water, which is used to soften the leather before the carving process, and the grain of the leather is necessary to allow the leather to hold the shape after the carving process is complete. Other leathers lack these two essential qualities.
Tools
Leather carving is accomplished using three main tools:
- Swivel Knife
- Rawhide Mallet
- Stamp Set
Preparation
Before carving can commence, the leather must be prepared to accept the tooling by 'casing' it. This is done by applying water to the grain side of the leather with a sponge. After a short time, the surface of the leather will darken and feel cool to the touch. At this point, the leather is ready for carving. For some large projects, it may be necessary to re-case the leather as it dries during the carving session.
Swivel Knife Cuts
When the leather has been properly cased, the swivel knife is used to make the bold cuts that form the backbone of the carved image. These cuts are made to a depth of up to approximately half the thickness of the leather being used, depending on the effect desired by the leather worker. Care must be taken during this step to keep the swivel knife vertical at all times, as any tilt is detrimental to the ability of the leather to be properly stamped later in the carving process.
Headline text
