Difference between revisions of "AY Honors/Leather Craft/Answer Key"

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[[image:leathertools.jpg|thumb|250px|Modern leather-working tools]]
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{{howto}}
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{{Unreferenced|date=November 2007}}
  
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'''Leather crafting''' is the practice of making [[leather]] into craft objects or works of art, using shaping techniques, coloring techniques or both.
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:''This article describes leather carving in detail.  For information about leather craft in general, please see [[Leather crafting]]''
  
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==Leather coloring==
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'''Leather carving''' is the process of giving a three-dimensional appearance to [[leather]] by a process of cutting and stamping the surface.
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[[Image:Phdinoleatherpic.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A dyed leather [[Leather carving|carving]]]]
 
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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's]] Leather Dye.
 
  
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Alternatives to spirit stains might include a number of options.  [[Shoe polish]] can be used to dye and preserve leather.  Oils such as [[Neatsfoot oil|neatsfoot]] or [[Linseed oil|linseed]] can be applied to preserve leather but darkens them. A wax paste more often than not serves as the final coat.
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== Materials ==
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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.
  
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Sweat and grime will also stain and 'antique' leather over time. Gun holsters, saddlebags, wallets and cantanas used by cowboys and buccaroos were rarely colored in the [[Old West]]. The red, brown, and black tones develop naturally through handling and as the oiled leathers absorb the rays of the desert sun.
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== Tools ==
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Leather carving is accomplished using three main tools:
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* [[Swivel knife]] - used to make the bold cuts that define the pattern or image being carved
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* [[Rawhide]] [[mallet]] - used to drive the stamps used to mat down the background and create shading and patterns
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* Stamp set - A set of stamping tools used to shape and color the leather to create the final image. Usually contains at minimum a beveler, pear shader, seeder, and background tool, but sets often contain other tools and sometimes several variations on the same tool.
  
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Due to changing environmental laws, alchohol-based dyes are soon to be unavaliable. There are currently water-based alternatives availalbe, although they tend not to work as well.
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=== Stamping tools===
  
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==Leather painting==
 
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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, such as belts and wallets. Under these conditions, the paint will crack and flake off. A flat piece of leather, backed with a stiff board is ideal and common, though three-dimensional forms are possible so long as the painted surface remains secured.
 
  
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[[Acrylic paint]] is a common medium, often painted on [[tooled]] leather pictures, backed with wood or cardboard, and then framed.  Unlike photographs, leather paintings are displayed without a glass cover, to prevent [[mold]].
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==== Camouflage Tool ====
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This tool, which creates an impression similar to that of a sea shell, is used to add emphasis to areas of a carving, often in the stem or down the centre of a leaf in a floral design.  It is used in a similar way to other stamping tools, by holding it vertically over the leather and striking with the rawhide mallet.  When using the Camouflage tool, the impressions created should be equally spaced, starting from the centre of the design and working out towards the tips of the stems or leaves in the design.  The impressions should get progressively lighter.
  
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==Leather carving==
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==== Pear Shader ====
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{{main|Leather carving}}
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The Pear Shader is used to press down areas of the design that need to appear curved.  The action of the pear shader causes the leather tooled by it to appear slightly darker.  The pear shader is slightly unusual in that it may be tilted during use to provide the desired effect.  It should be moved only slightly between each tap with the mallet so that it creates a consistent shading of the leather.
  
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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, as would be done in [[filigree]].
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==== Veiner or Shell Tool ====
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These tools create a curved impression of a series of short, closely spaced lines.  They may be used interchangeably, the only difference being that the veiner creates a simple curved line, while the shell tool has a pattern resembling the edge of a scallop along the inside edge.  They are used to continue to create the impression of depth created by the beveler, and to create the impression of a curved surface.  These tools are used in the usual way, but like the pear shader, may also be tilted to help create the impression of depth where they are used beside a cut.
  
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The main tools used to "carve" leather include: [[swivel knife]], [[veiner]], [[beveler]], [[pear shader]], [[seeder]], cam, and background tool.  The swivel knife is held similar to pencil and drawn along the leather to outline patterns.  The other tools are punch-type implements struck with a wooden, nylon or [[rawhide]] [[mallet]].  The object is to add further definition with them to the cut lines made by the swivel knife.
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==== Seeder ====
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The seeder creates a small circular impression, that is used to represent seeds.  As the face of this tool is so small, care must be taken when striking that you do not cut right through the leather.  If stamping an area using this tool, stamp around the outside first, then fill in the centre.
  
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In the United States and Mexico, the western floral style, known as "Sheridan 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.
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==== Background Tool ====
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This step in producing a carved leather article is used to emphasise the design, and is not even necessary in some cases.  It consists of the pushing down of any areas of leather that have not been already carved.  The background tool has a crosshatched pattern on its head, which has the effect of significantly darkening the leather it is used on.  As with the seeder, the face of this tool is often small, so care must be taken not to strike it too hard.
  
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==Leather stamping==
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When using this tool, take care that the impressions created by it do not overlap, and also take care not to stamp into the design or over the border. When the entire face of the tool is not needed, or to create tidy corners, the tool can be tilted so only part of the face creates an impression.
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[[Image:StampingOnLeather.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Examples of geometric stamping on leather.]]
 
  
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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]].  
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==== Other Stamps ====
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There are many other stamps that may be employed in stamping leather, too many to list here.  Many may be adapted for use in carved designs, and these will be found with practice.
  
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Commercial stamps are available in various designs, typically geometric or representative of [[animals]]. Most stamping is performed on vegtable 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.
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== Procedure ==
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=== Preparation ===
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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.
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Cased leather must be handled very carefully.  As it is so soft, even a fingernail might leave a mark. Especially important is keeping anything made of metal (other than your tools) away from the leather, as some metals will permanently stain the leather, and such marks are nearly impossible to remove.
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=== Swivel knife cuts ===
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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.
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=== Beveling the cuts ===
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After shading is completed with the Pear Shader, the Beveler is used to compress one side of the cut.  This creates the impression of depth by pressing down parts of the image relative to the foreground.  The Beveler is used by holding it vertically, with the foot of the tool in contact with the leather, and striking it lightly with the rawhide mallet.  The tool is then moved forward along the cut about half its width, and struck again with the mallet.  This process is completed until the entire length of the cut has been appropriately beveled.
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As a general rule, the outside of curves and the outside edge of anything overlapping another part of the design should be beveled.  The exception to this rule is leather that will later be stamped with another tool, and, if the background is to be treated with the background tool, the background itself.
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=== Dress Cuts ===
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This is the final step in creating a carved design.  The swivel knife is again used to create small, decorative cuts in the design to enhance its appearance.  These cuts may be made in parts of the design that have already been stamped, which is why it is necessary to leave this step until last.
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In a variation from the initial swivel knife cuts, dress cuts should be made from left to right or right to left, as opposed to dragging the knife towards yourself.
  
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==External links==
 
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* [http://old-crafts.com/colors_and_painting/compositions_to_dye_skins_or_gloves.htm/ Historic Compositions to Dye Leather]
 
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*[http://www.crupisgallery.it/claudia/inglese/claudia_index_inglese.htm Landscapes leather carving]
 
  
 
[[Category:Leather]]
 
[[Category:Leather]]
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[[ru:Художественная обработка кожи]]
 

Revision as of 03:52, 8 January 2008

Template:Howto Template:Unreferenced

This article describes leather carving in detail. For information about leather craft in general, 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.

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 - used to make the bold cuts that define the pattern or image being carved
  • Rawhide mallet - used to drive the stamps used to mat down the background and create shading and patterns
  • Stamp set - A set of stamping tools used to shape and color the leather to create the final image. Usually contains at minimum a beveler, pear shader, seeder, and background tool, but sets often contain other tools and sometimes several variations on the same tool.

Stamping tools

Camouflage Tool

This tool, which creates an impression similar to that of a sea shell, is used to add emphasis to areas of a carving, often in the stem or down the centre of a leaf in a floral design. It is used in a similar way to other stamping tools, by holding it vertically over the leather and striking with the rawhide mallet. When using the Camouflage tool, the impressions created should be equally spaced, starting from the centre of the design and working out towards the tips of the stems or leaves in the design. The impressions should get progressively lighter.

Pear Shader

The Pear Shader is used to press down areas of the design that need to appear curved. The action of the pear shader causes the leather tooled by it to appear slightly darker. The pear shader is slightly unusual in that it may be tilted during use to provide the desired effect. It should be moved only slightly between each tap with the mallet so that it creates a consistent shading of the leather.

Veiner or Shell Tool

These tools create a curved impression of a series of short, closely spaced lines. They may be used interchangeably, the only difference being that the veiner creates a simple curved line, while the shell tool has a pattern resembling the edge of a scallop along the inside edge. They are used to continue to create the impression of depth created by the beveler, and to create the impression of a curved surface. These tools are used in the usual way, but like the pear shader, may also be tilted to help create the impression of depth where they are used beside a cut.

Seeder

The seeder creates a small circular impression, that is used to represent seeds. As the face of this tool is so small, care must be taken when striking that you do not cut right through the leather. If stamping an area using this tool, stamp around the outside first, then fill in the centre.

Background Tool

This step in producing a carved leather article is used to emphasise the design, and is not even necessary in some cases. It consists of the pushing down of any areas of leather that have not been already carved. The background tool has a crosshatched pattern on its head, which has the effect of significantly darkening the leather it is used on. As with the seeder, the face of this tool is often small, so care must be taken not to strike it too hard.

When using this tool, take care that the impressions created by it do not overlap, and also take care not to stamp into the design or over the border. When the entire face of the tool is not needed, or to create tidy corners, the tool can be tilted so only part of the face creates an impression.

Other Stamps

There are many other stamps that may be employed in stamping leather, too many to list here. Many may be adapted for use in carved designs, and these will be found with practice.

Procedure

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.

Cased leather must be handled very carefully. As it is so soft, even a fingernail might leave a mark. Especially important is keeping anything made of metal (other than your tools) away from the leather, as some metals will permanently stain the leather, and such marks are nearly impossible to remove.

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.


Beveling the cuts

After shading is completed with the Pear Shader, the Beveler is used to compress one side of the cut. This creates the impression of depth by pressing down parts of the image relative to the foreground. The Beveler is used by holding it vertically, with the foot of the tool in contact with the leather, and striking it lightly with the rawhide mallet. The tool is then moved forward along the cut about half its width, and struck again with the mallet. This process is completed until the entire length of the cut has been appropriately beveled.

As a general rule, the outside of curves and the outside edge of anything overlapping another part of the design should be beveled. The exception to this rule is leather that will later be stamped with another tool, and, if the background is to be treated with the background tool, the background itself.


Dress Cuts

This is the final step in creating a carved design. The swivel knife is again used to create small, decorative cuts in the design to enhance its appearance. These cuts may be made in parts of the design that have already been stamped, which is why it is necessary to leave this step until last.

In a variation from the initial swivel knife cuts, dress cuts should be made from left to right or right to left, as opposed to dragging the knife towards yourself.

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