Leather is a strong and versatile material, which is highly suitable for handicrafts. Anyone can learn the techniques of leatherworking, and with some basic tools and a little patience can produce articles that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Topics covered: Advice on selection of tools and different types of leather; Step-by-step instruction on the techniques of cutting, bevelling, burnishing, hand-stitching, carving, stamping and thronging; Tips on how to avoid common pitfalls; A range of interesting projects; Explanatory line-drawings and photographs throughout.
Suppose, you have to appear for an exam next week, who would be the go-to person for seeking help and guidance? Option 1: A Subject Matter Expert (SME) who studying/teaching the subject for several years and often assumes while explaining that the basics are covered or looks it from their frame of reference. Or Option 2: Someone who also started from scratch as you have and passed the exam just last week. He/She knows the exact process, challenges, doubts, and roadblocks you may be facing and can think from your perspective. If your option is 2, you are in the right place. I am a Technology Consultant by profession, and started my leathercraft journey in the year 2014. I started by going through multiple YouTube videos, courses, Facebook groups, and finally completed my first project after four months. I was confused and was lost in the magnitude of information available online. I firmly believe that while starting, you need exact, necessary, minimalistic information to start your first project, pardon: Complete your first project! So I started writing this book to provide a minimalistic approach to information required to start your first leather project. It covers: - History of leather - Basics Tools and their usage - Making Patterns - Cutting Patterns - Gluing - Beveling, Embossing, Stamping - Stitching basics - Coloring and Finishing - Tips, Techniques for the beginner -Leather Crafting, Physical Pain & Ergonomics * (New Chapter added!) - Appendix: List of online resources available for free patterns, tips, and techniques. I still remember the initial doubts I had and the tips which helped me. This book is for people who are in their first lap (0-3 years) of Leather crafting journey and want to have a holistic idea of processes, tools, and need help in their initial projects. I have included photographs of realistic projects of beginners explaining the process and standard operating procedure while starting. So, what are you waiting for? Get this updated edition of the book with 22 chapters and start your Leather Crafting Journey Today!!
"The guide for leathercrafters who want a clearly traditional focus, who believe quality matters, and who want to learn traditional techniques to use in modern ways."--back cover
Use this tactile, age-old craft to make your own unique and modern leather items. The Leathercraft Handbook guides you through all the skills, tools, and techniques you need to make beautiful and durable pieces, from elegant accessories to stylish homewares - without the need for expensive equipment. Try your hand at more than 20 step-by-step projects, complete with easy-to-follow tutorials and templates that can be scaled up or down. Ranging from a classic glasses case to a chic tote bag, the pieces are suitable for beginners through to experienced leatherworkers and feature inspiration on how to make the designs your own. Destined to be a classic, this modern introduction offers a contemporary twist on the age-old craft of leatherworking.
Want to explore the world of leather repair and restoration? This book is your answer. It's a deep-dive into the specifics of leather repair and restoration. As the only one of its kind, it covers all aspects of care, maintenance, repair and restoration of leather furniture, automotive, jackets, etc. The book teaches the science behind repair and restoration methodologies. The reader learns the underlying fundamentals as to why and how a particular task solves a problem, as well as the properties of the chemistry behind the best repair and restoration products. It takes the mystery out of how and why these repair techniques work. Readers have commented that with this book, you don't need formal training to be effective. Everything you need to know about the craft is in this book including marketing and sales ideas for a leather repair business. As an ebook, the reader can take advantage of the embedded links to videos, so its not just the written word, but also video that shows you how as well. If you are a retailer selling leather goods, its a great reference piece to have on hand. If you want to get into the business of leather repair, this book will give you all the knowledge you need, including tip on marketing. If you are a professional leather tech, then you know the importance of knowledge. This book, with its easy to follow, step by step learning process is chocked full of "How to" tips and tricks. In 350 plus pages, there is bound to be at least one or two money saving ideas even for experineced technicians.
A big part of the artisanal/DIY movement is about authenticity and quality, with a return to simplicity, real values, genuine materials, and careful craftsmanship. Leather is one of those authentic materials, and while it has always been used for handbags and gloves, it’s also enjoying a resurgence in the field of crafts. Simple objects elegantly made of leather are featured everywhere on maker blogs, photo-sharing sites, tutorials, and craft marketplaces. Leather is in the real world, too, in heavily curated hipster boutiques and well-edited coffee shops that sell sundries. Idiot’s Guides®: Leather Crafts offers 20 projects (illustrated with copious step-by-step photos), ranging from beginner to advanced, each one building on the skills that have been taught in prior projects. Unlike most existing books on leathercraft, which come with a heavy whiff of the ‘70s, this one has a sleek, modern aesthetic. The projects are functional, and the minimal, elegant embellishment and natural finishes will keep them timeless.
