Leatherworking Handbook: A Practical Illustrated Sourcebook of Techniques and Projects [Paperback]

Valerie Michael (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2006

Valerie Michael-a founding member of the Association of Design Leatherworkers-has created the definitive guide to this popular and age-old craft. Oriented to the beginner, it thoroughly presents all the materials, tools, and key techniques in easy-to-follow photographs: finishing edges, paring and hand-stitching, making pockets, attaching studs and straps, and decorating surfaces. The well-chosen projects take into account developing skills, and range from belt and wallets to quilted items and bags. An invaluable reference work.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Michael's guide covers basic leatherworking techniques, describes the scientific makeup of an animal skin, explains the tanning process, and depicts an efficient workshop setup. In addition, Michael specifies tools and equipment and lists the materials necessary to sew, dye, glue, and finish each project. Line drawings combined with photographs effectively illustrate methods used to create a variety of boxes, belts, purses, wallets, briefcases, and molded decorative masks. And Michael's step-by-step instructions are concise enough to offer craft enthusiasts of differing skill levels a range of projects to undertake. Color plates depict finished pieces, and sources of supplies are noted. Alice Joyce --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Valerie Michael is a founding member of the Association of Designer Leatherworkers and has been a full-time leatherworker for over twenty years.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Cassell (August 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1844034747
• ISBN-13: 978-1844034741
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,958 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A different perspective than US Western, December 27, 2000

By 

Liana Winsauer "Mind-Numbing Beauracratic Ghoul" (Chicago-ish, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Leatherworking Handbook: A Practical Illustrated Sourcebook Of Techniques And Projects (Paperback)

This book is a welcome addition to my leatherworking library. Particularly since the the styles are similar to my own tastes - very plain, but elegant. Very different from the typical US type of leatherworking with lots of tooling, buckstitching, etc. Not that I don't appreciate that style also - I have a huge stack of Ann & Al Stohlman's books that I regularly re-read - but it is nice to see something *different*. The techniques, also, are a bit different in some cases, which I also appreciate.

As the author is British, some of the terms and tools may seem unfamiliar at first. However, there are either the "American-English" equivalents listed, or it's clear what is meant from skimming the text.

A definite addition to any leatherworkers'library.

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars told me just what I wanted to know, February 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Leatherworking Handbook: A Practical Illustrated Sourcebook Of Techniques And Projects (Paperback)

I had in mind a project that needed two particular leatherworking skills - box stitching and moulding leather - and had found many many books which told me in great detail just how to do a thousand other things, much rarer and more complex.

Then I found this book - clear, informative, and reassuring. Bravo!

Richard Byrne

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Illustrations, May 26, 2000

By 

Jason M. Wisnieski "atteSmythe" (Garfield Hts., OH United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Leatherworking Handbook: A Practical Illustrated Sourcebook Of Techniques And Projects (Paperback)

The illustration of techniques in this book is magnificent. I really appreciate the close-up shots and clear photography. If I have a complaint about the book it's that the book is too focused on 'container' type projects. The methods illustrated can easily be adapted, though.