The Art and Craft of Leather: Leatherworking tools and techniques explained in detail (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Eva Pascual i Miro (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Creating handsome leather products is an enjoyable and rewarding hobby, but it's 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 tools--mallets, 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.

From the Inside Flap

(back cover)
Beginners will value this useful introduction to leatherworking as they learn to create a variety of handsome items. Following a brief illustrated history of leathercraft, the authors describe how animal hides are processed into various types and grades of leather. 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.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (January 18, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764160818
• ISBN-13: 978-0764160813
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #75,211 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great addition to any crafters library..., April 15, 2008

By	Vray "Oldies Guru" (Spotswood NJ) - See all my reviews

Very good leather working book that gives a superior introduction to the art of leather craft, including insight to old world crafting. I gave it four stars because it is more geared to the intermediate and professional crafter who has an understanding of leather, dyes, tools and machinery used. Also, the projects, though well photographed and explained, might be a bit too overwhelming for the beginner. These are less practice projects as much as they are functional and art pieces. The tools used are professional, not to be confused with the low cost hobbyist tools one can order from Tandy or other craft stores. The machinery pictured can run into the hundreds and thousands of dollars, not something that you would invest in if you intend to make leathercraft a casual pursuit. Even the dyes, adhesives, wax, and paint introduction are important parts in the production of an aesthetic leather project. I would have liked the authors to delve into more areas, especially old world techniques, but this book does whet one's appetite to pursue the craft deeper. The only major criticism I had was in the author's statement on page 42, where she states that steel hammers are used for stamping. In the illustrations you see a ballpeen hammer (!) being used ! That's a half star deduction right there.Rawhide mallets, preferably Osborne, are the best in my opinion. Overall, the book would be a welcome addition to the leathercrafters library.Leathercraft ToolsLeathercraft an Early Craft Book (An Early craft book)Leathercraft Lacing and Saddle Stitching. Book Three.Leathercraft For AmateursHome Tanning and Leathercraft Simplified107 leathercraft designs in actual sizeGeneral LeathercraftLeather BraidingLeathercraft, you can wear: A complete basic course in leathercraft and 36 projects you can wear with step-by-step instructionsThe Art of Making Leather Cases, Vol. 1

1.0 out of 5 stars Like to make a belt or wallet? Then pass on this book., September 28, 2009

By	Retired "Jim" (Wyoming) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

Sorry this book does not impress me at all. When was the last time you saw someone doing learthecraft with a ballpeen hammer? Like to make a belt or wallet? I did not find that information in this book.
This book is going onto ebay.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Art and Craft of Leather Working Tools, April 23, 2009

By	Robert Shaw (Sierra Vista, AZ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The book is great in helping a person to select the right tool and how to use it. So many small things to know and book takes you there.