Canadian Leathercraft – Spring 2007

An issue of the Society’s newsletter, transcribed from the original. Download as PDF.

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Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT

Volume LV No. 3 Spring –2007
0045-5121 Annual Weekend Issue

Mary Anne Crawford and Linda Courtney at the 2007 CSCL Annual
In this Edition…
Page 2 Notes from the Editor, Notice of 2008 Exhibition & Workshop, TRC Gallery
Page 3 A Leathercraft Tip, Birthday Wishes, Executive Meetings Highlights
Page 4,5,6 CSCL Annual Ribbons –Salon and Craftsman–May 2007
Page 6, 7, 8, 9 CSCL Special Awards –May 2007, Weston Trophy Branch Competition
Page 10, 11 OVSA Award Winners for 2007 and CSCL’s Newest Fellow
Page 12 Membership reminder, Tribute to Don Macleod and New Award, 2007- 08Executive Council Note:
No Technical article this issue, due to length of Annual News, watch future issues for project articles.

President: Lauch Harrison, 68 Tisdale St. S, Hamilton, ON L8N 2W2 – [email protected]
1st Vice-Pres.: Phyllis McHale, 3783 Cty Rd. 45 RR#1 Coboconk, ON K0M 1K0 – [email protected]
2nd Vice-Pres.: Barbara Chynoweth,701-45 Balliol St., Toronto, ON M4S 1C3 –[email protected]
Past President: Peter Grove, 313 King St East, Hamilton, ON L8N 1C1 – - [email protected]
Treasurer: Della Chynoweth, Po Box 98, Brecken ON L9W 4V9- [email protected]
Recording Secretary: Della Chynoweth, PO Box 98., Breckon, ON L0K 1B0- [email protected].
Correspondence: Darlene Fry, 1296 Seaforth Cres., RR#3 Lakefield, ON K0L 2H0 – [email protected]
Membership: Phyllis McHale, 3783 Cty Rd. 45 RR#1 Coboconk, ON K0M 1K0 – [email protected]
Editor: Madeleine Mitchell, 17 Light St., Woodstock, ON N4S 6G7 – [email protected]
Website: www.canadianleathercraft.org

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Notes from the Editor…
When Mississauga planned the 2007 CSCL Annual they ordered good weather – and they got it! The first weekend in May was sunny and warm and welcoming at the Burlington Arts Centre. Read all about the Annual in the following pages.
Longtime CSCL Member and charter member of the Mississauga Leather Guild, Don
MacLeod passed away February 17, 2007. Don will be remembered as President of the Mississauga group and president of CSCL. He also co-edited this newsletter for a number of years before passing this publication on to me. Don generously volunteered his time and skills to CSCL and will be fondly remembered. Joyce Scruton has written a tribute to Don in this issue.
Although Hamilton Branch was supposed to provide copy for this issue, I’ll let them off the hook in view of the many things I have to publish from the Annual and the fact that they won the Weston Trophy …again!
You might say that Paul Kitchener owned the 2007 Annual, not only did his Mississauga group host the weekend, he became a “Fellow” and award winner, par excellance. Paul produced the beautiful Belt Buckle Award in memorium for Don MacLeod. Did I mention he presented about Cowboy Boots too?
Many Thanks go to the judges for this year’s Awards and Ribbons –Ruth Haig FCSCL, Carol McLean FCSCL, David McPherson FCSCL, Nancy Durham FCSCL, Sean Dalgetty FCSCL, Peter Grove FCSCL.
Thanks to the Branches and the members, sponsors, and guests that made the weekend special.
We were pleased to Welcome Jamie Zelikovitz from Ottawa at the Annual –he brought dye samples from his leather supply company and demonstrated on Saturday afternoon –he even won the Name Tag competition!
As usual, the Annual weekend was a great time to connect with old friends and make new ones, and a super time to be inspired to try a new leather craft technique or to revisit something that’s tried and true. Your CSCL Executive Council is working hard to give members opportunities for advancing their skills. Additionally, the Council strives to keep CSCL a vibrant, forward looking organization.
Your input is always welcomed! The CSCL Newsletter will always find room for contributions of news, tips, questions –just contact me at [email protected] or write to Madeleine Mitchell, 17 Light St., Woodstock, ON N4S 6G7
Mark Your Calendars and start your Project for the
2008 CSCL Exhibition
To be held at the Lindsay Art Gallery -April 2008.
Details will follow in future issues of “Canadian Leathercraft”

Norland Branch is hosting a Workshop Saturday, September 22, 2007 Details will be sent out in July

Contributions to the Summer Newsletter will be from Hamilton Branch Deadline for submissions –August 1st, 2007

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Visit The Reading Corner Gallery 566 Newbold St. London For further information, contact Dorothy McPherson, TRC Gallery curator, 574 Cayley Drive, London, ON N6H 3G8. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm (519)473-6450 or email: [email protected] Featuring Fine Handart by Canadian Crafters

A Leathercraft Tip
…Phyllis McHale, Norland Branch
Casing Leather:
Tap water has iron in it. These small specks absorb into the leather and turn black. It can be compared to ebonizing wood with steel wool and vinegar - the iron in the wool pad causes the wood to turn black. When casing leather the old times collected rainwater. You can use distilled water. Sometimes you can find iron-free bottled water.

There that's my contribution for the time being.
Phyllis

Norland Beauties –Phyllis, Tracey, and Emma

Highlights from the Executive Council Meetings
March – May 2007:
CSCL’s Constitution revisions are completed and ready for approval by the General Membership at the Annual General Meeting – May 5, 2007

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New categories for Awards discussed with plans to have displays at the Annual. Dorothy McPherson instrumental in bringing this idea to reality. Award suggestions include –jewelry, recycled leather, deerskin, footwear, handwear, miniature Doll House furnishings, and others.
Nancy Durham’s Workshop on Lasted Boxes on February 24th was a great success and chances are that the judges will have a hard time finding the Best of the workshop boxes.
Participation Ribbons for Annuals are in the works.
New Slate of Executive Council has been presented and approved by Council. Finalized at AGM. (See page 12)
CSCL might have a possible new Branch forming in Ottawa. Details will follow.

CSCL Annual Ribbons May 2007

From the Chairman of the Council of Fellows, David McPherson FCSCL 24 SALON RIBBONS presented to 7 CRAFTERS LINDA COURTNEY (2) PAINTED MASK
FLOWER PURSE

SEAN DALGETTY (4) HEAD KNIFE FLASK
BLACK BOX W/FINGER SLOTS RED MASK
RED QUIVER

NANCY DURHAM (1) RED LASTED BOX

DARLENE FRY(2) DOGWOOD PURSE
BROWN VEST
Sean’s Knife Flask

PETER GROVE (4) FACE FLASK
BLACK LASTED BOX, CARVED TOP,SILVER BAND
BLACK & TAN LASTED BOX ,CARVED TOP, STITCHED BAND BELT W/PINK BUCKLE

PAUL KITCHENER (9) SPORRAN W/FORMED METAL CONES LASTED BOX W/STONE
PARROT PICTURE
SHOES
WOVEN BELT
BUCKING HORSE BINDER
CAT BINDER
LASTED SPORRAN
BELT TROPHY

DAVID MCPHERSON (2) FREE-FORMED BOX W/STONE Paul’s Lasted Sporran EGG-SHAPED TWO-TONE-BROWN LASTED BOX

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45 CRAFTSMAN RIBBONS presented to 19 CRAFTERS

BARRY BOYD (1) KNIFE SHEATH

DELLA CHYNOWETH (1) LASTED BOX

LINDA COURTNEY (2) PAINTED MASK
FLOWER PURSE
SEAN DALGETTY(4) HEAD KNIFE FLASK
BLACK LASTED BOX W/ FINGER SLOTS RED MASK
RED QUIVER

NANCY DURHAM (4) RED LASTED BOX
BASKET WEAVE BUCKLE BASKET WEAVE BELT KNIFE CASE

DARLENE FRY (3) NATURAL CARVED HANDBAG
FISH WALLET
DOGWOOD PURSE Sean’s Red Quiver

PETER GROVE (4) FACE FLASK
BLACK LASTED BOX W/ CARVED TOP
& CONTINUOUS SILVER BAND
BLACK & TAN LASTED BOX W/ CARVED TOP & STITCHED OUTER BAND
BELT W/PINK BUCKLE

LAUCHLAN HARRISON(2) RED MOULDED PURSE
MOTTLED RED LINED LASTED BOX

MARION KEHOE (1) SET OF TINY “OFF-CUT” FLOWERS

PAUL KITCHENER (9) SPORRAN W/FORMED METAL CONES LASTED BOX W/STONE
PARROT PICTURE
SHOES
WOVEN BELT
BUCKING HORSE BINDER
CAT BINDER
LASTED SPORRAN
BELT TROPHY

KEVEN MAGURA (1) SQUARE STITCHED BOX LOREEN MANUEL(2) GOOSE WALL HANGING

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SET OF ASSORTED FLOWERS

PHYLLIS MCHALE (3) DEERSKIN GLOVES
WOODMAN MITTS Phyllis’ Deerskin Gloves DEERHIDE (LT. TAN) BABY MOCASSINS

DAVID MCPHERSON(2) FREE-FORMED BOX W/STONE
EGG-SHAPED TWO-TONE-BROWN LASTED BOX MADELEINE MITCHELL(1) ROSE MARIE COVERED BOX
COLIN PADDON(1) BELT W/RED DIAMOND INLAY

CATHERINE ROYLE(1) BLACK FACE PURSE
JIM WILKES(1) FUNERAL BOOK
ANTONY WOHLGEMUTH(1) TRIBAL CARVED BINDER
HONOURABLE MENTION
CINDY MAGURA WIZARD BOX,
A WORK IN PROGRESS Catherine Royle’s Face Purse

Special CSCL Awards – May 2007 IRVA FOR AWARD FOR BEST MOULDED PIECE
Presented to PETER GROVE
FOR BLACK LASTED BOX W/ CARVED TOP & CONTINUOUS SILVER BAND

ROBERT MUMA AWARD FOR BEST COLOURED PIECE Presented to PAUL KITCHENER
FOR CAT BINDER

BETTY HEACOCK AWARD FOR A NEW OR NOVICE PIECE

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Presented to COLIN PADDON FOR RED DIAMOND INLAY BELT

BEST IN SHOW AWARD
Presented to PAUL KITCHENER
FOR PARROT PICTURE

ONTARIO CRAFTS COUNCIL DESIGN AWARD
Presented to LINDA COURTNEY
FOR MOULDED PAINTED MASK

BEST GENERAL MEMBER ENTRY
Presented to BARRY BOYD
FOR KNIFE SHEATH

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CSCL WORKSHOP AWARD
Presented to LAUREN MCPHERSON
FOR CHARCOAL OVAL LASTED BOX

Did You Know? In a deck of cards -King of Spades is King David, Kings of Clubs is Alexander the Great, King of Hearts is Charlemagne, and King of Diamonds is Julius Caesar

2007 Weston Trophy Branch Competition

As President, Lauch Harrison and Chairman of the Council of Fellows David McPherson, both stated, they were thrilled that all five CSCL Branches participated in the 2007 annual Branch competition…it’s been a long time coming.

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Ruth Haig FCSCL and Carol McLean FCSCL, and the rest of the Judges had their work cut out for them –

Norland’s Weston Trophy Entry

Norland’s

Toronto’s Weston Trophy Entry Mississauga Weston Trophy Entry

Woodstock’s Weston Trophy Entry

And the 2007 Weston Trophy goes to…
Hamilton Branch

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Congratulations to Peter Grove (Flask with Face), Lauch Harrison (Red Purse), Catherine Royale (Face Purse) and Sean Dalgetty (Flask with Head Knife)!

OVSA Award Winner for 2007 – Miles Roberts, Norland Branch CSCL

Miles has spent his life in the Grocery Business. His parents worked in the Grocery Store and when Miles was old enough he started working there also. After high school Miles went on to train as a butcher and has been cutting meat ever since.
Miles loves making things. He has a large work shop with lots of power tools and wood working equipment. He likes building things in wood. Miles joined the Locklin Wood Carvers to learn about wood carving. When his wife Sandra, who also became interested in wood carving, began to become more involved in working with leather Miles followed suit and began working with leather also.
Miles has combined his woodworking with leathercrafting. He has supplied most of the Norland Branch members with strops for sharpening their leather tools. He has also been very helpful in sharpening tools for branch members with experience gained from his many years of sharpening knives as a butcher.
Miles likes making items in leather that are sometimes experimental and sometimes challenging.
His laminated candlesticks earned a Craftsman ribbon at the Annual in 2004.
Miles was in the Kinsmen Club and belongs to the Highland Wood Carvers Club. He has an interest in old cars and car racing. Miles very much enjoys his five grandchildren.
Miles is a member of the Norland Leather Guild having joined in 2001.
He is also a Director on the CSCL executive council and this year will receive a 5-year Ontario Volunteer Service Award for his continued support of this club.
Congratulations, Miles.
Editor’s Note: Shortly after the 2007 Annual, Miles’ father passed away. Our sympathies go out to Miles and his family.

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CSCL’s Newest Fellow and OVSA Award Winner for 2007 Paul Kitchener, Mississauga Branch
Paul Kitchener graduated from Georgetown District High School in 1963, Lakeshore Teachers College, 1964, and then taught Elementary School Grade 6 in Etobicoke for two years 64 -66.
From 1966-71, he taught Grades 6, 7, 8 Art in Middle School Unified Arts Program: Art, Family Studies, and Shop. Also Material Arts: ceramics, lapidary, enameling and jewellery-making and the usual Drawing, Painting, and Design.
In 1969 he studied Weaving – Colour and Texture with Robert Cawood.
In 1971 he received his Ontario Teachers Federation Art Supervisors Certificate, Ontario College of Art. From 72 – 82 he taught Unified Arts Program, Etobicoke Board of Education. Concentrations: Material Arts, Pottery, Enameling, Jewellery, Silver Work, Lost Wax Casting, Lapidary, Batik, Weaving and Lost Wax Casting.
In 1971-72 he served as Principal, Grades 6, 7, 8 at RAPP (Rajasthan Atomic Power Project) School, in India on loan to the Department of Atomic Energy.
Then, from 1972 –82 he continued to teach and do curriculum development in Unified Arts Program in Etobicoke. He attempted to learn leather carving but was sold chrome-tanned leather which led him to give up leathercrafting for years.
Until, in the late 70s, he found Tandy Leather and leathercrafter Joyce Scruton and got on track with veg- tanned leather.
His students enjoyed leatherwork being included in their program as Paul even had them making their own stamping tools:
one advantage of working in a program with a shop.
He completed 18 years of teaching with Lakeshore/Etobicoke Board of Education in 1982 and, when he quit teaching, he did freelance PR work for one year within the fruit and vegetable industry. Paul injured his knee and Joyce Scruton gave him a job at Tandy Leather.
Paul recalls the tremendously enthusiastic group of Leathercrafters here when he and Joyce, and two other people, founded the Mississauga Society for Creative Leathercraft in the early 80s. Most of Paul’s skills and techniques in leatherwork were developed at that time: embossing, dying, techniques, case making and hand stitching.
Then Paul stopped doing leatherwork from 84 – 99 with the exception of an occasional gift for friends. He was busy making a living.
In 1998-2000 Paul took a Small Business Associate Degree Course, Oklahoma State University with concentrations on the design and traditional construction of boots and saddles.
In 1999 Paul started back at leatherwork in a big way and, that year, he took Leather Embossing with Robb Barr, Oklahoma City.
In 2000 he studied Building a Western Boot with Carl Chappel, Saint Jo, Texas with concentrations on The measuring of the foot and the preparation of a last for a proper fit and the use of traditional methods of construction.
In 2001 he took The Introduction to Silver Engraving with Johnny Weyert, Texas, with concentrations on Proper preparation of gravers, and the basic cuts and bright cut silver engraving.
Last year he studied the design and construction of women’s shoes with Sarah Rotering, Toronto
Paul has demonstrated Leather Carving at Calgary Stampede, Canadian Rodeo Finals, and Royal Winter Fair 2000-2006.
He has conducted workshop s in Embossed Leather Eagle Flask, 2006 as well as Colouring Leather using various techniques from other media such as block printing, batik, etc in 2005.
His work has been in group exhibitions in Ontario, Wyoming and Texas.
Paul’s major works and commissions from 1984 – 2005 include:
 Intricate leather sporrans with silver, lapis lazuli, chains and buckles for individuals;
 Gavel from the leg bone of a cow, silver and rosewood with a scrimshawed logo in the handle of the gavel for Cardinal Meats;
 Exotic stained glass box that was an after thought to hold the gavel. The box had the logo etched into one of the glass panels for Cardinal Meats;
 Donors Plaque for Mount Sinai Hospital;
 Boots and Saddles;
 Director’s Chair for Brian Gibson;
 Presentation Folder for the King of Bahrain;
 Motorcycle seat and accessories. Suzuki 2005.
He received Best In Show in Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft 2002,03,04 as well as Best Carved Piece.
He received his Associate Certificate in 2006 and the Zalitis Pin. His average score was 88.5 percent.
Besides receiving his Fellow Certificate today, he is being honoured this year with an Ontario Volunteer Service Award for his 5 years of dedicated work with CSCL. He is president of the Mississauga Society for Creative Leathercraft and Director on the CSCL executive council. Through his interest in leatherwork Paul is helping maintain the tradition of leathercrafting in Canada. Congratulations, Paul!

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Paul’s Fellow Articles: (Clockwise) Lasted Box with Stone, Sporran with Tassles, the Parrot Picture and the Red & Black Shoe
Tribute to Don MacLeod
Joyce Scruton, Honourary Life Member of CSCL wrote:
“Don was born in 1925 and lived his life in the Toronto area. He was employed by Bell Telephone and was an active member of the Cooksville United Church.
Don joined the Mississauga Leather Group in 1983 and was soon a member of the Executive Council. He was President for 5 years and later co-editor of the Bulletin. Don was well known for his covered buckles and lacing ponies. He is missed by all.”
The Don MacLeod Belt Buckle Award has been created by Paul Kitchener of the Mississauga Branch and will be presented annually for the Best Belt Buckle.
The first recipient of the
2007 Don MacLeod Belt Buckle Award
Nancy Durham FCSCL

Membership Dues are Over Due! If you haven’t paid your CSCL Annual Fees –STOP what you’re doing!, Put down this Newsletter and get out your cheque book and send $25 to Phyllis McHale at RR#1 –3783 Cty Rd 45,

2007-2008 CSCL Executive Council
Officers Past President Peter Grove (905) 527-7745 Directors:
President Lauchlan Harrison (905) 525-4092 1. Miles Roberts (705) 457-1966 1st Vice Phyllis McHale (705) 454-3206 2. Sandra Roberts (705) 457-1966 2nd Vice Barbara Chynoweth (416) 481-7732 3. Nancy Durham (519) 458-4533 Recording Secretary Della Chynoweth (705) 426-4663 4. Laura Bush (613) 392-1475 Corresponding Secret’y Darlene Fry (705) 652-8784 5. Marilyn Harry (613) 392- 2660
6. Dorothy McPherson (519) 473-6450
7. Betsy Rennie (905) 631-6277
8. Barry Taylor (905) 624-3109
9. Joyce Scruton (905) 844-9471
10. Darlene Fry (705) 652-8784

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Treasurer Della Chynoweth (705) 426-4663 Branch Presidents
Hamilton Lauchlan Harrison (905) 525-4092 Mississauga Paul Kitchener (905) 257-5622 Norland Phyllis McHale (705) 454-3206 Toronto Della Chynoweth (705) 426-4663 Woodstock David McPherson (519) 473-6450 Standing Committees:
Editor of Canadian Leathercraft Madeleine Mitchell (519) 537-7821 Membership Phyllis McHale (705) 454-3206 Librarian Sandra Roberts (705) 457-1966 Ex-Officio
Chairman of Council of Fellows David McPherson (519) 473-6450 Teaching Standards Ruth Haig/Lauch Harrison (905) 525-0780