Canadian Leathercraft – Spring 2008

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

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1 Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft
CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT

Volume LVII No. 3 Spring 2008 0045-5121

Lauch Harrison passes the Presidency of CSCL to Phyllis McHale

In this Edition…
Page 2 Notes from the Editor, Get Well Wishes
Page 3 May 2,3, 4 th, 2008 - Red Neck Weekend,
Page 4 Annual Weekend continued, CSCL Honours Two Longtime Members
Page 5 Marion Kehoe – 2008 Honourary Life Member
Page 6 2008 CSCL Biennial Exhibition
Page 7 Hamilton does it again! Pictures from the 2008 Annual, 2008 Annual Awards Page 8 Junior Members at Work by Dorothy McPherson
Page 9 2008 – 2010 CSCL Executive Council, CSCL Fee reminder
Page 10 Mystery Braided Wristband by Hilda Chynoweth

President: Phyllis McHale, 3783 Cty Rd. 45 RR#1 Coboconk, ON K0M 1K0 –[email protected]
1st Vice-Pres.: Barbara Chynoweth, 701-45 Balliol St., Toronto, ON M4S 1C3 –[email protected]
2nd Vice-Pres.: Paul Kitchener, 885 Rangeview Rd., Mississauga, ON L5E 1H1 –[email protected]
Past President: Lauch Harrison, 68 Tisdale St. S, Hamilton, ON L8N 2W2 – [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: Tracey Howard, RR#1 2316 Conc Rd. A, Brecken, ON L0K 1B0 – [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…
Talk about a “Red Neck “ Weekend! Norland Branch sure knows how to throw a party!
May 2, 3, and 4, 2008 will go down in CSCL history as memorable and full of fun –read all about it in the following pages. And talk about Leather Craft! Some wonderful pieces made it onto the display tables –everything from the cow to the cowboy boots! Sean
Dalgetty’s Cowboy Boots were “Best in Show” as well as part of another important win – read on for the details.
It was especially nice to see a new generation of leather crafters attend or send articles – young people who are trying their hand at the craft .Dorothy McPherson has written an article about these enthusiastic youngsters.
It was also a time to honour 2 of CSCL’s longtime members with Honourary Life
Memberships – Woodstock Branch’s Marion Kehoe and Loreen Manuel. Together they represent over a hundred years worth of fine leather crafting.
As well, we took time to remember members like Ruth Haig, Dorothy Muma with Thinking of You cards, and Get Well cards to Norland’s own Gloria Cousins and Emma Windatt.
Norland’s Team spearheaded by Phyllis McHale and her Chynoweth siblings along with Tracey Howard, Carol Broumley, Lois Found, Darlene and Jim Fry and various other friends and relations kept the pace going all weekend, with 98 year old Hilda Chynoweth even doing a Mystery Braid Wrist Band Workshop! You’ll find her instructions on the last page.
Phyllis and the gang also put together the 2008 Leather Biennial at the Lindsay Art Gallery in April 2008 –more about that in this issue too!
Finally, when you see the 2008-2010 Slate of Officers for the CSCL Executive Council you might notice that Norland Branch is well represented with Phyllis as the new President, and her three sisters –Barbara, Della, and Sandra also on the Slate.
I’m sure all CSCL members wish the Norland Branch a “Hearty Thanks, You all!” for their tireless efforts for this year’s Annual and Biennial.

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

Sean “Bob” – What a weekend!

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Gloria Cousins & Emma Windatt –we missed you!

Contributions to the Summer Newsletter will be from Toronto Branch Deadline for submissions –August 1st, 2008

CSCL 58th Annual Report 2008
Hosted by the Norland Branch of CSCL
In spite of a bum leg, I managed to enjoy limping around CSCL's Red Neck Weekend in Lindsay. I have to credit my two "roomies" –Nancy Durham and Loreen Manuel for helping me out by opening doors, and fetching coffee and ice packs. Nancy took some pictures of the displays for me. Between us, we got about 200 pictures. If anybody would like to see the edited pics -let me know and I'll send an online album to you. There will be real photos available in an album at the next year’s Annual if you don’t have email.
Norland Branch hosted the event and had all kinds of surprises for us – Tracey Howard was at the Registration desk and gave us our own Goodie bag –from the grocery store - we each had our own mason jar drinking mug, identified with our own leather tag - I'm Madeleine "Bob". We had red neckerchiefs that we designed our own "woggle" for and even a little radio, with earphones.
98 year old Hilda Chynoweth, matriarch of the Chynoweth clan (and daughters -Phylliss, Della, Barbara, and Sandra) - organized everything. Grand daughter Tracey was ”Jackie of all trades” after the registrations –she even called the numbers for the humongous Draw Table while Miles, Sandra’s better half, sold tons of tickets, and Grandson Stephen aka "Obie" -entertained with Red Neck jokes at the end of the Banquet. Barb and Della were always around getting people where they had to go and setting up for the next event. Lois Found and Darlene and Jim Fry were trusty side kicks for the Chynoweth’s and tirelessly helped keep the CSCLers watered and fed.
Carol Broumley and Jim Corbett rounded out the Norland contingency –and they even drove back and forth home during the weekend –bringing fresh homemade muffins and more supplies.
We missed Gloria Cousins and Emma Windatt, both in hospital but wished them well. Sandra made sure everybody signed the cards to Gloria and Emma, as well as “Thinking of You cards” to Dorothy Muma, Ruth Haig Sandra welcomed the crowd of 30ish on Saturday morning and defined what a “Red Neck” is, while big sister Phyllis (Major Domo for the weekend) kept an eye on all of them.
Lauch Harrison, President for CSCL opened the General Meeting with Secretary/Treasurer Della to keep him on track, as he finished up his second year as Pres. After the Business from last year and the
Reports from the Executive Council Officers and Committees were completed, the new slate of Officers for the next two years was voted in – you’ll find the complete list at the end of this issue. Lauch also issued 26 Participant Ribbons to CSCL members for both the 2008 Exhibition and the Annual.
David McPherson, President of the Council of Fellows, Red Neckerchief in place, presented the Weston Trophy to Woodstock’s Arch Rival Branch – Hamilton! The Mississauga Group was also in the running but nothing could beat the steam roller Hamilton has become in the past few years.
Lauch Harrison accepted the Weston Trophy on behalf of the winning combination of articles by Lauch, Peter Grove, Sean Dalgetty, and newcomer, Tracey Gearing.
Our Loreen Manuel, got an Honourary Life Membership and I was privileged to do the bio and presentation.
Marion Kehoe, formerly a London Branch member and now a Woodstock member also received an Honourary Life Membership for her long time dedication to CSCL– Marion’s and Loreen’s biographies can be found in this newsletter.
This year we were pleased to see articles by our “Junior” members. Dorothy McPherson has prepared a short article about these bright young crafters in this issue.
President, Lauch Harrison wrapped up his two years as CSCL President and turned the gavel over to Phyllis McHale of Norland at the General Meeting. Later at the banquet celebrations Lauch was presented with a gift for his two years of service
Saturday afternoon was filled with demonstrations and workshops – John Broumley, Carol’s better half, of
Norland demonstrated “Knots” while Sandra Roberts showed an enthusiastic audience “Leather Burning”. Jim Wilkes demonstrated his “Skiving Techniques” then Sandra Roberts, in her second go around, had her group try

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4 their hand at “Gaucho Lacing”. Interspersed with the working groups were the fun filled Draws – where an arm’s length of tickets could get you a pile of goodies to take home. Tracey and Miles kept the momentum going throughout the afternoon culminating in the major draws where $100 Gift certificates as well as premium tools putting smiles on the faces of the winners…and Norland’s Lucky Hat was out of Luck!
These ticket draws continue to be a popular part of CSCL’s yearly get togethers, as well as helping to generate revenue that helps cover the costs of the Annuals.
Several visitors stopped by to see the displays in the late afternoon as the CSCLer’s were gearing down before the evening festivities.
On the Annual banquet tables, decorated with crystal candlesticks, were the Norland Branch’s homemade Red Neck decorations -empty toilet rolls decorated with newsprint and cigarette tubes shredded to look like flowers!
The Mayor of the City of Kawartha Lakes, Ric McGee, was our easy going guest at the banquet– he won the Brief Case! The “briefcase” contained a cut out of a foot with the toes numbered 1 to 5 –it was a “Red Neck Calculator”.
The "Red Neck Wind Chimes" consisted of a piece of card board strung with rope and hung with empty beer cans! I won a prize during the Banquet -an elegantly decorated gold box containing a poem and my brand new "washer & dryer" - a dishcloth and dish towel! The “Loonie Auction” proved to be a hit as loonies jingled into beer cups for an assortment of prizes. Lauch made a valiant attempt to win almost everything only to be thwarted by the Red Necks around the room…at least, he got one prize to take home. As mentioned before, we had a number of young people join us this year and it was fun to see how well they're doing. Young Vivian Batty is also a highland dancer and her Dance Troup entertained with energy and talent at the end of the delicious banquet.

After a pile of Red Neck jokes from Stephen McHale aka “Obie”, David McPherson and Lauch Harrison took the floor for the major ribbon awards. You’ll find the Award list enclosed. 11 crafters took home 19 Salon Ribbons and 18crafters took away 37 Craftsman Ribbons.
Sunday morning brought a new round of demonstrations. Sean Dalgetty demonstrated “4 strand braiding” while making a dog leash. Following Sean, Nancy Durham showed a variety of “Dyeing Techniques” that can create a unique look.
Well that was the Red Neck weekend of 2008!
Thank you! Phyllis McHale and her Norland Branch members You did a great job! and the CSCL members preparing for their journey home were still chuckling about the fun weekend
The Norland Group may be Red Necks, but they know how to throw a party!

Madeleine “Bob”

CSCL Honours Two Longtime Members …with over a hundred years of leather crafting between them!

Loreen Manuel – Honourary Life Member of Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft- 2008

Loreen Manuel is a gentle person with a passion for the art of leathercraft for over 50 years.
I have known Loreen since I began doing leathercraft about 1975, with the Woodstock Branch of CSCL.

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5 I remember going to Foldens Corners, a tiny country village in Oxford County where Loreen lived with her late husband Tom. Her kitchen where our Woodstock Group would meet, years ago, was warmed by a wood stove and the round oak table was often the work table for the beautiful leather projects, Loreen would produce. She has always respected leather and let the leather take her in the direction it wanted to go. Loreen often would take her inspiration from nature – you’ll see maple leaves, birds, acorns, pine cones, flowers in her work. She once told me, one of her personal favorite pieces is a standing cross with a dove. She tried, successfully, using leather in an “intarsia” technique and scored high with CSCL judges. Although she has kept some of her prize-winning articles, many friends and family were the recipients of some of her beautiful handcrafted pieces. Loreen is an expert leather tooler and her finished edges and backs, say on a tray, are as smooth as silk. She has the eye of an artist but will find a tiny fault with a piece that the rest of us don’t even notice.
Loreen, is a long time member of the Woodstock Branch of CSCL, she has held various offices in the Branch and her attendance is record to none. Whenever there is an event –be it an Annual, workshop, exhibition, Loreen can always be counted on for support and her generosity. She is famous in our
Branch for her contributions to out Potluck Parties. Her cookies and fudge are legendary!
Loreen Manuel is most deserving of the Honourary Life Membership in CSCL and we are honoured to have her here today…and still doing leather craft.
Presented by Madeleine Mitchell.

Marion Kehoe - Honourary Life Member of Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft – 2008

Marion Kehoe has been a vital, contributing member of the Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft for over 50 years after joining about 1953. Now a Woodstock branch member, she has served on the national executive as Director and locally with the former London Branch.Marion has presented the Weston trophy and been a delegate to the International Assembly of Leather Craftsmen convention She taught leather craft for many years and now retails her work, at sites like the Woodstock Museum Christmas Craft Sale. Her lovely flower pin and earring sets are delicate and colourful and her whimsical animal pins are popular with all ages.
She has demonstrated leather crafting at the Western Fair and the CNE – and especially at London’s Fanshawe Pioneer Village.
She has had her work published in CSCL’s “Canadian Leathercraft”
In 2003, she received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award for 30 plus years of service.
Marion’s work has been sent, as gifts, to many countries around the world. She enjoys live theatre, travelling, and is a longtime member of the London Arts and Crafts Guild. Until recently, she has volunteered at the gift shop in the London regional and Historical Museums.
Marion travel often with the McPhersons to the Woodstock Branch meetings and events and shares her leathercrafting tips and skills generously.
Presented by Dorothy McPherson

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6 More photos of the fun and the wonderful leather at the Red Neck Weekend are available online. If you would like to view, contact [email protected] and a link will be sent to you.
Also see CSCL website at: www.canadianleathercraft.org

2008 CSCL Biennial Exhibition Lindsay Art Gallery –April 5 to April 28, 2008.

Phyllis McHale and her Norland Branch hosted the exhibition at the Lindsay Art Gallery in
Lindsay, Ontario during April 2008. Visitors were amazed at the beauty and versatility of Leather crafted by CSCL members.
13 CSCL members produced a fine array of leather crafts. Local Cable TV interviewed Darlene Fry on behalf of the Norland Team at the exhibition.

David McPherson’s Box with Petrified Wood Awards Presented at Leather 2008

-CSCL Executive Award for Most Functional Article… Sean Dalgetty for his Chestnut box case -CSCL Special Judges Award … Peter Grove for his Guitar strap with red gillwork
-Michigan Leather Award for Best Soft Leather or Best Colour ... Phyllis McHale for her Deerskin mitts with fur

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7 -Moore-Pearsall Award for Best Belt… Nancy Durham for her two-tone brown basketweave belt/buckle set
-Moore-Pearsall Award for Best Carving… Paul Kitchener for his Embossed parrot picture
-Irva Ford Moulded Leather Award… Linda Courtney for her Moulded mask in purple and gold Judges 4 Honourable Mention Choices… ( In alphabetical order)
-Sean Dalgetty.. Inlaid-buckle belt
-Peter Grove.. Shooter’s pouch – black w/carving and basket stamping
-Paul Kitchener.. Mystery braid and Celtic-carved belt
-David McPherson.. “Atomic Box” – hinged lid w/inset agate, black w/brown

Hamilton does it again!

2008 Weston Trophy won by the Hamilton Branch
PETER GROVE Shooting Case
SEAN DALGETTY Cowboy Boots
TRACEY GEARING Carved Book Cover
LAUCHLAN HARRISON Gate Mouth Case

Woodstock Branch and Mississauga Branch placed 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Watch out next year Hamilton!

Pictures from the Annual

The Chynoweth Dynasty and Mother Hilda

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8 2008 CSCL Annual Awards
Irva Ford Award for Best Moulded Leather - Jan Malec for his Moulded Cow
Robert Muma Award for Best Coloured Piece – Bryan Goring for his Saddle Bags
Betty Heacock Award for a New or Novice Piece –Tracey Gearing for her Carved Cover Ontario Crafts Council Design Award –David McPherson for his Black Box with
Petrified Wood
Best Fellow Entry –Sean Dalgetty for his Cowboy Boots
Best in Show Award – Sean Dalgetty for his Cowboy Boots

JUNIOR MEMBERS AT WORK by Dorothy McPherson

The 2008 Annual Convention display featured the work of four young leathercrafters from age 7 to teens.
From Norland Leather Guild Vivian Batty submitted a covered belt buckle and carved picture; Darren Burger submitted three articles that included gloves and a belt.
From Woodstock Leather Guild Julia Malec submitted a Mixed Display for judging that contained 12 articles including ring, brooch and a lidded container. Joanna Malec submitted a Mixed Display that contained a collage-tree wall sculpture as well as a leather-cover book. Both Julia and Joanna’s displays included bookmarks coloured with gel ink pens.
Each of these crafters received a PARTICIPATION ribbon for submitting at least one article for judging. These four crafters were lauded for their enthusiastic approach to learning the basics of this time-honoured craft. They are already hard at work planning entries for next year’s annual.
Everyone was delighted with their efforts.

Joanna and Julia Malec The Malec girls put their creativity to work

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Vivian Batty, & she dances too! Darren Burger –started January 2008!

2008-2010 CSCL Executive Council
Officers
Past President Lauchlan Harrison (905) 525-4092 President Phyllis McHale (705) 454-3206 1st Vice Barbara Chynoweth (416) 481-7732 2nd Vice Paul Kitchener (905) 257-5622 Recording Secretary Della Chynoweth (705) 426-4663 Corresponding Secret’y Darlene Fry (705) 652-8784 Treasurer Della Chynoweth (705) 426-4663

Branch Presidents
Hamilton Lauchlan Harrison (905) 525-4092 Mississauga Barry Boyd (905) 840-9855 Norland Phyllis McHale (705) 454-3206 Toronto Barbara Chynoweth (905) 481-7732 Woodstock Madeleine Mitchell (519) 537-7821

Ex-Officio Chairman of Council of Fellows David McPherson (519) 473-6450 Teaching Standards Ruth Haig/Lauch Harrison (905) 525-0780 Editor of Canadian Leathercraft Madeleine Mitchell (519) 537-7821 Membership Tracey Howard (705) 426-4663 Librarian Sandra Roberts Directors: (705) 457-1966 Website 1. Miles Madeleine Roberts Mitchell (705) (519) 457-1966 537-7821 Archivist 2. Sandra Paul Kitchener Roberts (705) (905) 457-1966 257-5622

Nancy Durham (519) 458-4533
Laura Bush (613) 392-1475
Marilyn Harry (613) 392-2660
Dorothy McPherson (519) 473-6450
Jim Wilkes (519) 658-4437
Barry Taylor (905) 624-3109
Joyce Scruton (905) 844-9471
Peter Grove (905) 527-7745

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Did you pay your dues?
Memberships in CSCL were due April 1, 2008 –but it’s not too late…
Send you $25.00 fee (payable to CSCL) to our new Membership Chair – Tracey Howard
RR#1 –2316 Conc Rd A
Brecken, ON
L0K 1B0

Presented at the 2008 CSCL Annual

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Mystery Braid Wristband

By Hilda Chynoweth

Step 1 Fold lower end of band between strand B and C

Step 2 Pass strand A and B

Step 3 Pass strand C over A

Step 4 Pas strand B over C

Step 5 Fold lower end of wrist band between strands C and B

Step 6 Pass strand A over B

Step 7 Pass strand C over A

Step 8 Pass strand CoverA

Step 9

To continue braiding fold lower end of wrist band between strands B and C. Repeat steps 2 through 9 until strands are not long enough to complete another full cycle of braiding.