Canadian Leathercraft – Spring 2015

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 LXIII No. 3
0045-5121 Spring -2015

Karen Weber, CSCL newest “Fellow”, with Sean Dalgetty FCSCL and Jim Wilkes VP CSCL In this Edition…
Page 2 Notes from the Editor, Highlights of the past Executive Meetings, Membership Reminder Page 3 The 65th Annual Event
Page 4 Peter Grove FCSCL, CSCL Sponsors & Supporters, Want to See More from the 2015 Annual?
Page 5, 6 2015 CSCL Annual Awards Lists
Page 7 Storyboards that Inspire, New Fellow – Karen Weber, New Associate - Eugene Pik
Page 8 CSCL presents: Rex Lingwood – Internationally Renowned Sculptor
Page 9 2015 CSCL Craftsman and Salon Ribbon Winners, Lamour Lending Library for Members Page 10

President: Rob Regan, [email protected]
1st Vice-Pres.: Jim Wilkes, 11 Flynn Ave., Cambridge, ON N3C 2T8 – [email protected]
2nd Vice-Pres.:: Lauch Harrison, 68 Tisdale St. S, Hamilton, ON L8N 2W2 – [email protected]
Past President: Lauch Harrison, 68 Tisdale St. S, Hamilton, ON L8N 2W2 – [email protected]
Treasurer: Della Chynoweth, 3350 Monck Rd., Norland, ON K0M 2L0 - [email protected]
Recording Secretary: Della Chynoweth, 3350 Monck Rd., Norland, ON K0M 2L0- [email protected].
Correspondence: Pat Bullock, 139 Valentia Rd., Little Britain, ON K0M 2C0 - [email protected]
Membership: Barbara Chynoweth, 3350 Monck Rd., Norland, ON K0M 2L0 – [email protected]
Editor: Madeleine Mitchell, 17 Light St., Woodstock, ON N4S 6G7 – [email protected]
Website: Kristi Grove, [email protected]
Privacy Officer: Tracey Howard, 70 County Rd 41, Kirkfield ON, K0M 2B0 [email protected]
Website: www.canadianleathercraft.org

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2 Notes from the Editor…
What’s better than a sunny Saturday in Burlington, ON? Well, it’s meeting with friends and meeting new friends that are members of CSCL at the 65th CSCL Annual. It’s visiting the display tables and seeing how our leather crafters turn thoughts and ideas into boots, shoes, purses, belts, and even Magic Boxes! Read more about the Annual in the following pages.
Rex Lingwood that you read about in the Winter edition of this publication in, was CSCL’s Special Guest at the May 2nd event, demonstrating that beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but there’s a lot of effort and time in the creative process. Read more about his presentation on page 8.
As always at the Annuals, the Fellow and Associate jurors chose the articles deemed worthy of the Awards and Ribbons and the Weston Trophy, the Branch Competition Award.
Two General Members became our newest Associate and Fellow (even though she’s a lady) Congratulations to Eugene Pik and Karen Weber! Congrats also to the Special Award winners and those taking home Salon and Craftsman’s Ribbons. Read the complete list in this issue.
Paul Kitchener had an idea that CSCL needed to promote Workshops to attract new members. He put his words into reality and he created storyboards with actual articles showing the versatility of leather crafting on the display tables at the Annual. The sign up pages in front of the storyboards showed that Members are very interested! Many hours went into the displays by Paul and his team. Thanks!
Just before finishing this issue CSCL learned of the passing of Peter Grove FCSCL.
Peter’s knowledge, generosity and friendship will not be forgotten by members of CSCL.
Branch meetings are held in Hamilton, Mississauga, and Norland, Ontario. Guests are always welcome at meetings with opportunities for newcomers to meet members and glean valuable leather crafting tips.
The quarterly Newsletter “Canadian Leathercraft” is your source of information about CSCL and its members. Also,check out the CSCL website at www.canadianleathercraft.org and CSCL’s Facebook page.
As always, if you have questions, comments, or even a future article for this newsletter, contact your Editor, Madeleine Mitchell at [email protected]

Highlights from Executive Council Meetings…
February 27, 2015 and March 27, 2015
Treasurer’s Report - The spreadsheet that Della Chynoweth created to indicate cost per person to operate the CSCL was reviewed, and it was decided that we should increase the fees to $40.00.
Moved by Paul Kitchener, seconded by Lauch Harrison That this motion be presented at the Annual.
Carried. This will have to be voted on at the Annual to go into effect for 2016-17.
Dragon Workshop held March 21, 2015 at the Norland School Community Center was successful with no two Dragons looking alike.
Council of Fellows – Lauch Harrison reported for Sean Dalgetty. A meeting is scheduled for April 19, 2015 at Paul Kitchener's house. Items for the Weston Trophy, Associates and Fellows to be at Tundra on or before April 18th for judging.

Are You Signed Up? It’s a New Membership Year (April 1 to March 31) Contact our Membership Chair: Barbara Chynoweth, Membership Chairman, CSCL 3350 Monck Rd., Norland, Ontario K0M 2L0 T: 705-454-9941 [email protected]

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3 The 65th CSCL Annual Event
By Madeleine Mitchell

The Mississauga Leather Guild took on a major challenge this year when it agreed to host the 65th Annual in 2015. CSCL has been struggling with financial concerns, decreased active membership, while trying to give members something that would inspire and grow the Society.
Changes were inevitable. During the planning stages, Jim Wilkes and Paul Kitchener of
Mississauga revealed that they wanted to shorten the Annual to just Friday evening for judging and all day Saturday for a demonstration with a special guest.

It started with a perfect Spring day with bright sun shining in the large lake front windows at the Art Gallery of Burlington. Barry Taylor and Linda Courtney of the Mississauga Branch were just setting up the Registration Table when I arrived with Nancy Durham. Only 23 were registered this year but the room was already buzzing with greetings and friendly hugs. It was great to meet some new leathercrafters, young Will from Australia, but now located in Ottawa, with ties to
CSCL through his relative, CSCL’s Marion Kehoe, is keen to learn all he can about leather crafting.
Another new face was Nour who also, is new to Canada, but has been making a study of leather and leathercrafting and astounded me with her knowledge in just a short time. We’ll be watching these two in years to come.
As I visited the Branch display tables I met another “newbie”, Dan. I didn’t get his last name but he was impressed with Sheridan carving and couldn’t wait to try it. Maybe we’ll see a carved article by this young man next year.
The Branch table competition was won by Mississauga and rightly deserved with prizewinning articles by two of their members and some ambitious projects shown. I liked the Norland table with their Dragons! Hamilton also had a table that seemed to have dwindled this year, reflecting the changes within the Branch.
Early in the year Paul Kitchener expressed an idea that he wanted to inspire members and potential members to get involved with CSCL. He spoke of evoking interest in workshops. Well Paul put his thoughts into some wonderful story boards and set up displays that would both amaze and inspire. The storyboards included, among other things - machine stitching, lasted boxes, masks, covered bottles, dragons, and Robert Muma’s instructional boards. The sign up for the workshops to make these articles were filling up during the Annual. Thanks Paul for answering a need.
During the Annual General Meeting Rob Regan directed the membership to the Annual
Reports. As part of the Society’s fiscal changes there is a need to raise Annual Membership Fees to $40 and Sustaining Members Fees to $100 (or equivalent donations), starting April 1, 2016. The hope is that we can teach people the leather crafting skills they want …for a modest yearly membership fee.
Della Chynoweth presented the Financial Report noting that she is on top of the future budget needs. Workshops and sales can help generate future CSCL income. Next year’s auditors will be Barry Taylor and Paul Kitchener and will, no doubt, be vigilant.
Lively discussion followed re Exhibitions, Website review, and CSCL Constitution.
A Constitution Review committee was struck with Paul Kitchener, Rob Regan, Bob Baker, Eugene Pik and Lauch Harrison (who was absent but still got chosen).
Eugene Pik offered to assist Kristo Cino with our internet connections. Members are asked to look for possible Exhibition venues.
The AGM closed with an invitation the President of the Norland Branch, Tracey Howard to come to Lindsay in 2016 for the 66th Annual.

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Peter Grove FCSCL With Sadness, CSCL Announces the Passing of A Great Leather Crafter and Friend on May 22, 2015 in Hamilton. CSCL Executive and Members send heartfelt sympathy to Slyvia, Kristie and family.

Peter Grove receiving CSCL Life Membership May 2014 Peter’s Biography was highlighted in the Spring 2014 issue of “Canadian Leathercraft”

CSCL SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS

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Want to See More from the 2015 CSCL Annual?
Eugene Pik ACSCL, videoed Rex Lingwood’s Demonstration and other CSCL Workshops, including how Eugene created his enigmatic Magic Box.
Google plus profile: https://plus.google.com/+EugenePik
Videos on YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/eugenepik
FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/eugene.pik

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2015 CSCL Annual Award Lists
At the evening Banquet on May 2, 2015 Sean Dalgetty, Chairman of the Council of Fellows presented the following:

2015 Weston Trophy – Mississauga Leather Guild Articles: Received a mark of 88.1
Carved Spurs – Brian Holahan Magic Box – Eugene Pik
Carved Portfolio – Kim Winchester Black Handbag – Karen Weber

Ontario Craft Council Design Award Black and Yellow Backpack – Karen Weber Best Wearable Article Leopard Cowboy Boots – Eugene Pik

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Best General Member Article Carved Spurs – Brian Holahan

Woodstock Heritage Award Carved Handbag – Kim Winchester

Best in Show Magic Box – Eugene Pik

…Continued on Page 9- Salon and Craftsman Ribbon Winners Lists

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Storyboards that Inspire
At the 2015 Annual:
Paul Kitchener presented
Storyboards that illustrated with print, pictures, and actual articles what leather crafting and CSCL teachers can do.
Hoping to entice current members and future members to try a CSCL Workshop. Paul’s posters had “sign up” sheets and all indications are that CSCL is going to have some great workshops! For more information contact – Paul at [email protected]

CSCL’s New Fellow – Karen Weber FCSCL
Karen is a business woman whose business is leather. She has demonstrated at CSCL Annuals and broadened her considerable skills at workshops and demonstrations. Her machine stitched wallets, purses, and bags have graced the display tables for her Branch Mississauga. Karen’s black and yellow backpack took home the 2015 Ontario Crafts Council Design Award and her black handbag helped Mississauga win the 2015 Weston Trophy. Congratulations Karen!
(photo on cover of this issue)

CSCL’s New Associate – Eugene Pik ACSCL
After only a few years doing leather craft, Eugene is a marvel, accomplishing projects that that are innovative like this year’s Magic Box that was judged “Best in Show” and ambitious with his Leopard Skin Cowboy Boots that took home Best Wearable Article Award. Another Mississauga Leather Guild Member and someone to watch, Eugene is not only supportive of CSCL and leathercraft but has been our favourite videographer -check out his contributions to Facebook. As the highest average scored associate entry, Eugene also received the prized Zalitas pin.
Congratulations Eugene!

Eugene Pik receiving his “Associate” from Sean Dalgetty FCSCL

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CSCL presents Rex Lingwood:
Internationally Renowned Sculptor

Chair by Rex Lingwood, created with wood, leather, water and fire

Rex Lingwood shared his creative process with members of CSCL at the 2015 Annual Event. He has exhibited his work in different media around the world, but it was his use of an age old technique, known as “cuir bouilli” that shrinks leather in hot water and then moulds it into amazing shapes that he demonstrated for CSCL members.
He has made tables with pedestals of leather, chairs that are both beautiful and comfortable, bowls that are elegant and functional. Today, he fashioned a bowl using a steaming hot water tank where he dipped and cooked 8 to 9 oz cowhide until the shrinkage was where he wanted it – somewhere between 5 to 40 %. This seems to be dependent on the tanning and the part of the hide used. As every leather crafter knows, each piece of leather is different and has a mind of its own.
Using a series of jigs and wooden shapes, he designed himself, and clamps he stretched and moulded the leather. Often spraying with water and then pulling and securing the leather with staples; he then took a blow torch to slightly dry the shaped bowl. The final drying would take a few days.
The legs of the bowl were next with more cooking, stretching, shaping.
Surprisingly, the interior colour of the finished bowl results from the water mixed with the tannins. He colours only the exterior surfaces. He may add designs to the bowls giving them character and individuality.
As the bowl dried, Rex presented a slide show that revealed the diversity of this technique and answered questions from the admiring crowd. Many Thanks Rex!

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Bowl by Rex Lingwood

2015 CSCL Annual - Craftsman Ribbon Winners
Lauch Harrison – 2 – Tool Box and Timbit box
Colin Paddon -1- Carved Belt
Tracey Howard -2- Free Spirit Sculpture and Dragon Sculpture
Paul Kitchener -2-Turquoise Sandals and Turquoise Ladies Heels
Eugene Pik -4-Leopard Skin Boots, Western Boots, Magic Box, Belt
Jim Wilkes -1-Belt Pouch
Karen Weber -4-Black & Yellow Backpack, Black Purse, Brown Belt with Horn Pin, Clutch Purse Kim Winchester -2- Carved Belt and Carved Purse
Brian Holahan -1-Carved Spurs

2015 CSCL Annual - Salon Ribbon Winners
Lauch Harrison -1-Tool Box
Paul Kitchener -1- Turquoise Sandals
Eugene Pik -2- Leopard Skin Boots and Magic Box
Karen Weber -3-Black & Yellow Backpack, Black Purse, Brown Belt with Horn Pin Brian Holohan -1- Carved Spurs

The Larmour Lending Library for Members
CSCL is very fortunate to have this incredible lending library that is available to Members.
There are books, instructional guides, patterns, and DVD’s pertaining to leather crafting as well as design, colour, and the arts.

Steps to Borrowing from the Larmour Library:
-Look through the list of contents either by contacting your Branch President in Hamilton,
Mississauga, and Norland or through the website link at www.canadianleathercraft.org on Gallery Page.
-Select item(s) you would like to borrow. Send your list to Paul Kitchener at [email protected]. Lending times for books and packages will be approximately one month.
-Branch Presidents will pick up the orders (and then return items) at the monthly
Executive Council Meeting (the 4th Friday of September, October, November,
January, February, March, April, May each year) for Branch Members.
-Members-at-Large, or those who prefer, may order directly from Paul.
-If necessary, some items may be emailed directly to the member.
-Shipping or printing fees may apply.

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More Photos from the 2015 CSCL Annual Event

Karen Weber Dragon Workshop Karen Weber anyone?

The Treasure Norland Branch Tables Table Rex Lingwood’s Table

Member-at-Large Table

Checking out the Storyboards

CSCL Sponsors who contributed Draw Prizes for the Annual -Tandy Leather Store, Bradley Trauzzi Manager, Mississauga
-Tundra Leather Hamilton, www.tundraleather.ca
-Hudson, www.hudson4supplies.com
-Fauk Leather, www.faukleather.com THANK -Kangaroo Lace, Linda Brown
-Simards, http://simards.com YOU!
-Bob Beard, www.wranglersleather.com
-Barry King, http://barrykingtools.com
-Chan Geer
-Leather Wranglers, www.leatherwranglers.com
-Moore-Pearsall Tannery Warehouse, Toronto
- Leathercrafters & Saddlers Journal, www.leathercraftersjournal.com