An issue of the Society’s newsletter, transcribed from the original. Download as PDF.
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[Transcribed from the original eight-page issue — the first under the new editors and in the redesigned format. Paragraphs are reflowed from the original setting; spelling, punctuation and wording follow the original, including its own inconsistencies. Editorial notes appear in [square brackets].]
CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT VOLUME XLIII NO. 4 SUMMER 1995 0045-5121 FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
Happy Canada Day!
The preparation of this issue coincides with the celebration of Canada's 128th birthday hence a poem about the emergence of a nation, Canada, and its adoption of a flag. As the new editors of Canadian Leathercraft we appreciated the assistance of former editors Betsy Rennie and Lois MacPherson. Members ' submissions to date have been great. Keep them coming.
A questionaire circulated at the Annual asked: "What workshops er skill-honing sessions would you like C.S.C.L to provide?”. If you didn't attend the Annual, but have a workshop request, jot it down and send, it to Bill Whittingham, FC.S.C.L. To promote leathercrafting, Bill is going to investigate. the possibility of the Mississauga Branch displaying leathercraft in local libraries.
Deadline for receipt of material for the next issue is September 10, 1995.
Celebrate the day, eh?! The Editors
INDEX Page From the Editor's Desk 1 Annual 1995 2 Ribbons/Awards 3 Critique: Weston Trophy 4 For Your Information 4-7 Officers 8
All material published in Canadian Leathercraft is the property of THE CANADIAN SOCIETY FOR CREATIVE LEATHERCRAFT and may not be reproduced in any form without the permission of the Society.
OFFICERS President Betsy Rennie 1357 Baldwin St. Burlington Ont. L7S 1K1 1st Vice-President René Hackstetter 302-469 Palmerston Blvd. Toronto Ont. M6G 2N9 2nd Vice-President Bill Whittingham 42 Robinhood Rd. Islington Ont. M9A 2W8 Recording Secretary Kevin Armstrong 1377 Hurontario St. Mississauga Ont. L5G 3H5 Corresponding Secretary Nancy Durham R.R. #1 Princeton Ont. N0J 1V0 Treasurer David Windeyer 2261 Glenwoodschool Dr. Burlington Ont. L7R 3R6 Membership Chairman Madeleine Mitchell 17 Light St. Woodstock Ont. N4S 6G7 Editor Dorothy McPherson 133 Hampton Ave. Port Colborne Ont. L3K 5R9 Editor David McPherson 133 Hampton Ave. Port Colborne Ont. L3K 5R9
[A new executive takes office this issue: Betsy Rennie becomes President, with René Hackstetter as 1st Vice-President, David Windeyer as Treasurer, and Dorothy and David McPherson as Editors. Don MacLeod's presidency ends. The original renders several names badly — "Whittinghas", "Arnstrong", "Durhan", "Menbership"; they are given here in their established forms.]
[Two photographs on this page are captioned: IRVA FORD AWARD — black bottel — Bill Whittingham — Fellowship entry BEST IN SHOW — book ends — Bill Whittingham — Fellowship entry]
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C.S.C.L 45TH ANNUAL
by Madeleine Mitchell
The Woodstock Branch hosted this year's C.S.C.L Annual and welcomed members from Toronto, Hamilton, Mississauga, and Norland Branches as well as a few members—at—large. Numbers were down this year but Loreen Manuel, Beula Reynolds, and Nancy Wilson, who manned the registration table, had everyone sign cards to be sent to those who could not attend due to illness. The convention nametags were made by Beula and Loreen.
The first event of the weekend, following set-up of the branch displays and short executive meeting, was a slide/tape presentation celebrating 45 years of cC8SCL leather. The slides, set to classical and contemporary music, illustrated not only the wonderful leather of years past but also some of the people who have made C.S.C.L the fine organization it is today. The Fellows and Associates then returned to the display room to judge the articles of this past year's work for Salon and Craftsman ribbons.
Saturday morning was a bustle of activity with friends meeting, registrations and membership fees being paid, and coffee brewing. President Don MacLeod called the business part of the Annual to order shortly after 10 a.m. Following the reperts of last year, and a presentation of ribbons for the 1994 Biennial Exhibition, Don called on Madeleine Mitchell to present an Honourary Life Membership to Hilda Chynoweth, Norland. The new slate of Executive Officers was read by Ruth Haig. Ruth presented Don with a Past President's pin for three years of service to C.S.C.L. Jack Meharg presented Hamilton Branch with the 1995 Weston Trophy. other branch, participated in this year's branch competition. Come on, Mississauga, Woodstock, and Norland get started now on your 1996 entry!
Only one Toronto,
Nancy Durham welcomed C.S.C.L members to Woodstock and announced events for the rest of Saturday and Sunday. This year's Question Box then followed with discussion among members about solutions to the questions.
Saturday's buffet lunch was followed by two demonstrations in the display room. Carol McLean, FC.S.C.L, who has become a world-renowned quilting teacher, returned to cSCL to present Decorative Design Concepts. She discussed elements of design and how to find ideas for design just about anywhere. At the same time, David McPherson, AC.S.C.L, demonstrated Acrylic Rubs to produce subtle colour and dramatic effects. brought cheers and claps as the draw tables were emptied by lucky ticket holders. Muriel McKnight. AC.S.C.L, Hamilton Branch, demonstrated tips for successful Leather Tooling. Some members got a chance to try the technique with Muriel's skilled help. Meanwhile, at the other end of the room, Al Williams, Woodstock member from Sarnia, shared his wealth of Knowledge about Unique Tool Sharpening with C.S.C.L onlookers. As the afternoon drew to a the last of the prizes was picked up. Then The Curiosity Table yielded up some of its secrets:Labrador sealskin boots, trog, antique container with leather inlaid top, glove stitching stand, and ostrich fan holder. C.S.C.L members relaxed until the evening gala. The evening banquet preceded
Mid-afternoon -~- close the real purpose of the evening -~~
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celebration, fun, and hugs. Don MacLeod conducted his last duty as president as he presided over the evening events which included presentations by Dorothy Muma of Craftsman and Salon ribbons, and a thank you to the host Woodstock Branch. Nancy Durham called upon branch members to stand to be recognized. She then introduced the evening speakers. Reverend Roger McCombe presented a laughter-filled hour of warmth and happiness. In spite of the recent passing of his’ father, Roger delighted the audience and stayed to hear the second speaker, Lois Bradfield. A former teacher, Lois entertained in the style of Hee Haw's “Minnie Pearl" complete with hat, sales tag, and bloomers under her skirt.
Following Minnie's light-hearted humour C.S.C.L members took down the displays and relaxed for the evening.
A bright Sunday morning brought together a group of cSCLers intent on making Dream Catchers coached by Nancy Durham. Following the workshop, members said goodbye to Woodstock and the 45th Annual weekend.
CRAFTSMAN RIBBONS Hilda Chynoweth vase with reeds Nancy Durham belt with heart conchos; black stamped belt Ruth Haig ranger belt; lasted box; square box/mitred corners; trillium wallet Don MacLeod buckle with beaver; coin picture Loreen Manuel double loonie basket; weedpot David McPherson clock Jack Meharg small black bottel Madeleine Mitchell calculator case Kayna Ooyevaar nature picture Beula Reynolds leopard; braided belt Bill Whittingham book ends; black bottel David Windeyer tote bag; bag with horns SALON RIBBONS Nancy Durham belt with heart conchos Ruth Haig square box/mitred corners Loreen Manuel weedpot; cap badge display Dorothy McPherson black document case Jack Meharg small black bottel Kayna Ooyevaar nature picture Bill Whittingham book ends; napkin holder SPECIAL AWARDS Irva Ford Award (molded leather) Bill Whittingham — black bottel Robert Muma Award (tooled/colour work) Ruth Haig — trillium wallet Mary Zatyko Award (soft leather) David Windeyer — tote bag Best In Show Bill Whittingham — book ends
[The Mary Zatyko Award for soft leather appears here for the first time; the same category was previously carried by the Michigan Leather Award.]
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CRITIQUE: WESTON TROPHY ENTRIES
HAMILTON BRANCH (78.8%)
Pocket secretary (Muriel McKnight). Good choice of leather; stitching and edge tooling very nice. Design tooling could have been deeper. 68.3%
Hiking bag (Betsy Rennie). Closure is a bit difficult to open; stitching could be improved; very rich colour. 71.6% Ranger belt (Ruth Haig). Colour and design simple yet elegant. 91.6%
Blue box (David McPherson). Nicely fitting lid; great colour and shape. 87.5%
Tote bag (David Windeyer). Excellent braiding; good choice of leather; perhaps should have had rounded holes for the braided closure. 75%
TORONTO BRANCH (62%)
Trucker's log (Alan Foss). Very functional article; lacing joints require more attention; border design misssing on back; pleasing dye job. 73%
Keycase (Cal Lucas). Excellent hardware; carving could be improved: interesting dye job.53%
Jewellery (Kayna Ooyevaar). Lovely colour; pleasing to the eye. 74% Wallet (Jim Edwards). Leather choice somewhat heavy; stitching could be improved; nice colour.
Mandella (Bruce White). Hoop could be wrapped more evenly; too heavy on the eagle head; general carving area bulges: overall pleasing design. 63% dye
IN MEMORIAM
Lorna Robson, A.C.S.C.L, Hamilton Leather Guild, passed away November 1994.
1994. Lorna was born in the Niagara Peninsula area and joined C.S.C.L and the local guild in the 1950s. Lorna studied leather techniques and their application at a summer course at Banff School of Fine Arts. For many years Lorna, along with Bea Austin, taught leather at YWCA camps. Tooling, embossing, and work with morocco were her favourites. Lorna was a Niagara and Hamilton, a President and Secretary of the Hamilton Leather Guild, and a secretary to her father and brother who ran a grist mill in Fonthill. Lorna will be missed by us all.
[The obituary's opening line is broken across the column rules in the original and is reassembled here. A fragment reading "legal secretary in Past" belongs to this notice; Lorna Robson was a Past President and Secretary of the Hamilton Leather Guild and a legal secretary.]
Lea Love, long-time C.S.C.L member of the Toronto Branch and later founding member of the Mississauga Branch, passed away November 1994. Lea was known for his leather carving and tooling. Lea, a chartered accountant, was a faithful C.S.C.L executive member and fine treasurer from 1984 to 1994. He put Toronto Branch finances in order, as well as those of the Society.
Lea was an early customer of Ed R, Lewis Leathers, a general supplier of leather and possibly findings during the 1930s. Apparently, in the thirties, one of Ed R. Lewis’ sons, Fred, started a leathercraft section for the company which later became Lewiscraft. Lea took a leather course, part of YMCA Leadership Training.
Afterward he started a leathercraft group which he conducted for almost four years. He further demonstrated his leadership ability in his Stamp Group involvement. Survived by his wife, he will be remembered for his voluntarism which greatly benefitted C.S.C.L.
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Art Harris who recently joined the Hamilton Leather Guild and C.S.C.L passed away suddenly May 1995. As well as carved belts, Art assembled photo albums. Our sympathy is extended to his wife Eva who is also a member of C.S.C.L and past membership chairman of the local branch.
Respectfully submitted by Ruth Haig, F.C.S.C.L, and René Hackstetter, A.C.S.C.L
NOTICES
This is the last issue of Canadian Leathercraft you will receive if you have not renewed membership in C.S.C.L for the 1995/96 year.
Annual membership fee in C.S.C.L is €20.00 due in March. Register with your branch or make cheque payable to cC.S.C.L and send to Membership Chairman:
Madeleine Mitchell
17 Light Street,
Woodstock, Ont., N4S 6G7
Annual fee for Sustaining members is $35.00
Haliburton Highlands Guild of Fine Arts 31st annual Summer Sale: July 27 to August 7 at J.D. Hodgson Elementary School, Haliburton. For information 705-457-2330.
Video: Celebrating 45 Years of C.S.C.L. Madeleine Mitchell may have more copies for sale.
Heading North? Visit Ye Olde Jailhouse, Coboconk, for gifts and leathercrafts. July & August, Mon.-Sat. 10 am —- 4 pm.
HATS OFF TO
Slides of 276 pieces were submitted for the 1st stage jurying by slides in this province-wide exhibition. Jurors were Peter Fleming, ingrid Nicolai, and Virginia Wright.
Entrants whose pieces passed that stage were then requested to submit the pieces for 2nd stage jurying from the actual work. Thirty-nine pieces were selected for the show. Fifteen awards to be presented total more than $3,500. David will also receive a participating individual artist's fee. The prize-winning box, which retails for $150, will be for sale.
The exhibition continues at the OCC (416-977-3551) until August 27. Hilda Chynoweth: Hilda was honoured with C.S.C.L life membership.
Bill Whittingham, FC.S.C.L: Bill was awarded C.S.C.L Fellowship standing. (Presentation to be made at 1996 Annual)
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[A page of photographs of the award-winning and Fellowship pieces, with captions:]
ROBERT MUMA AWARD — wallet — Ruth Haig MARY ZATYKO AWARD — hiking bag — Betsy Rennie
FELLOWSHIP ENTRIES (4) [two further entries appear on page 1] ranger belt — Ruth Haig pocket secretary — Muriel McKnight blue box — David McPherson napkin holder — Bill Whittingham wine rack — Bill Whittingham [one caption names David Windeyer]
[The captions are set around the photographs and are only partly legible in the scan; the pairing of some captions to pieces is uncertain.]
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WORKSHOPS · SEMINARS WORKSHOP: Expanding leather with sand to make a leather bottell. Instructor: Bill Whittingham. Place: Cooksville United Church, 2500 Mimosa Row, Mississauga, ON Date: Saturday, September 23/95 Time: 10:00 a.m. start (full day) Cost: $25. Make cheque out to CSCL and mail it by August 15 to Bill Whittingham, 42 Robinhood Rd., Islington, ON, M9A 2W8.
Pre-registration is necessary with a minimum of 15 participants required in order for the course to be offered. If the required number sign up, material lists and preliminary instructions will be mailed to each participant. When signing up please include name, address, phone number and indicate if you need bees wax to waterproof your bottell. It is important to state if you need bees wax. To waterproof his bottells, Bill bakes the wax right into the leather and then does two final coats inside after the bottell has cooled down. This requires about a half pound of bees wax, so if you need it, he must contact his supplier ahead of time. Cost of wax is reasonable.
PORTFOLIO SEMINAR: Learn how your leathercrafting style can be translated into a successful presentation to achieve a grant, residency, exhibition, or to expand your marketing. Sept. 9, 1995 at Ontario Crafts Council, 35 McCaul St., Toronto, Ont. 3-hour seminar. For information call Carol Ann Casselman 416-690-7887.
OPPORTUNITIES · MARKETS
Leathertown Festival, Sunday, August 13, 1995, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., along the main street in Acton. Apparently, last year five CSCL members displayed and demonstrated, made sales, and generated interest in leathercrafting. A number of leathercraft vendors will be participating - potential CSCL members. Vendor's fee: $30 for 10' X 6' booth. Tables are an additional $10 each. In your application, mention that you are a CSCL member and you will automatically be accepted. More participants means more table space rented, means better price. Write or call Bill Whittingham (416-239-3743) if you wish to sell or demonstrate. Tell Bill what you would like to demonstrate.
Volunteers are needed at the Leathertown Festival CSCL table to demonstrate some facet of leathercraft, answer questions about the Society, and pass out new CSCL flyers.
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JOHNNY'S RED UMBRELLA
While the United States was often referred to as ‘Uncle Sam’, and England as ‘John Bull', Canada in the late 1800's was referred to as ‘Johnny Canuck’.
But look at you, Johnny, remove your raincoat of childhood that developing muscles and inventive mind may sprout...
But look at you, Johnny, set aside your small rubber boots that growing feet and khaki putties may clear streets of joyous freedom in the world and on your chest badges of honour, glorious thankful laurels of respect, as as child's prayers at bedtime.
But look at you, Johnny, unfurl your red umbrella that maple leaf and white background may form ripples of white silkiness on the flagpole and over my head wavings of freedoms, poignant fields, free as open gull wings in an updraft.
Dorothy McPherson
[The poem is set in a narrow column beside the slate of officers and is partly obscured by it; the lineation above follows the original as closely as the scan allows.]
CANADIAN SOCIETY FOR CREATIVE LEATHERCRAFT
SLATE OF OFFICERS 1995/96
OFFICERS: President Betsy Rennie 905-639-0771 Past President Don MacLeod 905-277-2058 1st Vice-President René Hackstetter 2nd Vice-President Bill Whittingham 416-239-3743 Recording Secretary Kevin Armstrong 905-278-4666 Corresponding Secretary Nancy Durham 519-458-4533 Treasurer David Windeyer 905-634-5402 DIRECTORS: 1. Fred Brown 416-766-1069 2. Laura Bush 613-392-1475 3. Jim Edwards 416-699-8214 4. Ruth Haig 905-525-0780 5. Cal Lucas 416-755-8781 6. Jack Meharg 416-439-5873 7. Muriel McKnight 905-529-9149 8. Gladys Riddell 416-762-7466 9. Bill Whittingham 416-239-3743 10. Joyce Scruton 905-844-9471 11. Lillian Kaye 416-699-3466 BRANCH PRESIDENTS: Hamilton David Windeyer 905-634-5402 Mississauga Bill Whittingham 416-239-3743 Norland Art Cousins 705-454-1013 Toronto Cal Lucas 416-755-8781 Woodstock Nancy Durham 519-458-4533 EX-OFFICIO: Chairman Council of Fellows Dorothy Muma 416-654-5635 Teaching Standards Ruth Haig 905-525-0780 Archivist Kevin Armstrong 905-278-4666 Librarian Allan Foss 416-284-5036 Membership Chairman Madeleine Mitchell 519-537-7821 Editor Dorothy McPherson 905-835-2576 Editor David McPherson 905-835-2576
[Lillian Kaye joins the directors, and Fred Brown returns to them. David Windeyer becomes Hamilton Branch President as well as Treasurer. The original renders many names badly on this page — "Fred Brom", "din Edvards", "Jack Keharg", "Moriel HeXnight", "Bill Whitt inghan", "Mian Poss", "Dorothy Muna", "David Vindeyer", "Nancy Durban" — all given here in their established forms.]
TIPS
Best Polish: 3 parts Garnett Polish Coat 1 part Fiebings Resolene Both are water soluble for a normal gloss. For a high sheen try equal parts of Polish Coat and Resolene.
Courtesy of Ruth Haig, F.C.S.C.L
IN THE NEXT ISSUE
— Bata Shoe Museum
— Norland Branch and The Jailhouse
— Old Oak Carving
— Six Nations Native Crafts