An issue of the Society’s newsletter, transcribed from the original.
(12 pages, 2.1 MB)
the full-resolution scan, 32 MB, for close research
Page 1 — A New Craft Society
September 1951
No 1
Canadian Leathercraft
a quarterly educational bulletin
published in the interests of fine leathercraftsmanship
by the Canadian Society of Creative Leathercraft
A New Craft Society -- HOW IT STARTED
Beginner students of leathercraft, although often well served in large centres by instruction through organized clubs and classes, are often less fortunate in smaller centres where proper instruction is lacking Many students are self-taught from standard textbooks"
"There is a growing need for an association of specialists to help the many who want to explore their craft beyond its elementary stages"
"What's wrong with contemporary leathercraft in Canada -- that it merits such little recognition at important art-craft exhibitions?"
"Leathercraft will become recognized as a serious and worth while craft in Canada when Canadians stop copying and start creating"
The above observations, question and answer were among the many which confronted a group of experienced Canadian leathercraftsmen when they met in Toronto to discuss common problems in the spring of 1950 To solve one problem -- that of analysing the status of contemporary Canadian leathercraft -- opinions were sought from authorities of art galleries and other well organized art-craft societies These opinions were matched with views of experienced craftsmen in the leathercraft field
As a result of a keenly aroused interest among so many skilled leathercraftsmen, plans were laid to form a non-profit, educational organization under the name of "The Canadian Society of Creative Leathercraft" During the fall, winter and spring of the 1950-51 season, the new Society's constitution was drafted and approved Charter members also prepared plans for a program of service to all leathercraft students who may become interested in the work of the Society
Thus was born the idea; thus was formed the Society; and thus has the Society become engaged in developing its service to Canadian leathercraftsmen
[The masthead of this issue is set with decorative rules and ornaments, easy to mistake for stray characters, and two paragraphs on this page begin with a dropped capital, easy to lose: the opening paragraph’s B, and the T two-thirds down the page. Both are set out here from the page; the wording, including the Society’s early style "of Creative Leathercraft", is as printed.]
Page 2
CORBEIL-HOOKE INC. BOOKBINDING AND HANDICRAFT SUPPLIES 1218 DRUMMOND STREET MONTREAL 25, P.Q. September 4, 1951.
Canadian Leathercraft
Ottawa - Ontario
Dear Mr. President:
Our congratulations to the Canadian Society of Creative Leathercraft, on the occasion of your first publication of CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT.
We are certain that with the resourcefulness and courage shown by your executive in the organization of your Society, CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT is assured success.
Your pioneering of this field will provide a service for the promotion of finer craftsmanship which has long been lacking.
We, of Corbeil-Hooke Inc., commend you on your splendid effort and trust that we may be of service.
Very sincerely,
CORBEIL-HOOKE INC.
per:
Bruce F. Lee, Div. Mgr.
The paper prints the typed word "per:", then Bruce F. Lee's own handwritten signature in ink, then the typed line "Bruce F. Lee, Div. Mgr." The signature itself is not transcribed.
(advt. )
Page 3 — AIMS and OBJECTIVES; An Important Field Service
All Canadian leathercraftsmen and appreciators of fine crafted articles in leather are cordially invited to join the Canadian Society of Creative Leathercraft, which hopes to become an important influence in developing a distinctive Canadian art in this field
Applications for Membership may be obtained from Mrs Edith Roscoe Chairman Membership Committee, 277 King Street, Weston, Ontario
AIMS and OBJECTIVES
Although a major objective of the Leathercraft Society is to encourage originality in design, the organizers of the Society have kept prominently in mind the fact that by far the greater number of leathercraft students enjoy practising their craft for values other than being able to produce original or creative leathercraft These craftsmen may seek recreation and new associations, along with opportunities to make useful articles in fine leathers
Lacking training in the finer points of original designing, many such students, while copying the patterns and decorative motifs of others, do achieve remarkable degrees of technical skills Some excel in decorating with modellers, stamping, incising or carving tools; others specialize in hand colouring and finishing; others are masters of construction techniques to such degrees that their finished products appear faultless in make-up
Consequently, the Society desires to serve all who are interested in some phase of hand working leather as an absorbing and useful art—craft
An Important Field Service
Because of numerous requests for help by correspondence and for subscriptions to the only Canadian newspaper formerly (see page 7 x) offering a feature column devoted to decorative leathercraft, the Executive felt that perhaps the most important single service it could render field members would be to assist them through a periodical bulletin It is hoped that all members in the following categories may be well served through the Society's periodical - "Canadian Leathercraft" - - 1) the novice -- just starting (1-3 years) and seeking help towards developing new interests and proficiency in the craft
Page 4 — Suggested Departments for "CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT"
2) the experienced student -- (3-5 years) with interests well established but ambitions to continue exploring the craft beyond its elementary stages
3) the leathercraft teacher -- to help instructors who must keep aware of the higher standards being set each year Participation in the work of the Society may well offer educational credits of unequalled value for instructors of organized classes
4) the skilled leathercraftsman -- with experiences of 5 years and over -- who may specialize in one or more phases of leathercraft and still be anxious to develop greater skills and wider knowledge
5) the tanner, leathercraft supply house, manufacturer or manufacturer's representative who may have a professional interest in the development of the field for Canadian leathercraftsmen
6) the general public -- any appreciators of fine articles in leather who may wish to add to their general knowledge of leather and its uses in contemporary living
Whatever your interests in decorative leathercraft, you may enjoy a part in the plans of the Society to serve students and appreciators of the craft
Suggested Departments for "CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT"
-- Editorials dealing with: the importance of creative or original design, leathercraft standards, et cetera
-- Technical Articles by prominent Canadian leathercraftsmen -- Foreign Country News -- Book Reviews
-- Special Events - exhibitions and awards, individual projects
(outstanding commissions), group activities -- Who's Who in Canadian Leathercraft
-- Workshop Tips -- Letters to the Editor
Please let the Editor have an early report of the ideas you desire to have developed in "CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT" Your contributions will help to make the next issue turn out just as you would like to see it
?DID YOU KNOW? "In the 17th Century fashionable Englishmen gave their sweethearts rings of leather cut from the fingers of heavy gloves!" (Life, June 18,1951)
Page 5 — LEATHER FINISHING
LEATHER FINISHING
While many finely worked articles are made with pre-dyed leathers, it is often claimed that the leatherworker cannot enjoy the extra pleasures of his craft until he learns to hand colour and finish natural russet leathers Leather finishing can provide unique opportunities for self-expression
The paper breaks "self-expression" across the line as "self-" / "expression".
The student leather finisher must understand from the start that, since finishing materials are composed of a wide variety of chemical substances, intended to be applied to different leathers-- each containing additional chemicals -- the whole process of finishing leather by hand should be approached experimentally and cautiously Scrap leather tests should always be tried before applying any finish to important leather articles Many factors can cause different results - even though the craftsman hopes for similar effects from piece to piece
Having been warned, the student should not be afraid of leather finishing by hand, but may commence according to well-tried and recommended procedures with every reasonable hope for success Of course, practice makes for both confidence and perfection
From time to time different methods of leather finishing by hand will be described in "CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT" The following notes are offered to explain one popular and practical process for hand finishing natural russet leathers
Antique Finishing
As the term implies, "antique finishing" offers a method of preparing natural russet leathers with colour tones to suggest "antique leather " There are various processes for achieving such results, including: antiquing with oils, with acids or with water soluble pigments
"antiquing" is broken across the line as "antiqu-" / "ing"; set out here as printed.
For this article we shall deal with the method calling for common artist's oil paints MATERIALS -- good quality artist's oil paints, turpentine for thinning, half-inch firm-haired water colour brush, plentiful supply of cheesecloth, prepared into convenient rubbing pads
PROCESS -- 1) mix 1 part Raw Umber with 2 parts Burnt Sienna; thin to creamy-thick mixture with turpentine
Caution: dampen all outside parts making up article, whether decorated or not, as leather not so treated takes dyes with different finished effects Let parts dry before applying antique mixture
2) with well-charged brush, flow mixture over leather; as mixture dries rapidly, do not attempt to cover more than 3-4 inches square at a time
Page 6
3) be sure to work colour well into all deep-set lines, stippling stamped or debossed decorations
4) using cheesecloth pad, rub out with circular "lifting" motion, as much of the oil as can be removed; work over all undecorated and embossed surfaces quickly; you will then see how much of the oil paint remains in the deep-set lines and decorated parts
CAUTION: do not use same surface of pad for removing more than cloth will take away cleanly and without dragging Should pad become too charged with oil, it will harden and scrape colour back into leather, making it streaky Keep turning pad "inside out" so that fresh cheesecloth is always rubbed over leather
-- do not attempt to rub out all traces of mixture from incisions or low-set areas, as such "shading" adds to shadow relief; similarly, do not strive for perfectly even colour tones throughout large plain areas or you will get simply a one-colour tone rather than the more authentic "antique" finish intended through this process
5) patch by patch, brush on and rub off; a little practice will show how easy it is to overlay and blend from section to section until the whole surface has been "antiqued"
RICH FINISH
Let work dry a few hours or even overnight, as oil colours dry by absorption rather than by quick evaporation Depending upon final colour tone desired, a pleasant lustre polish can be produced by: rubbing with dry pad or brush; or by adding neutral, tan or brown leather polishes
Advantages of Antique Finishing with Oil Paints
1) the above described process is not difficult to master 2) it can result in a warm brown "antique finish" on natural leather which is highly pleasing, richly toned, water and wear resistant 3) oil paint antiqued leathers "mellow gracefully" without unsightly soiling usual on clear wax polished natural russet leathers 4) when necessary, cleaning and refreshening oil antiqued leather is simple -- wash over with mild soap lather or saddle soap; swab again with clean damp cloth; let dry and repolish
NOTE: to protect natural or previously coloured decorated areas, apply a thin coat of white shellac (use only fresh shellac) or 2-3 coats of leather lacquer Sections so treated will not be harmed if oil paint overlaps decorations, but will retain fresh colour tones throughout treatment
article by ~ Deane H Russell
[Two drop-caps are set out here as "While" (p5) and "Let" (p6, "RICH FINISH"). The closing byline is set in calligraphic script; Deane H Russell is the bulletin’s own Editor, not a separate contributor.]
Page 7 — Affiliated Leathercraft Groups
Affiliated Leathercraft Groups
Groups of leathercraftsmen across Canada may so organize their activities as to become officially affiliated with the national membership of the Canadian Society of Creative Leathercraft
The values of "belonging" to a local group of craftsmen who may in turn draw upon the wider collective experiences of similar groups sharing common interests in small and large centres are many Among the more important of such values may be mentioned: -- opportunity to overcome feeling of "working alone"
-- keeping up-to-date by sharing new ideas and experiments with fellow craftsmen
-- enjoying privileges of national membership such as: receiving regular copies of "CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT"; participating in events of national interest to your field (receiving travelling displays, special circulars and bulletins)
HOW TO ORGANIZE a Local CSCL Group --
1) forward application for affiliation of local group (not less than 5 members) to the President of the National Society
2) upon approval of application by national executive council of the CSCL, officers of local group will receive a copy of the by-law governing formation of local sections
NOTE * see page 3 - "Leathercraft Lobby" Canada's only regular feature column devoted entirely to leathercraft, this summer concluded nearly 5 years of service to Canadian leathercraftsmen The column was written for the "RA NEWS" (Dominion Civil Service Newspaper) by Deane H Russell, who has resigned as "Leathercraft Lobby" column writer in order to accept his appointment as Editor of the new national bulletin of the Canadian Society of Creative Leathercraft
["RA NEWS" is printed exactly so and left as printed.]
Watch for the next issue of "CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT" offering --
1) reports of leathercraft sections in the Canadian National, Pacific National and Central Canada Exhibitions
2) How and When to submit work for ratings required for Associate and Fellow standing in the Canadian Society of Creative Leathercraft
3) Another technical article for the leathercraftsman
4) Illustrated Workshop Tips
5) A first"Who's Who in Canadian Leathercraft"
Page 8 — Two Important Announcements
Two Important Announcements
I - "Canadian Handmades in Leather" -- a travelling exhibition being organized by the Canadian Society of Creative Leathercraft will start its coast to coast tour early in January, 1952 This specially designed educational field service will be offered to all responsible leathercraft groups in Canada Original design and a high order of leathercraftsmanship will be stressed through articles selected for the exhibit Already groups have requested their inclusion in the display's itinerary Interested field members of the CSCL are invited to participate by submitting examples of their work to the Board of Selection Please Note: 1) December 1st is the final date for submitting: a) work for inclusion in the display b) applications from organized leathercraft groups desiring to receive the exhibition
2) interested groups are invited to request a copy of the detailed
"Plan of Organization for the Exhibition 'Canadian Handmades in Leather' by writing to the Chairman, Exhibition Committee, 116 O'Connor Street, Ottawa 4, Ontario
3) The Board of Selection will be glad to review entries for the special ratings required for Associate and Fellow membership ranks in the Society (Please see Announcement II immediately following )
II - A special circular, entitled "Qualifications for Membership in the Canadian Society of Creative Leathercraft" will soon be mailed to all registered General Members of the Society The circular outlines details of particular interest to members desiring to qualify for the ranks of Associate or Fellow Members
At short notice, a number of well-known services supplying Canadian leathercraftsmen were able to place advertisements in the first issue of "CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT" Others plan to use future issues With this welcome support, the Executive of the Canadian Society of Creative Leathercraft are enabled to plan for import- and improvements in future issues of the bulletin
PLEASE -- When writing about any product or service mentioned in "CL"
Please mention you saw the advertisement in "CANADIAN
LEATHERCRAFT" -- Your supplier will appreciate your courtesy - THANK YOU
[The page prints "mentioned in "CL"", the Society’s own abbreviation for "Canadian Leathercraft". "plan for import-" / "and improvements" is printed across a line break exactly so — almost certainly meant as "important improvements", but the page does not print that, so it is left as printed.]
Page 9 — Workshop Tips
Garnett
antique dyes for leathercraftsmen
rouge golden tan
havana brown chestnut brown
waterproof polish topcoat
safe and easy to apply ask your dealer for them
SERVING CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFTSMEN
* LeatherLore Publications
Patterns - Instruction - Decoration
* Ottawa Valley LeatherTools
Canadian Designed -- Canadian Made
for craftsmen who take pride in fine tools
* sold by prominent leathercraft supply houses
Canadian Distributors --
116 O’Connor Street - Ottawa 4 - Ontario
A NEW MUMART DESIGN - Matched Set No 5 - APPLE BLOSSOM
A jaunty shoulder bag, billfold, keycase, and change purse.
Designs with complete instructions Per sheet postpaid ... 50¢
MUMART STUDIOS of Creative Leathercraft, 62 McGill Street, Toronto, Ont.
STUDIO OF LEATHER CARVING
Individual Instruction in Elementary and Advanced
- LEATHER CARVING -
Custom Designing & Patterns --- Limited Enrolment
D. W. MacKinnon - Studio 6 Irwin Street - Toronto - Ontario
WORKSHOP TIPS
Have you tried using pipe cleaners for spreading latex leather cement? A 5¢ package provides up to 60 cement spreading tips! Simply bend end at right angle, dip into cement and spread on leather. Clip off used ends and fresh tip will be ready for next project; good for fine cement tipping to one-inch spreading. Try pipe cleaners also for edge waxes and edge dyes.
LEATHER GOODS
is
Our Business
FINEST ASSORTMENT OF
Beautiful Leathers
plus
All LEATHER CRAFT Tools
Accessories and
“BOOKS OF INSTRUCTION”
Birt Saddlery Co. Ltd.
519 Main Street Phone 923 565
Winnipeg, Man.
[This page carries six advertisements and a workshop-tip item, previously not transcribed. All are now set out in full. The workshop-tip item is prose, and the paper runs its sentences together without stops; the three full stops in that paragraph are the archive's, so that it reads as the sentences it is. The advertisements keep only the stops the paper prints.]
Page 10
To Canadian Leathercraftsmen -
You are cordially invited to visit or write the Ottawa Valley Leathercraft Studios to discuss your interests and problems in decorative leathercraft Among our special services are:
SUPPLIERS to the Canadian decorative leathercraft field for fine craft leathers, selected leatherworking tools and accessories --- Write for catalogue
INSTRUCTORS for beginners, advanced students and teachers -- covering all popular phases of decorative leathercraft CUSTOM DESIGNERS of original, fine handcrafted leathergoods
Ottawa Valley Leathercraft Studios
116 O'Connor Street -- Ottawa 4, Ontario
SERVICE TO CRAFTSMEN
From tyro to most accomplished craftsman --
LEWISCRAFT serves you well
For Schools and Hospitals, the "one-stop service" is famed
Complete supplies for all crafts
Lewiscraft
425 Graham Avenue 8 Bathurst Street '
Winnipeg, Manitoba Toronto, Ontario
Page 11 — Sustaining Members; Craftsman
Sustaining Members
The pioneering support and good will expressed by the following Sustaining Members of the Canadian Society of Creative Leathercraft is hereby acknowledged with sincere appreciation by the General Membership:
Bedford Fine Leathers Ltd - Vancouver
The Birt Saddlery Co Ltd - Winnipeg
Walter E Charron & Son - Montreal
Clarke & Clarke Leathers - Barrie
Craftlace Limited - Montreal
A Davis & Son Limited - Kingston
King Brothers Leather Company Limited - Whitby
Lewis Craft Supplies Ltd - Toronto
Ottawa Valley Leathercraft Studios - Ottawa
Riley's Hobby Service - Hamilton
Wickett & Craig Co Ltd - Toronto
Craftsman
His hand was cunning - all its skill
Subjected to his mind and will
We saw how well his life was spent
In faultless craftsmanship content
Approving what he was and did
We asked where was the secret hid
Thoughtful - he laid his work aside
Then smiled a little and replied
"You touch upon a mystery -
I fashion things - they fashion me"
- Richard F. Armknecht
[Two firms are set out here as printed: Walter E Charron & Son, not "Sharron", and King Brothers Leather Company Limited - Whitby, not "Whitey". The eleven firms are printed one to a line, set out that way here rather than run together.]
[The closing poem "Craftsman", by Richard F. Armknecht, is set in a calligraphic script.]
Page 12 — SPECIAL INVITATION TO All Canadian Leathercraftsmen; CSCL EXECUTIVE
SPECIAL INVITATION TO
All Canadian Leathercraftsmen
This is the first quarterly bulletin of the Canadian Society of Creative Leathercraft It outlines some of the plans of the Executive to offer an important service to Canadian leathercraftsmen
Being the Society's official organ, it is yours -- as an individual member to receive It is yours also to contribute to according to your experiences and interests The more active you become in supporting "CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT" the more value it will offer you and your fellow craftsmen
KINDLY REMEMBER - new publications are generally obliged to start modestly; they require funds to meet expenses; such funds may be raised through a progressive memship, subscription and advertising campaign
You are cordially invited to assist by acting upon the following few important suggestions --
1) Encourage your friends to join the Canadian Society of Creative
Leathercraft with you and become entitled to receive the Society's quarterly bulletin and other benefits of membership
2) Write the Editor of "CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT" suggesting departments desired as regular or special features (as a student, an instructor, a dealer, a tanner or a leathercraft goods manufacturer )
3) If you have a product or a service of interest to the Canadian decorative leathercraft field -- advertise it in "CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT"
Very sincerely
Your Executive
CSCL EXECUTIVE
President and Editor "CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT" Deane H Russell, 116 O'Connor Street, Ottawa Vice-President, Mrs Margaret McFarlane, 1810 Lawrence Ave West, Weston Secretary, Mrs Reta Larmour, 59 High Park Boulevard, Toronto Treasurer, Robert Muma, 62 McGill Street, Toronto Chairman Membership Committee, Mrs Edith Roscoe, 277 King St, Weston Advertising Manager, Don W MacKinnon, 6 Irwin Street, Toronto