An issue of the Society’s newsletter, transcribed from the original.
(8 pages, 1.2 MB)
the full-resolution scan, 19 MB, for close research
Page 1 — Travelling Exhibition Report
Canadian Leathercraft
Volume XXXIII No. 4 Summer 1985
The volume is printed XXXIII. It follows Spring 1985, printed Volume XXXIII No. 3.
0045-5121
Table of Contents
p. 1 - Travelling Exhibition Report p. 2 & 3-Critique- Weston Trophy Competition p. 4 - List of Craftsman Awards, "Annual '85" p. 5 - List of Salon Awards, "Annual '85" p. 5 - "Special Table" - Annual '85 p. 6 - Who's Who in Leathercraft-'Lillian Beech' p. 6 - Annual Meeting Demonstration by Carol McLean p. 6 - Hamilton Meeting programme for '85-'86 p. 7&8 Capsule Comments from Questionnaire Responses p. 8 - News in Brief
TRAVELLING EXHIBITION- "LEATHER CREATIONS"
Members are advised that enclosed with this copy of Canadian
Leathercraft is their application form for our upcoming travelling exhibition, entitiled "Leather Creations". Only FULLY PAID-UP MEMBERS of C.S.C.L. are eligible to compete in this special show, and we urge that all members read the form carefully for directions AND information. Entry fee of $5.00 allows entry of up to 5 (five) pieces per member. Entry fee should be made payable to"C.S.C.L.", and MUST accompany your "intent to enter" (Entry blank # 2).
We are fortunate in having a panel of three excellent judges for this special show, with awards as listed plus others T.B.A. Pay particular attention to the reminder that articles should be able to withstand the rigors of travel, and we suggest that you design a solid, simple box which would make your articles safer during packing and shipping. Remember to mail your Intent to Enter form so that it will arrive NO LATER than AUG. 15th!!
All material] published in Canadian Leathercraft is the property of the Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft, and may not be reprinted in any form without the permission of the Society.
President: Madeleine Mitchell, 17 Light St., Woodstock, Ont. Vice Pres.: Ruth Haig, 264 Duke St. Apt. 401, Hamilton. Corr. Sect: Lillian Kay, 195 Exbury Rd. #1703, Downsview, Ont. Recording Sect.: Karla Van Horne, 80 Carrick Ave. Apt.3, Hamilton, Ont. Treasurer: Jean Pickering, 204 Elizabeth St., Thamesford, Ont. Membership: Hilda Chynoweth, P.O. Box 68, Norland, Ont. Editor: Mary Patterson, 270 Durie St., Toronto M6S 3G3 Reporters this issue: Hamilton & Council of Fellows.
Page 2 — Critique- Weston Trophy Competition
CRITIQUE FOR WESTON TROPHY
Toronto Branch 85.6
Blotter Pad
Executive size
Beautifully crafted
A curved symphony of lines
Red Box
Nice use of design inside as well as outside Beautifully crafted
Outstanding design and beautiful colouring - lovely dye job Lid a bit wobbly - could have had the inside part a trifle larger
Soft Hand Bag
When purse is fastened it is a bit off-centre Lid rubs into sides
Magnificent job on the rings used as strap-holders A great deal of work on it
Belt
Braiding beautifully done
A close fit when the buckle is opened - design could be rubbed Buckle dies not give much protection for design Good Edges
Picture Frame
Well moulded
Lovely Design
Sits level
Nice dye job and well finished
Slit across back not quite horizontal
Woodstock Branch 81.2
Desk Pad
Nice lines
Contoured for a right-handed person Nice corners - no lumps
Lies flat on desk
Moulded Tray
Lies flat
Beautiful job on edges
Great finish
Miniatures
Good feet - well attached
Solid - no rocking
Parts do not fit too well on top of the chair wings Nice sponge dyeing
Page 3
Woodstock Continued
Tan Box
Heavy lid for a small box
Does not sit too well - top slightly warped
Top and bottom might have been bevelled for aesthetic appeal Care should be taken that thickness (weight) of top be compatab;e with box
Duck
Stand should be stronger - maybe wider for balance, and heavier so that it won't topple over so easily
Duck could be in a heavier leather or lined - a bit flimsy - out of proportion for the weight of the leather
Graining of leather used to nice advantage to show contours of bird
Hamilton Branch
Lunch Bucket
Doesn't fit too well at end - a little warped Beautiful dye job and finish.
Findings appropriate
Stitching could be improved in spots It was questioned whether leather is a suitable medium for a lunch-box
Loose-Leaf Binder
Lovely job of colouring
Lettering beautifully done
One leg of the animal seems to be attached the wrong way
Clutch Purse
Very stiff - too heavy - very awkward to get into Saddle-stitching uneven
Carving could be improved
Colour dyeing very nicely done
Pleasant appearance, but not utilitarian
Blue Box
Lines not smooth
Nice dye job
Lid fits well
Conception and design of box are good - workmanship could be improved
Pocket Secretary
Very stiff - difficult to get into Lovely lacing
Edges very nicely finished
Well made
| summary Weston Trophy | Highest Individual Marks |
| Toronto 85.6 | Fred Brown Desk Pad 97 |
| Woodstock 81.2 | Loreen Manuel Moulded Tray 97 |
Hamilton 74.8
Page 4 — List of Craftsman Awards, "Annual '85"
LIST OF AWARDS
Craftsman's Awards:
Karla Van Horne Shoe Horn
Caliper Case
Three-Ring Binder
Belt
Thistle Book cover
Eagle Buckle
Banker's Case
| Ruth Haig | Covered Bottle, Box, Lunch Bucket, Paper Weight, Soft Handbag |
| Loreen Manuel | Free-Form Sculpture, Incense Burner, Flower Pins, Moulded Tray |
| Margaret Monteith | Moulded Tray, Book Cover with Brass Covers, Book Cover, Saddle-stitched |
| Mary Patterson | Music Box, Raku Jar |
| Harold Brister | Beer Can Holder - Basket Weave with Handle |
| Fred Brown | Desk Pad |
| Mary Anne Crawford | Handbag |
| Marg Hunter | Box |
| Lillian Kay | Moulded Head Plaque |
| Larry Lewis | Harness |
| Jessie Little | Braided Belt |
| Dave McPherson | Belt |
| Madeleine Mitchell | Miniature Furniture |
| Bob Quinn | Ranger Belt |
| Joyce Scrutin | Braided Belt |
[This table prints "Joyce Scrutin"; kept as printed. Elsewhere she is Joyce Scruton throughout the archive.]
Page 5 — List of Salon Awards, "Annual '85" "Special Table" - Annual '85
Salon Awards:
| Fred Brown | Desk Pad |
| Ruth Haig | Box (Fellowship), Lunch Bucket (Fellowship) |
| Lillian Kay | Free-Standing Red Picture Frame, Free-Form Letter Holder |
| Loreen Manuel | Inverted Tray, Maple Leaf Tray (Special Table) |
| Dave McPherson | Hexagonal Design Belt |
Tri-Box
Karla Van Horne Black Belt
Craftsmen who contributed to the Special Table:
| Ruth Haig | Covered Bottle |
| Lillian Kay | Leather Roses |
| Jessie Little | Braided Belt |
| Carol McLean | Box |
| Madeleine Mitchell | Mask |
| Margaret Monteith | Book Cover with Brass Corners, Book Cover, Saddle-Stitched, Moulded Tray |
| Betsy Rennie | Cap |
Karla Van Horne Key Stirrup
We apologize that not ALL the Weston award winning pieces are available for illustration in this issue, and the missing items will be shown in Fall 1985 issue, along with further reports of th further reports of the "Annual '85" and profile on our newest "Fellow", Ruth Haig.
ICTURE FRAME,
Li hh AR Kay
De
Page 6 — Who's Who in Leathercraft-'Lillian Beech' Annual Meeting Demonstration by Carol McLean; Hamilton Meeting programme for '85-'86
LILLTAN BEECH - Who's Who in Leathercraft by Muriel McKnight
The heading prints "LILLTAN"; the article below it and the issue's own contents page both give the name as Lillian Beech. The heading is kept exactly as printed.
On behalf of the C.S.C.L. and the Hamilton Leathercraft Guild
I would like to honour Lillian Beech for her contribution to the Guilds. She was among the first of the chartered members, when Hamilton Guild was formed in 1956, and has been a member in good standing since that date.
Her studies in leathercraft were made at Danforth Collegiate, Toronto, in 1953 with instructor Kay Tokaryk. Among the many techniques she learned from Kay was achieving grey dye by using ferrous sulphate. Lillian became an accomplished glove maker, learning this technique from Mrs. Campbell.
Lillian acquired her Associate status in 1966, and was an active member of the C.S.C.L.
Executive Council for several years, as well as President of the Hamilton Guild, as well as Secretary, Membership Convenor, and other posts throughout the years. Lillian was President when C.S.C.L. celebrated their 10th Anniversary at the Scottish Rite in Hamilton.
She taught at Burlington Arena for several years, beginning in 1954, and as well gave classes in her home. Lillian also gave private lessons in glove making. and was generous in sharing her techniques and talents, giving many demonstrations at our Hamilton Guild meetings and workshops, as well as doing demonstrations at C.S.C.L. Annuals.
Lillian has also managed to be a faithful participant at our Annual C.N.E. booth demonstration and sale of leatherwork.
We salute Lillian and express our appreciation for all that you have done for us, and express our hope that you will continue to share your special knowledge with us in the future.
"ANNUAL DEMONSTRATION - DESIGN, by Carol McLean"
Carol's suggestions for sources of design ideas were most helpful to all that participated in her demonstration at the "Annual". She suggests that we look at nature for many design themes, both in shapes and lines. For example, rocks, leaves, stems and branches of trees, to name but a few. Paper cut designs, with folding used can contribute such shapes as snowflakes etc. Carol pointed out the use of "negative space", those areas between objects, which make a shape separate from the shapes of the objects. She also pointed out the one can often have a "gut feeling" about a design idea, which is separate from the feeling of a design being pleasing to the eye.
by Muriel McKnight.
2nd Fri. each month
Hamilton Branch Meetings- 1985 and 1986 season. 124 James St. South Oct. Snaps and Fasteners by Karla Van Horne
Nov. Poinsettias and Flowers by Muriel McKnight Dec. Pot Luck Supper, Silent Auction, Image'84 Slides by Ruth Haig Jan. Mini-Workshop on Moulded Trays by Hope Drysdale Feb. Coaster Designs by Muriel McKnight
Apr. Box Hinges by Dave McPherson
May Pot Luck Supper, Silent Auction, Slides of Algonquin & Beyond by Karla & Terry Van Horne
6.
Page 7 — Capsule Comments from Questionnaire Responses
CAPSULE COMMENTS FROM THE SUNDAY MORNING BUZZ SESSIONS These comments are practically verbatim as they were handed in by group leaders.
Is there sufficient assistance to Branches by C.S.C.L.?
- We do have an excellent bulletin containing practical articles and suggestions.
-Workshops are held Spring and Fall on a Society level. Branches who are sponsoring local workshop make other members welcome.
- Standards for Associate and Fellowship Standing are publicized in the Bulletin for guidance.
- We might have a Communications Line for contact with people to consult on specific problems
- Notice of highlights of action taken by Executive Council will be printed in capsule form in the Bulletin so that all, especially Membersat Large who have not representation near at hand to report to them, may be informed.
- Perhaps more publicity re the table for Members-at-Large at the Annual Meeting might be helpful.
Is there adequate liaison between Branches?
- Branches do visit each other at general Meetings and at Workshops. - As Vice-President in charge of Branches, Ruth Haig would like a list of your executive, Pres., Sec., Program convener - with a copy of the Branch Program, which will be advertised in the Bulletin for you, and/or have your program handed in to your Bulletin Representative, who in turn will get it to Mary Patterson in time for printing.
Membership
- C.S.C.L. Membership and history forms are being given to each Branch to distribute. Please change fee from $5.00 to $10.00, and give Membership Chairman's name and Address.
Does the word Creative still apply?
- From the work we saw on the tables, sculpture, boxes, picture frames, moulding, variation of design, we feel that it does indeed still apply. We must not get CREATIVITY mixed up with ORIGINALITY. For example, there is nothing original in covering a bottle - but it is what you do with it thetis creative - how you handle your techniques. There were several ring-binders, but no two were alike. There were many different ideas on the tables over the week-end. Leather was in many different forms. We therefore feel that the word "creative" still applies, and that we should encourage it.
Does the Library satisfy your needs?
- It is up to the individual to make full use of the books available to them.
- Branch Librarians should push their use. Branch Librarians are doing a fine job.
- Distance for Members-at-Large is a problem. It is suggested that a listing of books available to Members-at-Large be given to them - It is suggested that on the Branch level one person might review a book at each meeting, the article resulting from such a study to be made available for publication in Canadian Leathercraft.
- This group expressed appreciation to the Head Librarian and Branch Librarians for all their hard work - both physical and mental. (Many thanks from the Librarians! )
Page 8 — News in Brief
C.S.C.L. sponsors two workshops a year. Should there be more?
What should be presented?
-The group felt that there should be more demonstrations slanted toward the person needing basic instruction. Here ideas should be passed along not only of basics, but of good organization - work books, note books, samples of ideas and techniques, leathers and what you can do with them. Each individual should build up his own collection. - So there was a basic request for more attention to those who are beginning, also to those who are more advanced in some fields but who may have missed out on basic leathercrafting skills.
- Since we are hampered by distance and expense, we suggest:
- that a key person might be willing to be a mentor to a group of two or three, intercom by mail, tapes, video, book exchanges, pattern exchanges,
- like-minded people gathering together to work at specific skills.
- Ideas for workshops should be forwarded to the Executive Council.
Are members concentrating sufficiently on Originality?
- On the overall picture, it was felt that most members were trying to do so.
- It was felt that we are always encouraged to be original, that the Organization gives us incentive to do so.
- Some felt that originality is inborn. It is inspiration that starts you going. You can draw upon other sources and apply concepts to leather. -There is both individual and broad spectrum to originality. Sometimes original ideas come from commissions and personal requests.
- Newer members are perhaps intimidated by the concept of Originality. How can we further encourage Originality?
- Members should be encouraged to attend design workshops.
- Should we, on a Society level, consider publishing an applied design book of good examples to be used as a springboard?
We appreciate the participation in this issue by both Hamilton members and by Toronto member, (and incoming Chairman of Fellows), Jean Hunter, who provided the reports on our recent Annual.
| Our next issue is slated for publication in the last week of | |
| Sept. - first week of Oct., and will be a joint effort of the | |
| Norland and Mississauga Branches. |
Articles, shop tips and items by Members at Large are ALWAYS most welcome, and will be used most gratefully!
Visual Arts Mississauga 7th Annual Juried Show was recently held at Erindale College Gallery, Mississauga, Ont., with works by C.S.C.L. members Lillian Kay and Mary Patterson representing leathercraft,
If you are presently showing any work in exhibitions, please let us know, as a number of our members have expressed interest in visiting gallery shows where leather is exhibited.
Tom Swafford, longtime member of C.S.C.L., who makes his home in Columbus, Ohio, recently dropped us a note and asks that we send along a "hello" to all his old friends in C.S.C.L. Thanks, Tom!.
Have a good summer everyone!.