An issue of the Society’s newsletter, transcribed from the original.
(12 pages, 1.6 MB)
the full-resolution scan, 28 MB, for close research
Page 1 — Report of the 37th Annual General Meeting
Canadian Leathercraft
Volume XXXV No 2. Winter/Spring 1986/87 0045-5121
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Report of the 37th Annual General Meeting 1.
Where to Find It 3.
Weston Trophy Articles - Hamilton Branch 4.
Craftsman and Salon Ribbons 5.
Tips from Bill Gomer 6.
Article of David McPherson - Hamilton Branch 7.
Workshop - Sharon Gogischwili 9.
Workshop - Karla Van Horne 10.
C.S.C.L. Executive -- 1987-1988 11.
Future Home - O.C.C. 8.
This contents list matches the page's own order and numbers, each number set at the right. "Workshop -" is printed as a heading on a line of its own, with no page number, over two indented entries; here the two entries each carry it. The last entry is printed after the Executive line rather than in its numbered place, and it is kept where the Society put it.
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.
President: Ruth Haig, Apt. #401, 264 Duke St., Hamilton, Ont., L8P 1Y3. 1st Vice-Pres: Phyllis McHale, Box 68, Norland, Ontario, K0M 2L0. 2nd Vice-Pres: Karla VanHorne, Apt. #3, 80 Carrick Ave., Hamilton, Ont., L8M 3W1. Treasurer: George McPhail, 3 Lambton Ave., Toronto, Ont., M6N 2S2. Recording Sect: Laura Walker, 22 Redwing Rd; Hamilton, Ont., L9A 3Y9. Corresp. Sect: Sharon Gogischwili, Gen. Delivery, Smithville, Ont., L0R 2A0. Editor: Audrey Gorton, 22 Redwing Rd., Hamilton, Ont., L9A 3Y9.
Page 2
REPORT OF THE 37TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The 37th Annual General Meeting of the C.S.C.L. was held from Friday, April 24th, 1987 til Sunday, April 26th, 1987, at the Novotel Hotel in Mississauga, Ontario. The Mississauga Guild hosted this Annual and they would like to thank all their membership for their help. Special thanks goes to Lea Love for looking after all the hotel arrangements and any little problem which arose, Don MacLeod for being treasurer and along with Lea Love looking after the registration desk. Ev Chadwick for cutting out all the badges and to Joyce Scruton for her presentation of "Leather Now and Then" on Sunday morning. On Friday evening two rooms were set-up to welcome the membership. One room was a hospitality-sales room and the other was for the display of general branch competition articles and Fellowship pieces. Five Fellows judged for Craftsman Ribbons while two Fellows judged for Salon Ribbons. Ruth Haig tallied all the judging points for both the Craftsman and Salon Ribbons and Fred Brown was in charge of the judging in the absence of the Chairman of Fellows, Dorothy Muma. A short Executive meeting was called before the judging to clean up some loose ends.
Madeleine Mitchell, President of the C.S.C.L. opened the meeting on Saturday, April 25th, 2987 at 10:00 am with a warm welcome to all who attended. A special welcome was extended to our friends from south of the border. Lois McPherson, President of the Mississauga Guild then proceeded to welcome all C.S.C.L. members to their first annual. The agenda for the meeting went smoothly and the new Executive was introduced for the year 1987-1988. (Please see the back of this bulletin for this Executive). Beula Reynolds of the Nominating Committee is to be thanked for the hard work in getting together this Executive.
Ruth Haig, wearing one of her many hats for the day, called on Karla Van Horne to receive her Fellowship standing. After a brief background of Karla's leatherwork, Ruth then proceeded to welcome Karla into the Council of Fellows and the C.S.C.L. Unfortunately there were no Associate standings this year.
Ruth then proceeded to give the background of the Weston Trophy. When the Weston Branch ceased to exist they donated their remaining funds for a trophy to be given each year at the Annual General Meeting. This was for branches who submitted five different articles by five different members. Those articles receiving the highest total marks would be awarded this trophy by having their name inscribed on it. A small plaque is given to the branch to keep. This year the Hamilton Guild placed first with a combined total of 82.66%. (Individual marks for each piece, along with the name of the crafter and the article submitted is shown on page 4.). Toronto came in second with 80.03% and Woodstock third with 77.97%.
[The heading above and the two meeting dates are set in the issue's ordinary printed display type and typewriting, not hand lettering, and read "37TH" and "26th"/"25th" exactly as printed. "2987" (for the Saturday date) is printed exactly so — the Society's own typo for 1987, matching the shape of the "2" in "25th" two words earlier on the same line — kept as printed; every other date in this report reads 1987.]
Page 3 — Where to Find It
Hilda Chynoweth, Membership Chairman then presented Beula Reynolds with a Life Membership in the C.S.C.L. for the contributions she has made to C.S.C.L. in the past. Congratulations Beula.
Madeleine Mitchell then handed the Presidency to Ruth Haig for the next two years. Madeleine served the C.S.C.L. well for the past three years. Our special thanks Madeleine. Ruth then presented Madeleine with her Past President's pin.
The display of articles from the Branches and the Members-At-Large were well received. Of special interest was a table containing past and present pieces crafted by the Fellows. This really showed everyone the excellent high quality which can be achieved with perserverance and experience.
After a delicious buffet lunch the afternoon then proceeded with demonstrations by Lillian Kay of the Toronto Guild and Bill Gomer, our guest demonstrator and speaker from the U.S.A. Lillian gave her demonstration of the "Technique and Description of Embossed, Molded and Sculptured Leather Articles". This was a very interesting workshop and some new innovations were presented. Bill Gomer of the U.S.A., a recent winner of the Al Stohlman Award for Carving and a host of other awards demonstrated "Traditional Floral and Traditional Oak Leaf Carving", "Inverted Carving","Figure Carving &. Dyeing of Navajo Indian", the Finishing of Leather" and "Gaucho Weave Lacing". Bill was very amiable and his constant chatter revealed many old Folk remedies as well as different tips which he felt were invaluable. Three of these are listed in this bulletin on page 6.
Dinner again was a filling meal. During our coffee/tea time, Ruth Haig, on behalf of Dorothy Muma called out the names of.the members for the 42 Craftsman and 6 Salon Ribbons. Fred Brown, in his usual frivilous mood, handed out these ribbons to the lucky participants. The list of the articles and the members are listed on page 5,
The original prints "frivilous" — the Society's own spelling — kept exactly as printed.
The draw for the special prizes, the early registration prize and several gift subscriptions from Nancy Sawyer of The Leathercraftsman were drawn and the recipients collected their prizes.
Two awards were also given out. These were the Irva Ford Award for Best Moulded Leather and was won by Bea Austin, and the Anne Hook Award For colour won by Jessie Little. Both awards were presented by Walter Sunahara of O.C.C. These awards are now presented at the Annual instead of our Biennial Leather show.
Bill Gomer was the guest speaker of the evening and he gave use a brief description of his life and his work in leather. Bill has been responsible for the formation of many leather guilds in the U.S.A. as he has travelled all over the country. Extolling the high Quality of the C.S.C.L. work Bill suggested that more of these articles be available for display and suggested that our meeting be opened to the public so they can see the quality of work done. This was not accepted because of our general meeting and the ease with which articles can be lifted. After dinner was over Bill headed back to the worktable with many members following him to see more of his work. Bill also donated the Navajo Indian Head on which he had been working to the C.S.C.L.
["Our special thanks Madeleine." is set in the issue's printed italic display type used elsewhere for asides, not a handwritten cursive insertion. "perserverance" (the word is split "perserver-" / "ance" across the line break in print) is the Society's own printed spelling, with its extra "er", and is kept as printed.]
Page 4 — Weston Trophy Articles - Hamilton Branch
On Sunday morning, the members were treated to a fashion show called "Leather Now and Then". This was a presentation of the Black Powder Guild with Joyce Scruton to be commended for her work and effort in presenting this interesting show. It was well received by the membership.
After the show was over the Annual broke up for another year and everyone started to head for home.
Respectively submitted,
Audrey Gorton, Editor.
WHERE TO FIND IT
| JOHN BEAD CORP., | Waxed Lightweight and Heavyweight |
| 21 Bertrand Avenue, | Nylon Thread |
| Scarboro, Ontario, | Pin Backs |
| M1L 2P3. | Earring Posts and Clips |
NOTE: A Business Licence is required.
If paying by cheque, a minimum $50.00 order is required.
| JOHN BODLEY ENTERPRISES, | Battleship Linoleum, |
| 2395 Dunwin Road, | Acrylic and Oil Paints |
| Unit 5, | Paint Brushes |
| Clarkson P.O., Box 404, | Other Artists Materials |
Mississauga, Ontario,
L5J 3Y2.
Telephone: 1-416-828-5036
NOTE: This is 8 one-man operation. Please call ahead of time to be sure he is available.
CLARENCE OSTRANDER, - Swivel Knife Blades 401 East South Street,
Bluffton, Indiana,
46714, U.S.A.
JOHNSON SILVERCRAFT, - Pin Backs, 82 Spadina Road, - Earring Posts and Clips Unit 310,
Toronto, Ontario. Telephone: 1-416-364-9888
[Restored against the printed page: the supplier is at "21 Bertrand Avenue".]
Page 5 — Craftsman and Salon Ribbons
[This page is printed as a two-column layout of names, scores and items; read straight across instead of column by column they interleave. Judge Walter Sunahara's remark on the top piece prints with no space after his name ("Walter Sunaharasaid"), kept as printed. Karla Van Horne's own mark prints clearly as 79.995%, in the same format as every other entry on the page. The page prints "Betsey Rennie", kept as printed.]
WESTON TROPHY ARTICLES
Bea Austin — 89.165% — Small Moulded Basket. As Walter Sunaharasaid "Just a perfect simple little Basket - Delightful".
David McPherson — 88.88% — Small Orange Box with Hexagon design for low relief all over inset.
Betsey Rennie — 84.995% — Geometric Photo Album designed with matted strip.
Karla Van Horne — 79.995% — Small Address Book with Saddle Stitching Inlay.
Ruth Haig — 75.83% — Covered Bottle with Onlay of a Snake.
Page 6 — Tips from Bill Gomer
CRAFTSMAN RIBBONS - 42.
| Armstrong, Kevin | 2 | Computer Case, Radio Case |
| Austin, Bea | 4 | Small Basket, Turtles, Tray Cour Bouille Jug |
| Gogischwili, Sharon | 1 | Bound Nature Book with Marbled End Papers |
| Haig, Ruth | 7 | Round Clock, Diamond Bottle, Orange Bottle, Satchel Bag, Grey Ranger Belt, Brown Morocco Pocket Secretary, Tan and Blue Onlay Bottle |
| Kay, Lillian | 1 | Group of Key Rings |
| Little, Jessie | 5 | Trinket Tray, Round Bottle, Dragon Bottle, Carved Belt, Clock |
| McLean, Carol | 1 | Stacked Box |
| McPherson, David | 2 | Orange Box, Mauve Box |
| McPherson, Lois | 1 | Carved Stationery Portfolio |
| McTavish, Cliff | 2 | Stamped Belt, Braided Belt |
| Patterson, Mary | 1 | Pendant |
| Phaff, John | 1 | Basket Weave Key Case |
| Rennie, Betsy | 3 | Phone Book Cover, Folding Picture Folder, Geometric Photo Album |
| Riddell, Gladys | 1 | Child's Red Morocco Purse |
| Scruton, Joyce | 1 | Tan Bound Book Cover |
| Van Horne, Karla | 7 | Indian Head Box, Paper Weight, Pen Stand, Pencil Holder, Book Cover, Sampler Album, Knife Case |
| Whittingham, Bill | 2 | Snake Belt, Stamped Note Book |
SALON RIBBONS - 6.
| Austin, Bea | 2 | Turtles, Small Basket |
| Little, Jessie | 1 | Round Clock |
| McLean, Carol | 1 | Stacked Box |
| Meharg, Jack | 1 | Designer Clock |
| Rennie, Betsy | 1 | Double Picture Album |
CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE
Page 7 — Article of David McPherson - Hamilton Branch
TIPS FROM BILL GOMER SHELLAC FINISH.
Mix White (Clear) Shellac and Methyl Hydrate (also known as Methyl Alcohol) in nearly equal parts - (use slightly more shellac than alcohol).
Note: Cautions to be taken.
4. Shake shellac well before mixing.
2. This compound settles out after being mixed and must be gently shaken before each use.
3. Use only fresh shellac as old shellac will not work. If it won't dry on a scrap of wood, it won't do).
4. Date your bottles. The mixture only has a shelf life of about 3 months. 5. Use white (clear) shellac only. The other kinds won't work.
6. Use cautiously and quickly when applying it as a finish. Do not rub it into the surface of the leather, rather, just flow it on.
7. This finish will move spirit dye around a project. Keep this in mind.
8. More than one coat is required.
EDGE DRESSING.
4. 3 oz. pure beeswax )
1/4 cup neatsfoot oil) 2. When completely melted, add 1 full cupfuls of Fiebings Dark Brown
Dye. (It will bubble when you do this). 3. Pour mix into paper dixie cups and allow it to cool.
Melt together in an old coffee can.
Common Corn Oils which are pure (like Mazzola and Wesson) can be used instead of Neatsfoot Oil to oil leather. Do Not use for the recipe listed above - ie: Edge Dressing.
Page 8 — Future Home - O.C.C.
DAVID McPHERSON
David McPherson, a member of C.S.C.L. and The Hamilton Leathercraft Guild recently had en article about himself written up in the Port Colborne Tribune. The following is the article verbatim.
LOCAL LEATHERCRAFTER
WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
At the recent opening ceremonies of the Ontario Craft Council's (OCC) multi-media show Ontario Crafts '87, Tandy Leather representative Bill Wyley presented city resident David McPherson with the Tandy Leather award.
The award was given for McPherson's entry, a 14 cm by 10 cm by seven cm hinged box.
Displayed in the OCC's main-floor gallery at 346 Dundas St. in Toronto, the show runs from June 3 to July 5 and will travel next season through-out the province.
It features the work of 54 Ontario crafters in wood, weaving, glass, pottery, silver smithing, handmade paper, quilting, basketry and jurying was from slides and participation was by invitation only.
To be eligible to enter the shown, each participant had to be the recipient of an OCC award from some previous show in his own region from June, 1984 to December, 1986.
McPherson had already won an OCC design award of excellence in 1984. thusmaking him eligible to compete.
When asked about the construction of his brown, prize-winning box, McPherson said his box construction demonstrates the current trend in Ontario leather work called free-forming where the box is made without a traditional pattern.
"The crafter simply casings a container and after casing (dampening) the leather, molds it to the desired shape," he explained. "Vegetable tanned leather, when cased, can be shaped and will retain the shape when dried. For this reason, I use it to create containers which have to be rigid and inflexible, such as bowls or boxes."
He Finds an adjustable strapcutter invaluable in accurately cutting the leather strips for boxes. The box base was cut from heavy, six mm sole leather. A strip of lighter-weight, three mm cowhide was cut, dyed, shaped around the base and then glued with barge cement, forming the rigid upright sides of the box.
The box has a leather hinge. One-half of the hinge forms the lid, and the other half supports the back of the box. A five mm wooden dowel is used in the hinge.
Since cowhide is compressible when cased, a piece was stamped with a hexagon design and glued to the inside of the hinged lid to create a low relief. This provides a pleasing visual surprise when the lid is lifted.
Page 9 — Workshop - Sharon Gogischwili
Surrounded in his second-floor studio by bottles of dye, tools and rolled up hides, McPherson is now busy making brooches and matching earrings for sale at the Haliburton Highland summer exhibition and sale July 3 to 18.
Now that this competition is over, his plans for the summer. include two courses at the Haliburton Highland School of Fine Arts -- one in business management and one in leather.
McPherson moved to Port Colborne in 1984 where he teaches mathematics at Port Colborne High School. He is also involved in community work as Port Colborne residential chairman for the Arthritis Society of Ontario. He resides with his family at 133 Hampton Avenue.
FUTURE HOME - O.C.C.
O.C.C. Has purchased two 4-storey buildings at 35-37 McCaul Street, Toronto, Ontario. These buildings are immediately north of Queen Street West and South of The Village-By-The-Grange.
Renovations to these two 4-storey buildings will commence in November, 1987 and will be completely re-designed. The occupation date is unknown at this time. Further information will be forthcoming.
There will be room for non-profit arts groups. For pusher information regarding these accommodations please contact:
Mr. Donald Brackett,
Public Relations,
1-416-593-0038.
Until these renovations are completed, O.C.C. will still be located at 346 Dundas Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1G5. Their telephone number is 1-416-877-3551.
Page 10 — Workshop - Karla Van Horne
WORKSHOP
DATE AND TINE: Saturday, October 3rd, 1987 -- 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
PLACE: St. Margaret's Church, 134 Emerson Street, Hamilton INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Gogischwili TOPIC: Basic Bookbinding and Book Covering COST: $25.00 for Workshop and Supplied Materials
MATERIALS
REQUIRED: Metal Square Long Sewing Needle - About 2"
Metal Ruler Bone Folder with Pointed End
Sharp Exacto Knife Leather for Cover - Morocco
Scissors or similar weight leather
Pencil and Pen Dyes and Tools - To Finish
Skiving Tool Leather (if required)
White Glue & Glue Brush Note Pad for Notes
NOTE: Several requests were made for participants to submit their names for the September 26th, 1987 workshop and no answers were received. Since the workshop is limited to approximately 12 people this has already been filled with members of the Hamilton Guild.
PLEASE: Submit your names to Ruth Haig as soon as possible in order that Sharon is able to prepare the materials needed for this workshop.
Bring your lunch - Coffee and Tea will be served.
PROJECT: + Participants will produce a blank-paged book case-bound in Leather.
Page 11 — C.S.C.L. Executive -- 1987-1988
WORKSHOP
DATE AND TIME: Saturday, October 31st, 1987 -- 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
| PLACE: | St. Martin's-In-The-Field, First Block North of Bloor Street and Keele Street, Toronto |
| INSTRUCTOR: | Karla Van Horne |
| TOPIC: | Principles of Design with Reference to Construction |
| COS7: | To be Determined by the C.S.C.L. Executive |
MATERIALS
| REQUIRED: Sharp Pencils | Straight Edge Ruler with |
| Eraser | Accurate Markings |
| Scissors or Knife | Carpenter's or Set Square |
| (General Cutting) | Compass Set of Dividers |
| Cutting Surface | Protractor - any size |
| Masking Tape | Note Pad or Paper |
REMEMBER: To bring your lunch - Coffee and Tea will be served. PLEASE: Submit your name to Ruth Haig as soon as possible in order to get enough participants for this workshop.
PROGECT: Participants will start with a book cover and end with various gussets for handbags and case.
Page 12
C.S.C.L. EXECUTIVE - 1987-1988
OFFICERS
Past President - Madeleine Mitchell - 1-519-537-7821
President - Ruth Haig - 1-416-525-0780
1st Vice-President - Phyllis McHale - 1-705-454-1237
2nd Vice-President - Karla Van Horne - 1-416-547-4518
Treasurer - George McPhail - no telephone
Recording Secretary - Laura Walker - 1-416-389-9567
Corresponding Secretary - Sharon Gogischwili - 1-416-957-2470
DIRECTORS
1. Bea Austin - 1-416-522-8282
2. Fred Brown - 1-416-626-3184
3. May Corbett - 1-705-728-3259
4. Kay Cloughley - 1-705-497-3214
5. Jessie Little - 1-416-483-5693
6. Lea Love - 1-416-276-7340
7. Jean Pickering - 1-519-285-2518
8. Gladys Riddell - 1-416-762-7465
9. Joyce Scruton - 1- 416-844-9471
10. Olivia Smith - 1-416-233-4119
11. Don MacLeod - 1-416-277-2058
12. Dorothy Muma - 1-416-654-5635
13. Laura Bush - 1-613-392-1475
14. Kevin Armstrong - 1-416-278-4666
15. Helen Wheaton - 1-519-432-0178
EX-OFFICIO
Archives - Carol McLean - 1-519-537-7684
Editor - Audrey Gorton - 1-416-389-9567
Librarian - Marg Hunter - 1-416-459-9798
Teaching Standards - Bob Muma - 1-416-654-5635
Membership Chairman - Joyce Scruton - 1-416-844-9471
BRANCH PRESIDENTS
Hamilton - Audrey Gorton - 1-416-389-9567
Mississauga - Lois McPherson - 1-416-842-1353
Norland - Hilda Chynoweth - 1-705-454-3206
Toronto - Bob Sutton - 1-416-633-2736
Woodstock - Beula Reynolds - 1-519-539-3251
The slate is printed in three columns, one office to a line, and is set out here in that order; read straight across, the lines had run together into paragraphs. The Treasurer's line ends no telephone, in lower case, exactly as the page has it.