An issue of the Society’s newsletter, transcribed from the original.
(8 pages, 1.4 MB)
the full-resolution scan, 20 MB, for close research
Page 1
Canadian Leathercraft
VOLUME XXXIX NO. 3 SPRING 1991 0045-5121
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Index 1.
Treasures of Larmour Library, By Rene Hackstetter, ACSCL, Toronto Branch 2.
Plate Hanger, By Frances Hogue, Mississauga Branch 4.
Ontario Arts Council News 5.
Just Belong? 6.
Annual - Map to the Beacon Motor Inn 6.
Bruce H. White Leathercraft
Garnett Company 7.
CSCL WORKSHOP by Ruth Haig, FCSCL. May 25, 1991 8.
WORKSHOP at the ANNUAL by Bill Whittingham 8.
This contents list matches the page's own order and numbers, each number set at the right. Two entries carry an indented by-line beneath the title; here each runs on after its title. Bruce H. White Leathercraft is printed on the line above Garnett Company and shares its number.
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: Don MacLeod 2165 Corsair Road | Mississauga Ont. L5A 2L7 |
| 1st Vice-Pres: Jack Meharg 36 Bailey Cresent | Scarboro Ont. M1G 2P3 |
| 2nd Vice-Pres: Bill Whittingham 42 Robin Hood Road | Islington Ont. M9A 2W8 |
| Treasurer: George McPhail 3 Lambton Avenue | Toronto Ont. M6N 2S2 |
| Record. Sec: Kevin Armstrong 1377 Hurontario Street | Mississauga Ont. L5G 3H5 |
| Corrsp. Sec: Betsy Rennie 1357 Baldwin St. | Burlington Ont. L7S 1K1 |
| Membership: Joyce Scruton 212 Southview Road | Oakville Ont. L6K 2P4 |
| Editor: Lois MacPherson 1407-350 Lynnwood Dr. | Oakville Ont. L6H 1M8 |
| Editor: Betsy Rennie 1357 Baldwin St. | Burlington Ont. L7S 1K1 |
Page 2 — Treasures of Larmour Library, By Rene Hackstetter, ACSCL, Toronto Branch
TREASURES OF THE LARMOUR LIBRARY F. O. BAIRD, LEATHER ARTIST
Rene Hackstetter
In that rich soil we call the Larmour Library, our spades turn up a tremendous gathering of the works of F. O. Baird. This fine leather artist learned to stamp from his uncle who owned a saddle shop in Fort Morgan, Colorado. Mr. Baird trained as a Troop Saddler in the Cavalry in 1917 and for the Mule Pack Service. He worked in a variety of saddle shops, and then his own shop in Los Angeles, followed by a sojourn in Manitou Springs Colorado.
[This paragraph is printed in short lines beside a portrait drawing; it is set out here as one paragraph.]
It is during this period, after World War II that Baird wrote and published some of the instructional books he is known for. One of his first, "Leather Art", published in 1946, is an instructional book whose cover shows a tooled portrait of a horse, surrounded by embellishments of flowers and leaves. Inside there are 32 pages of instruction and patterns, a photograph of Baird with one of his show saddles and pictures of tooled belts, holsters and book covers. All the necessary implements, one might say, for defending the western sanctuary.
Doctor Larmour and his wife Reta, during their tour of the Southwest, visited Mr. and Mrs. Baird in Manitou Springs and initiated a warm friendship that still links us with their meeting. At that time, 1950, Baird was working on "Leather Secrets", a massive compendium of folding instruction sheets on Swivel Knife Cutting, Tooling and Assembly. Baird very kindly donated an inscribed copy to the Library. There are three slides L95-6, which show the Larmours and the Bairds during their visit.
Page 3
In addition to a pamphlet, the "Leather Art Accordian Series" in 1947, Design Number One-F 'Bill Fold 60, Baird published three series called "Leather Treasures". The first one was called "Six Billfold Designs and Monograms", the second, "Twelve Billfold Designs and Monograms" and the last, "Fifteen Belt Designs and Monograms". In addition, there is a portfolio of "Handbags and Belts", done in 1951 and perhaps his last book, "Design Artistry", published in 1955.
"Handbags and Belts", the design portfolio containing eight sheets of patterns in the Larmour copy, was donated by Jessie Little. "Design Artistry", the Library's copy inscribed "Happy Carving" from the Master, measures 18"X24-1/2" and may be Baird's last book. It is 32 pages of instruction in fundamental design principles and full sized examples of tooled works. The first six pages are instructions in creating some of the geometry required for producing the floral patterns of the Southwest style.
[Beside this paragraph, a boxed picture of a book cover reads "F. O. BAIRD'S / LEATHER ART ACCORDION / Series".]
Baird recognized the necessity of instruction for advancement in the Craft.
As his work matured through practice and his understanding of the subject clarified, he became more systematic in his instruction for designing. He admits in "Design Artistry" that because of a lack of written instruction, he struggled forty-five years before bringing out the book. In many ways, "Design Artistry" could stand at the forefront of all his works. What we discover in this embroidered work are masters of great skill and devotion, whose art took years to mature. Dr. Ralph and Reta Larmour, Baird, and all those fondly and affectionately remembered, take their honoured places together in our banquet hall. The years that pass add lustre to all their names. As we slowly discover these treasures, the soil of our imagination is stirred and these memories are flagstones supporting the banner of our Society. Inspired, we dream fresh dreams and these fall like the dew on those who have seen the banner in the distance, waving.
[Two stray marks in this paragraph — an apostrophe after "out" and underscores around "we" — are not on the page (matching a saddle-shop apostrophe already dropped earlier on p2); left out here.]
F. O. Baird was an Honorary Life Member of the Society in recognition of his contribution to the field of Leathercraft.
[The page prints "F. O. Baird" with the typewriter's capital O, which is wider and rounder than its digit zero ("Bill Fold 60" on the same page).]
NOTE: Thanks to the Tandy Leather Company for permission to reproduce covers of F.O. Baird's books.
Page 4 — Plate Hanger, By Frances Hogue, Mississauga Branch
PLATE HANGER
Frances Hogue
This plate holder forms a square frame around your' favourite plate. It can also be made round, with corners cut off, or any way that pleases you or suits the plate to be framed. The plate fits snugly into a "pocket" at the back of the frame.
FRONT:
1) Cut one 10" x 10" square 7-8 oz carving leather.
2] Measure the diameter of the plate you wish to hang and cut a cardboard template 3/8" smaller in diameter.
3] Place this circular template in the middle of the 10" leather square (centering it carefully) and cut out' the circle. This will be the front of your hanger, so any carving or stamping should be done now.
4] Place the plate over the cut-out circle, on the flesh side, centering it perfectly. Scribe a line around the plate.
5] With a V-gouge, form a recess, following the scribed line.
The plate should fit into this recess. FIG 1.
6} Dampen the 10" square with the cutout and place it under a heavy object. Leave until completely dry and flat (approx. 12 hours).
BACK:
1] Cut out an 11-1/2" square from 7-8 oz leather. 2) Soak the leather thoroughly.
3] Place the plate, face down, on a wooden board. Centre the soaked leather, flesh side down, over the plate and begin shaping it down over the plate. Use a modeler around the edges of the plate, to form a clear line.
4] Tack the leather to the board, with the plate still in place, working the edges flat and shaping snugly. FIG 2. 5] Allow to dry for 24 to 36 hours. Remove tacks and place this piece on the back of the 10" square with cutout. Make sure all edges are even and trim, where necessary.
6) Cut out the top half of the molded circular section of the back. FIG. 3
[The line is set with the typewriter’s own wide spacing — "form a recess" with a gap either side of "a" — and a stray mark stands in the gap after "recess" on the page.]
Page 5 — Ontario Arts Council News
HANGER
1) Cut a 3/4" X 8" (approx.) strip from scrap. Shape both ends and finish edges. After finishing (below) rivet top end, grain side down, 1" in at top, centre of frame back. Place small 'D' ring on strap and rivet other end, flesh side down, 1" down at centre of molded half circle. Allow enough play so the strap can "swing". (FIG 3)
FINISHING
1] Dye all pieces, if desired. 2} At this point, you must finish and burnish the edges of the circle and half circle.
3] Attach hanging strip. 4] Carefully keeping the circles centered together, glue the back and front pieces together. Allow to set thoroughly. Trim edges, if necessary. Bevel, dye and burnish the edges.
FIG.3
ONTARIO ARTS COUNCIL NEWS
The Visual Arts Office of the Ontario Arts Council has announced the following changes to its Crafts Grant Program of assistance to individual craftspersons.
These changes will become effective April 1, 1991: al The limit of grant assistance has been increased from $8,000 to $10,000. This limit now corresponds to the maximum available to individual artists. b] Success in one granting competition will no longer preclude a craftsperson from applying in the next competition. However, no more than a total of $10,000 will be awarded to an individual in any one fiscal year (April 1 to March 31). Additionally, in the same fiscal year, a craftsperson may receive up to $1,000 in the Exhibition Assistance Program, for a maximum of $11,000.
Page 6 — Just Belong?; Annual - Map to the Beacon Motor Inn
c] Reports following the completion of a project for which a grant has been awarded will no longer be required. However, as some projects lend themselves to the creation of documentation, successful applicants will be encouraged to consider sharing their project experience or results with their associates or colleagues by providing an account or commentary to the editor of a newsletter or magazine for possible publication. In this case, a copy of the documentation should also be sent to the Visual Arts Office. d] Receipt of Canada Council grants at any level will no longer preclude a craftsperson or visual artist from applying for grants administered by OAC's Visual Arts Office.
In addition, the eligibility criteria for craftspersons taking courses has been clarified. Individuals taking more than two courses concurrently are considered to be students, regardless of the stage of their careers as craftspersons. This amplifies the requirement that craftspersons must have completed their education and spent. a minimum of one year working at their craft, following their most recent studies. Students are ineligible.
[This page continues the Ontario Arts Council notice from p5 (items a and b): items c and d, and the following eligibility-criteria paragraph.]
Crafts Grant application forms are in the process of being revised and new forms should be available from the OAC's Visual Arts Office and the Resource Centre, Ontario Crafts Council, by the end of February.
JUST BELONG?
| Are you an Active Member | Do you work with your committee |
| The kind that would be missed, | And get right in the mix, |
| Or are you just contented | Or leave the work to just a few |
| That your name is on the list? | And talk about the cliques? |
| Do you attend the meetings | Think it over, member... |
| And mingle with the flock, | You know right from wrong! |
| Or do you stay at home | Are you an active member |
| To criticize and knock? | Or do you JUST BELONG? |
| Do you take an active part | |
| To help the work along, | Author Unknown |
| Or are you satisfied | Submitted by Betsy Rennie |
| To just belong? |
Don't forget the Annual Meeting May 3-5, at The Beacon Motor Inn, Beacon Blvd & QEW, P.O. Box 70, Jordan Station, L0R 1S0. Tel: 416-562-4155
[A hand-drawn map beside this notice shows the route to the Beacon Motor Inn: Beacon Blvd. running to the Beacon, reached from Exit 55 off the QEW (labelled both to Toronto and to Niagara). The map's road number is hand drawn and its last figure cannot be read.]
Page 7 — Garnett Company
[Two advertisements are printed on this page.]
BRUCE H WHITE
LEATHERCRAFT
I WILL BE SELLING HARDWARE AND SUPPLIES
AT THE C.S.C.L. ANNUAL MEETING
IF YOU NEED ANY SPECIAL SUPPLIES
PLEASE CONTACT ME AT
1-416-755-4464
LEAVE A MESSAGE IF NO ANSWER
BOLO SUPPLIES
DEE RINGS
MAGAZINES
KEY PLATES
SNAPS
RIVETS
BUCKLES
PURSE CLASPS
MONEY CLIPS
KEY RINGS
STAMPS
JEWELRY HARDWARE
LEATHERCRAFT DYES AND SUPPLIES
Garnett Company
We will see you at
the Annual Meeting
in May 1991.
Harold
&
Joyce
Liters by order only
[Beside this, two jars are pictured. Both labels are set out below, the left-hand one first. On the left-hand label a heavy ink shadow cuts the product line after "Leather Finishe", so what followed it cannot be read; the town line prints only "…onto, Canada", which the transcript below completes.]
Garnett
Leather Finish
for the
Leather Craftsman
Polish Coat
GARNETT CO.
Toronto, Canada
Garnett
Leather Dyes
for the
Leather Craftsman
Antique
Golden Tan
GARNETT CO.
Toronto, Canada
Page 8 — CSCL WORKSHOP by Ruth Haig, FCSCL. May 25, 1991; WORKSHOP at the ANNUAL by Bill Whittingham
| DATE: | Saturday, May 25, 1991 |
| TIME: | 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
| PLACE: | St. Martin's-in-the-Field Church, Toronto |
| FEE: | $25.00 |
| DEMONSTRATOR: | Ruth Haig |
| TOPIC: | Working with Belting Strips |
PLEASE BRING: a] a stone approximately 7-8" long, 4" high or b] a bottle to cover or c] a deep dish or bowl to use as a form
YOU WILL NEED: Saran wrap
Wellbond cement Application brush and glue dish Belting strip leather (available from J Scruton)
Scissors
Hair dryer or heat gun Newspaper or plastic bags.
Please make your intention to attend known, in writing, to Ruth Haig, 264 Duke Street, Ste. 401, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1Y3, by April 30, 1991 along with the registration fee.
DATE: Saturday, May 4, 1991 - 3:30 p.m.
PLACE: Beacon Motor Inn - at "The Annual"
FEE: $3.00 to cover materials
SUBJECT: Colour Dye & Dry Brush
(Two projects will be completed) DEMONSTRATOR: Bill Whittingham
PLEASE BRING: Water container and sponge Small bottle or jar (e.g. baby food jar) Knife (Xacto) for fine cutting and cutting board Good quality paint brush, #4, 5 or 6 brush size Modeling tools ~ 1 with ball tip - 1 with fine embossing tip
Sheet of blotting paper 4 or 5 sheets of paper towels Section of newspaper for working base.
SUPPLIED: Dyes and final finish
Leather
Pin back
Cement
Please confirm your intention to attend, in advance, by notifying Hamilton Guild members or Bill Whittingham, 42 Robin Hood Road,
Islington, ON, M9A 2W8