An issue of the Society’s newsletter, transcribed from the original.
(8 pages, 1.9 MB)
the full-resolution scan, 31 MB, for close research
Page 1
CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT
VOLUME XLI 1 — SUMMER 2002
0045-5121
2.&3. C.S.C.L. ANNUAL MEETING REPORT MADELEINE MITCHELL 4. RIBBONS, CRAFTSMAN & SALON MADELEINE MITCHELL 5. WETSON TROPHY WINNERS MADELEINE MITCHELL 6, JUDGING COMMENTS WESTON TROPHY CAROL McLEAN FCSCL 6. SPECIAL AWARDS MADELEINE MITCHELL 7. PETER GROVE ENTERIES FOR FELLOWSHIP MADELEINE MITCHELL 8. YOUR 2002-3 EXECUTIVE DON MACLEOD
[Printed exactly so: the masthead reads "VOLUME XLI 1" (Roman "XLI", 41), though the preceding issue is Winter 2002, printed "VOLUME XL 6", and Winter 2001 before it is printed "XL 5". The sequence of years calls for Vol. L here, and the next issue, Spring 2003, prints LI. Kept as printed. Line 5 of the table of contents is printed "WETSON TROPHY WINNERS", a misspelling of Weston (correctly spelled two lines below); "ENTERIES" on line 7 is also printed exactly so. Both kept as printed.]
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 permission of the Society.
President: Phyllis McHale 3783 County Road 45, RR#1 Coboconk Ont. K0M 1K0 1st Vice-Pres: Peter Grove 313 King Street E. Hamilton Ont. L8N 1C1 2nd Vice-Pres: Jack Meharg 36 Bailey Cres. Scarborough Ont. M1G 2P3 Past Pres.: Nancy Durham R.R.#1 Princeton Ont. N0J 1V0 Treasurer: Kevin Armstrong 1377 Hurontario St. Mississauga Ont. L5G 3H5 Recording Sec: Madeleine Mitchell 17 Light St. Woodstock Ont. N4S 6G7 Corrsp. Sec: Heather Atkinson 631 Adelaide St. Woodstock Ont. N4S 4C1 Membership: Bill Whittingham 42 Robinhood Rd. Islington Ont. M9A 2W8 Editor: Kevin Armstrong 1377 Hurontario St. Mississauga Ont. L5G 3H5 Editor: Don Macleod 2165 Corsair Rd. Mississauga Ont. L5A 2L7
Page 2 — 52nd Annual Meeting of the Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft
52nd Annual Meeting of the Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft
Beacon Harbourside Resort, Jordan, Ontario
April 19, 20, 21, 2002
It was unseasonably warm for mid-April when the CSCL Annual Meeting weekend began on Friday, April 19th. Kevin Armstrong, our Membership Chair, with the help of Mary Anne Crawford of the host Branch, Mississauga, had set up the Registration desk and were welcoming leathercrafters from Toronto, Woodstock, Hamilton, Norland, and even Yellowknife, NWT. As usual, it was the warm greetings and comradrie among members that ignited the room, as well as the "oohs and aahs" as the display tables were set up and folks began viewing the latest leather creations from CSCL members.
Nancy Durham, in her last Annual Weekend as President of CSCL, gathered Executive Council members together for a short meeting to finalize details pertaining to the General Annual Meeting on Saturday morning. Almost the full slate of Officers and Directors were present for this meeting. CSCL has always had excellent representation at the regularly scheduled Executive Council meetings throughout the years.
By 8:00pm Peter Grove, Hamilton Branch, had gathered a couple of dozen people around his table where he demonstrated "Basket Weaving" techniques. Peter has always generously shared his talents and time with those interested in honing their leathercraft skills.
Meanwhile, in the room with all the beautiful leather, Associates and Fellows began the daunting task of judging the finely made leather articles. This year's pieces were numerous, diverse and showed CSCL members' superlative skills. Pieces worthy of Craftsman, Salon ribbons, and several Special Awards, were finally decided upon.
On a bright Saturday, April 20th, CSCL members gathered together to hear Nancy Durham, President of CSCL, begin the 52nd Annual Meeting by welcoming the largest gathering of CSCL members in years. Joyce Scruton, Convenor of the Annual, brought greetings from the Mississauga group. Joyce reminded everyone to get lots of draw tickets this year for a large array of prizes.
The Annual Meeting proceeded with business from last year, through the various reports of Executive officers. Some lively debate occurred following the Treasurer's report that was prepared by David Windeyer, but was read by Kevin Armstrong. David's report indicated that CSCL is losing money each year due to a variety of reasons — such as declining membership, higher expenses for the Annual Meetings, as well as other expenses, and low interest rates. Jack Meharg presented a Notice of Motion that will be brought up next year at the 2003 Annual suggesting we consider an increase in Membership Fees. Although nothing was changed this year, members are now aware that CSCL needs more members and ideas for fund raising just to cover our expenses.
Dorothy McPherson and Kevin Armstrong announced the 2002 Ontario Volunteer Service recipients — Irene Girling, Member-at-Large; Carol McLean, FCSCL, Woodstock; Loreen Manuel, Woodstock; Beula Reynolds, ACSCL, Woodstock; Dorothy Stanton, ACSCL, Woodstock (posthumously); and Muriel Strongman, ACSCL, Hamilton. The Official Awards will be presented at a ceremony, yet to be announced.
Page 3
[Printed "page 2" at the top of this sheet, continuing the Annual Meeting report from page 2.]
Bill Whittingham, Chair of the Council of Fellows, then presented Peter Grove of Hamilton with his Fellow Standing. Peter had achieved his Associate standing just last year and now has reached his Fellowship — Well Done Peter!
Bill Whittingham invited all CSCL Members to participate in the upcoming "Leather 2002" Biennial Exhibition to be held June 6 to September 5, 2002 at the Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery. Judging date will be May 6th with Bill Whittingham, FCSCL, and Dorothy Muma, FCSCL, judging for the various Awards that are available at each Biennial. Members received their "Call for Entry" in their registration package.
Phyllis McHale, 1st Vice-President, read the "History of the Weston Trophy" and then presented the Weston Trophy to the Woodstock Branch. Accepting the award and ribbons were Beula Reynolds, Heather Atkinson, Loreen Manuel, and Madeleine Mitchell, the crafters of the 4 piece entry.
The new Executive was presented to the members by Bill Whittingham, as Past President, and the camera flashed as the new President, Phyllis Mchale collected her "Navy". The business meeting adjourned at about 11:45 am.
[Printed exactly so: "collected her 'Navy'" — the word is clearly printed "Navy" in quotation marks on the page; what it refers to (perhaps the gavel, or a nickname of some kind) is not otherwise explained on the page.]
By 1:30pm, members had reassembled for the demonstrations. Della Chynoweth of the Toronto Branch, along with Sandra Roberts of Norland, presented "Leather Pyrography". During their demonstration members in attendance were given an opportunity to try leather "burning". On the other side of the room, Peter Hooker made "Knife Sharpening Look Easy" — he made the chore of knife sharpening an art!
During the afternoon, Joyce Scruton and side kick, Jack Meharg, sold tickets and drummed up the excitement by starting the drawings for the famous "Draw Table". CSCL members made short work of clearing off the table.
Following the break, Nancy Durham, ACSCL, demonstrated "Dyeing Techniques" with various ideas that decorate leather while letting the beauty of the leather shine through. At another table, Paul Kitchener shared his "Carving and Tooling Techniques", teaching some of the old CSCLers some new tricks.
The Annual Banquet, although delayed for a while, allowed members and guests to reminisce and relax. It was especially pleasing to have Ruth Haig, FCSCL, attend in view of her recent health concerns.
An entertaining speaker followed the dinner providing a multitude of tips on how to decorate your home and garden on a shoe string.
Carol McLean, FCSCL, then presented Craftsman and Salon to a good number of CSCL members who achieved excellence in crafting and design. Special Awards were also presented to Bill Whittingham and Peter Grove. A complete list of prize and ribbon winners will follow this article.
April 21st found a group of CSCLers watching Bill Whittingham as he magically created the soft tones and nuances on a Celtic Knot design using Garnett Dyes to their full potential.
Madeleine Mitchell cornered a few CSCL members with her video camera to record some of their thoughts and memories of their careers in leathercraft. The end result of the videotaping will not be available for some time, but, should someday provide some valuable insights into why we love Leather!
Many Thanks to Joyce Scruton and her Mississauga team who put together a delightful Annual Weekend for 2002!
Respectfully submitted, Madeleine Mitchell
Page 4 — Craftsman Ribbons presented at the 2002 CSCL Annual
Craftsman Ribbons presented at the 2002 CSCL Annual
Heather Atkinson (1) Pen Stand with Maple Leafs Marianne Crawford (1) Phone Book Della Chynoweth (1) Baby Bird Picture Sean Dalgetty (3) Stingray Note Book, Red Belt Punch, Black Rifle Sling Nancy Durham (3) Mache Duck Decoy, Kidney Shaped Pen Stand, Black & Tan Basket Weave Belt Silva Fox (1) Carved Key Case Peter Grove (5) Red Moulded Pinwheel Bowl, Handbag, Mask Book, Business Card Case, Moulded Bowl Lauchlan Harrison (2) Moose & Wolf Trimmed Mitts, Red Dyed Picture Frame Peter Hooker (1) Suitcase Paul Kitchener (4) Carved Cowboy Boots, Embossed Eagle Picture, Embossed Horse Head Picture, Braided Belt Dee MacLeod (3) Lined Cowhide Vest, Plain Handbag, Mocassins with Beaded Toes Don McLeod (1) Knife Case Loreen Manuel (2) Hummingbird Wall Hanging, Bookends Jack Meharg (2) Mini Flashlight Case, Celtic Weed Pot Madeleine Mitchell (2) Inlay Morocco Notepad, Round Box Beula Reynolds (3) Morocco Photo Binder, Bark Sculpture with Butterflies, Oak Leaf Pen Stand Sandra Roberts (3) Indian Wolf/Leather Burning, Father Christmas, Indian Dolls Adam Smith (1) Unicorn Picture Bill Whittingham (2) Celtic Knotwork Painting, "Highwayman" Mask
Salon Ribbons presented at the 2002 CSCL Annual
Sean Dalgetty (1) Stingray Notebook, Red Belt Pouch Silva Fox (1) Carved Key Case Peter Grove (4) Red Moulded Pinwheel Bowl, Handbag, Mould Bowl, Mask Box Lauchlan Harrison (1) Red Dyed Picture Frame Paul Kitchener (3) Cowboy Boots, Laced Belt, Embossed Eagle Picture Dee MacLeod (1) Cowhide Lined Vest Loreen Manuel (1) Hummingbird Wall Hanging Madeleine Mitchell (1) Round Box Bill Whittingham (1) Highwayman Mask
["Don McLeod" is printed so on this Craftsman list. This is Don MacLeod, listed as "Don Macleod" among the directors on page 8; the form printed on this page is kept.]
Page 5 — Comments of Weston Trophy Entries...; 2002 CSCL Annual — Award Winners
Comments of Weston Trophy Entries...
from the notes of Carol McLean, FCSCL
Hamilton Branch:
Picture Frame — this piece has a very innovative moulding technique for the picture support. The retainer support on the back leg should have been finished as the others were. The dye job is unique and the edges were finished nicely.
Roses — Skiving on the edges of the rose petals was very well done. It would have been nice to see this grouping of flowers in a leather covered vase. Dyed skiver would have been a much nicer presentation instead of floral tape on the stems. The petals are contoured nicely and the overall shape of the flower is true to nature.
Unicorn Picture — This picture has a nicely flowing background design, beautiful carving and extensive tooling. There is a real flair to the design showing the wind in the mane.
Coffee Table Album — The choice of leathers are suitable to the project. It is nicely carved with a good dye job and finish. The stitching is well done.
Hamilton's Mark — 71.67%
Mississauga Branch:
Sheepskin Mocassins — this is a good choice of leather for everyday wear. These mocassins should feel very comfy on the feet. The gathering at the toe is not even.
Carved Belt — The three dimensional tooling on the belt is well done. The pattern is not centred on the belt in some areas and the stitching wheel impressions wander a bit. The edges are well finished.
Carved Sharkskin Boots — These are very dramatic. The Celtic dragon pattern is nicely executed. There are some off track needle holes on one of the tabs. The use of sharkskin and decorative lacing up the sides is a very nice touch.
"The Highwayman" Mask — This piece is very well constructed and thought out. The back is wonderfully flat so it will hang on a wall well. The dyeing and shading of the leaves is great and the metal Celtic conchos add to the appeal. There is a real panache to this piece.
Mississauga's Mark — 75%
2002 CSCL Annual — Award Winners
Irva Ford Award for Best Moulded Leather presented to Peter Grove of Hamilton for his Moulded Bowl.
Robert Muma Award for Best Tooling or Colouring presented to Silva Fox, Mississauga Branch, for her Carved Key Case.
Best in Show Award presented to Paul Kitchener, Mississauga Branch, for his Embossed Eagle Picture.
[The Annual Meeting account on page 3 names the meeting's Special Awards as going to Bill Whittingham and Peter Grove; the list printed below names Peter Grove, Silva Fox and Paul Kitchener, and does not name Bill Whittingham for any of the three. Both are printed as they stand; the page does not say what Bill Whittingham's award was.]
Page 6 — 2002 CSCL Annual — Weston Trophy Winners
2002 CSCL Annual — Weston Trophy Winners
Woodstock Branch
Photo Binder made by Beula Reynolds, ACSCL — This piece is nicely skived. The morocco was not overworked on the corners and the cover opens and closes easily.
Bookends made by Loreen Manuel — These bookends sit nice and flat. The lacing is a nice addition but there is a slight problem at the end of the lacing. The tooling and colouration are well done.
Pen Stand made by Heather Atkinson — This is a beautiful piece. We liked the fact that the leaves weren't glued flat. The edges of the stand are not as smooth as they could be. Overall a pleasing effect.
Round Box made by Madeleine Mitchell — There is a nice lip feature on this box. The skiving is a bit lumpy on the turn unders inside the lid. It has a nice feel in the hand and would make a great mantle piece.
Woodstock's Mark — 77.5%
Page 7 — 2002 Fellow Pieces — Peter Grove, FCSCL
[Page 7 is a full-page photograph of leatherwork pieces; the caption printed beneath it reads as follows.]
2002 Fellow Pieces — Peter Grove, FCSCL
Ladies Carved Handbag, Decorative Bowl with Large Rim, Journal Book with Moulded Mask, Business Card Case with Hair on Calfskin
Page 8 — C.S.C.L. Executive 2002–2003
C.S.C.L. Executive 2002–2003
Officers and Directors
Officers
President Phyllis McHale 705-454-3206 Past President Nancy Durham 519-458-4533 1st Vice-president Peter Grove 705-527-7745 2nd Vice-president Jack Meharg 416-439-5873 Recording Secretary Madeleine Mitchell 519-537-7821 Corresponding Secretary Heather Atkinson 519-537-8138 Treasurer Kevin Armstrong 905-278-4666 Membership Bill Whittingham 416-239-3743
Branch Presidents
Hamilton Peter Grove 705-527-7745 Mississauga Joyce Scruton 905-844-9471 Norland Phyllis McHale 705-454-3206 Toronto Della Chynoweth 416-481-7732 Woodstock Heather Atkinson 519-537-8138
Directors
1. Della Chynoweth 416-481-7732 2. Betsy Rennie 905-631-6277 3. Joyce Scruton 905-844-9471 4. Kevin Armstrong (Treasurer, Co-Editor, Archiveist) 905-278-4666 5. Dorothy Muma 416-654-5635 6. Don Macleod (Co-Editor) 905-277-2058 7. Al Foss (Librarian) 416-284-5036 8. Dorothy McPherson 519-473-6450 9. David McPherson 519-473-6450
Ex-Officio
Chairman Council of Fellows Bill Whittingham 416-239-3743 Teaching Standards Ruth Haig 905-525-0780 Archivist Kevin Armstrong 905-278-4666
[Printed exactly so: "Archiveist" for director #4, and "Archivist" for the ex-officio role two lines later — the same word, spelled two ways on the same page. Both kept as printed.]