An issue of the Society’s newsletter, transcribed from the original.
(8 pages, 2.2 MB)
the full-resolution scan, 26 MB, for close research
Page 1
Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft
CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT
Volume LII No.2 — Winter 2003-2004
0045-5121
[A photograph below the masthead carries the caption "Hamilton's "Basic Tool Use Workshop" - November 2003" printed above it, and shows six members seated round a table.]
In this Edition...
Page 2 Notes from the Editor, Websites of interest to CSCL members Page 2 CSCL Talent Unleashed in Hamilton Page 3 Do you know this Creative Leathercrafter? Page 3 Branches of CSCL Welcome Visits from Other CSCLers Page 4 Woodstock Branch Meetings, The 2004 CSCL Annual Weekend Page 4 2003 CSCL Volunteer Service Award Recepient: Emma Windatt Page 5 Executive Council Highlights - from November 28, 2003 Page 5 From the Columbine Leatherguild, Inc Newsletter -December 2003 Page 6 Brainteasers, Leather Tips and Tricks Page 6 Leathercraft, a Canadian Perspective Page 7 "Chick-a-dee" by Silva Fox FCSCL Page 8 Are You Interested in Becoming a CSCL Associate or Fellow
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: Phyllis McHale 3783 Cty Rd.45, RR#1 Coboconk, ON K0M 1K0 [email protected] 1st Vice-Pres: Peter Grove 313 King St., East Hamilton, ON L8N 1C1 [email protected] 2nd Vice-Pres: Heather Atkinson 631 Adelaide St. Woodstock, ON N4S 4C1 [email protected] Past President: Nancy Durham RR#1 Princeton, ON N0J 1V0 [email protected] Treasurer: Kevin Armstrong 1377 Hurontario St. Mississauga, ON L5G 3H5 [email protected] Recording Sec'y: Della Chynoweth #701-45 Balliol St. Toronto, ON M4S 1C3 [email protected] Correspondence: Heather Atkinson 631 Adelaide St. Woodstock, ON N4S 4C1 [email protected] Membership: Bill Whittingham 345 Colbourne St. Bradford, ON L3Z 1C7 [email protected] Editor: Madeleine Mitchell 17 Light St. Woodstock, ON N4S 6G7 [email protected]
Page 2 — Notes from the Editor, Websites of interest to CSCL members; CSCL Talent Unleashed in Hamilton
Notes from the Editor...
With another year past, I trust that the Holiday Season brought warm memories and renewed friendships to our CSCL membership and their friends and families.
CSCL had a November Workshop, in Hamilton where Peter Grove and Lauch Harrison shared their considerable skills - you'll read more in the following pages.
Many thanks to our Member-at-Large in the US, Silva Fox FCSCL for her Technical Article in this issue.
Our thoughts are with Dorothy Muma FCSCL and Charter Member of CSCL, who suffered poor health around the Christmas season. Thanks to FCSCL Ruth Haig's phone call we were able to get a card out to her. Past President, Nancy Durham ACSCL lost her father in November.
Word has it that Kevin Armstrong, has also been under the weather - Get Well Kevil we need you at the Executive Meetings (he's our money man - the Treasurer).
[Printed exactly so: this sentence addresses him directly as "Kevil" rather than "Kevin". Kept as printed.]
What a treat to see Jack Meharg and Al Foss out to the November Executive meeting!
This issue will feature a biography of one of CSCL's Norland treasures -our own "Auntie Em" - Emma Windatt. Thanks to Dorothy MacPherson for the copy.
[Printed exactly so: this credit line spells the name "Dorothy MacPherson", while the same biography's own credit line on page 4 spells it "Dorothy McPherson". The Society's bulletins print the name both ways over the years. Each spelling is kept exactly as printed.]
Corrections:
Did anyone notice the typo in the "Autumn 2003" edition? I spelled it "Autmn" on the cover!!!
Also, for some reason, I reversed the VP's on the Slate of the Executive Council 2003-2004.
It should read: 1st Vice-President Peter Grove
2nd Vice-President Heather Atkinson
Please check the email address for Past President, Nancy Durham - it should read [email protected]
Finally, YOUR comments, questions, and articles are welcomed for future editions of "Canadian Leathercraft". Please contact me at [email protected] or mail to Madeleine Mitchell, 17 Light St., Woodstock, Ontario N4S 6G7.
Websites of interest to CSCL members
Hermann Oak Leather Co. - www.hermannoakleather.com
Hide Crafter Leathercraft - www.hidecrafter.com
If you know of any websites that CSCL members might find interesting, please contact the Editor.
CSCL Talent Unleashed in Hamilton
Following up on a promise made at the 2003 Norland Annual Weekend, 1st Vice-President, Peter Grove and Hamilton President, Lauchlan Harrison presented a "Basic Tool Use Workshop" on a frosty November 22, 2003.
Although attendance was small, the attendees were enthusiastic and impressed with the skills of the Peter and Lauch. Jim Wilkes brought a wide array of tools and supplies for display, as well as generous bags of shearling scraps, free for the taking. Deirdre MacLeod, from Norland, identified some new tools and their use. Larry Atkinson of Woodstock took notes so that he could pass on the many tips to wife Heather, who got called into work on the morning of the workshop, and could not attend.
If a question arose over what to use, or how to use the tool, Peter was there with the answer and three or four alternate methods! Lauch created the mood of the day with Celtic taped music and later, at lunch, pizza and veggies. Jean Pickering of Woodstock said she enjoyed the day and came home with copious notes and a belt!
Lauch and Peter have generously offered to do another workshop, possibly in Norland. Details in a future bulletin.
During the workshop we all created a belt using a variety of tools and skills and came away feeling that it was a worthwhile and fun experience. Thanks guys!
Page 3 — Do you know this Creative Leathercrafter?; Branches of CSCL Welcome Visits from Other CSCLers
Do you know this Creative Leathercrafter?
[A cartoon drawing of a dishevelled leathercrafter appears here in the original, with lines pointing from each part of her to a caption. The captions, in order, read: "Frazzled Hair from trying to finish the Christmas orders"; "Wrinkled Brow from demystyfying Mystery Braiding"; "Bad Eyesight from staying up all night finishing Weston Trophy piece"; "Black Bags under Eyes due to an order of 20 Black Belts in 2 weeks"; "Twisted tongue from explaining a technique found by accident"; "Bad Posture from bending while stamping & Carving"; "Tennis Elbow from trying to adjust purse gussets"; "Tacky Clothes covered with dyes & glue"; "Bandaged Hand- skived out chunk of finger"; "Black & Blue finger from poking finger while saddle-stitching"; "Own Wallet falling apart- no time to do the repairs"; "Marks on clothes from using clothes to burnish Belts"; "Pattern grabbed when spilled contact cement"; and "Ankle Cast from slipping while finishing Exhibition Piece".]
Thanks to Jean Pickering who submitted this "Creative Leathercrafter" for the Bulletin back in 1986
Branches of CSCL Welcome Visits from Other CSCLers
In an effort to improve communication, the CSCL Executive have asked Branches to publicize their upcoming programs so that any interested CSCL members can attend.
To date, we have received programs of Hamilton, Norland, and Woodstock Branches. Contact names and locations are included, feel free to call ahead for details.
Hamilton Branch Meetings: Held 2nd Thursday of each Month, at Peter Grove's Store at 313 King St., East, Hamilton. Phone Peter for more information - 905 527-7745
Meetings start at 7:00pm
February 12 - Barn Board Embossing, Stamping and Staining - Lauch Harrison ACSCL
March 11 - Leather Bottell -Part 1 - Leather selection, patterns & methods -Ruth Haig FCSCL
April 8 - Leather Bottell -Part 2 - Saddle Stitching & Grooving -Ruth Haig FCSCL
May 13 - Finishing Leather Bottell
Norland Branch Meetings: Check with Phyllis McHale for some locations and more details at 705 454-3206. Note: various meeting times. February and March Meetings at the Norland Community Hall, bring your own lunch.
February 21 - 10:00am to 3:00pm -Carving the Bubble Pin with Della Chynoweth and Deirdre MacLeod
March 20 - 10:00am to 3:00pm -Leather Weights and Key Holder with Barbara Chynoweth
April 19 - 7:30pm - Catch Up Meeting with Marian and Jack Sim
May 17 - 7:30pm - Finish Key Holder with Gloria Cousins
June 13 - BBQ -details later
Page 4 — Woodstock Branch Meetings, The 2004 CSCL Annual Weekend; 2003 CSCL Volunteer Service Award Recepient: Emma Windatt
Woodstock Branch Meetings:
Held 4th Wednesday of each Month, at the Woodstock Museum, 466 Dundas St., Woodstock -enter at back. For more information- Heather Atkinson at 519 537-8138
Meetings start at 7:00pm
February 25 - Library Night, Bring your favourite Leathercraft Book. Also finish Projects and Election of Officers.
March 24 - Experiments in Moulded Leather -bring an idea and some materials to try
April - No Meeting in Woodstock -due to CSCL Annual
May(date to be determined) - Colour & Design Concepts - Carol McLean FCSCL
The 2004 CSCL Annual Weekend
...Mark your calendar now!
Della Chynoweth, President of the Toronto Branch CSCL will be inviting CSCL Members to the Lindsay Inn, Lindsay, ON
April 23,24,25 2004
Registration Form and Details will be in the Mail mid-February! Don't miss your opportunity to network and learn.
Members in attendance at the General Meeting will be voting on a Motion to increase the CSCL Annual Fee to $25.00 per year.
Answers to "Brainteasers" 1. petite fours 2. high IQ
[Two photographs appear here in the original, neither captioned: a portrait of a woman, and a stone building whose hanging sign reads "Canada's Smallest JAIL". The article below it places the jail house in Coboconk.]
...from the notes of Dorothy McPherson
2003 CSCL Volunteer Service Award Recepient: Emma Windatt
Emma Windatt, affectionately known as "Auntie Em", has been a vital contributing member of the Norland Branch of the Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft for 25 years having joined in 1978. She remembers, as a child, watching her father using leather to face the mitts her mother knit. When friend, Hilda Chynoweth started to teach leathercraft in about 1973, Emma signed up to fill the class. Emma's brother-in-law was a skilled leatherworker from Winnipeg and Vancouver. When he saw the caliber of her work he made sure she got his tools.
Throughout the years, Emma has replaced the leather seat on an antique rocker, took a leather sandal workshop in Toronto and five leather courses at the Haliburton School of Fine Arts. The HSFA courses included Leather Boxes with David McPherson ACSCL and Dyeing Leather with Lillian Kay.
Emma has served as President of the Norland Leather Guild, and she spearheaded the "Ye Olde Jail House" restoration project. Originally, the jail house, in Coboconk, was destined to be a parking lot, but with Emma's determination, "Ye Olde Jail House", halfway between Lindsay and
Page 5 — Executive Council Highlights - from November 28, 2003; From the Columbine Leatherguild, Inc Newsletter -December 2003
Minden, became a shop selling handicrafts and providing tourist information. It has since received official designation as Canada's Smallest Jail. Emma was recognized for her efforts with a citation and label pin from the Ontario Heritage Foundation. She was co-ordinator with New Horizons for 8 years where leathercraft became one of the big sellers. Open May 24th to Labour Day, the Jail House has seen thousands of visitors who have taken articles of leather made by the Norland Guild to all parts of the world.
Emma continues to enjoy CSCL Annuals, workshops, poetry, dancing, and occasional appearances as the "Mystery Lady".
Executive Council Highlights
-from November 28, 2003
President Phyllis McHale away
-Peter Grove, 1st V-P filled in as acting Chair at the last meeting of 2003. The Executive welcomed back Al Foss and Jack Meharg!
Planning for 2004 Biennial
-Lauch Harrison, President of Hamilton is looking into a location in the Hamilton area for the 2004 Biennial Exhibition. He is putting together a portfolio of slides and letters of reference to present to possible sites. We're expecting the Exhibition to be held in the later part of 2004. We want plenty of entries! Take note pieces must be produced since the last Exhibition in 2002. Past Weston Trophy articles and Ribbon winners are eligible.
Where O' Where?
-We're still looking for the "old" Weston Trophy. Please let an Executive member know if you know its whereabouts.
Envelopes Galore
-Many Thanks to Brian Teel of the Hamilton Guild! He very generously donated several thousand business size envelopes for use of the editor and other CSCL members requiring envelopes.
New Home
- Della Chynoweth reports that Toronto Branch has found a new home at the Stan Wadlow Centre, starting in December 2003.
From the Columbine Leatherguild, Inc Newsletter - December 2003
(We send our "Canadian Leathercraft" to Columbine, Colorado and they send theirs to us)
This tip is from "Ask Pinky" Pinkerton Hamstien,
"Ever tooled an item which then needed to be affixed to a non-porous substance like glass, plastic, or some sort of rubbery thing, but your contact cement won't work? Go to the local hardware store and pick up a tube of silicone sealant. This stuff works great! Just be sure to follow the instructions concerning handling and ventilation."
Makes you think...
Every oak tree started out as a couple of nuts who stood their ground.
Page 6 — Brainteasers, Leather Tips and Tricks; Leathercraft, a Canadian Perspective
Brainteasers
Decipher the meaning of the following
1. 44444
2. I Q
FGH JKLMNOP RST...
Answers on Page 4.
Leather Tips and Tricks:
from the Toronto Leathercrafters' Manual
-simplicity of decorative design is always in good taste.
-Xray film makes an excellent stiffener for small note books and book covers
-lemon juice or vinegar will remove winter salt stained boots. Be sure to apply polish or water proofing after cleaning.
-a dried-up ball point pen makes a useful stylus.
-to stop round handled tools from rolling off the table, file a flat surface on the handler.
CSCL Librarian, Al Foss' Commentary...
Leathercraft, a Canadian Perspective
[A head-and-shoulders photograph of a man appears here in the original, uncaptioned, beside the line naming Al Foss's commentary.]
This is something I have thought about for some time. It undoubtedly will be controversial to some but needs to be brought up. In the days of diminishing membership in our groups and lack of participation we have a problem. I believe our Charter Members were thinking of this when the name of the organization was chosen. So keep a clear mind and think about this...
Leathercraft - most of us probably started with a kit of parts, a few tools, and some leather pieces, along with a book of instruction! It was fun but all was influenced by the U.S. experience - cowboy art, horses, saddles, chaps, decorative belts, saddlebags and the thought of a rifle rack in the back window of a pickup truck. So not Canadian!
Creative - Practically all books follow the same trend with the U.S. influence. Tourists at our craft shows do not see much to separate our work the American crafters, since it duplicates what they do, and possibly not as well, since they have been doing the same thing for so long. I believe we need to get away from the heavily decorated, stamped, carved eagles, flags, boots, belts, etc and start doing our own thing. If it is to be carved, at least make it a Canadian carving.
Canadian - Plain, uncarved leather can be stylish with a modern look. I remember some beautiful belts, by our own, Ruth Haig with only a stitched pattern on them that were of the highest quality. Lasted boxes are one of my favourites. My wife would not thank me for a ladies purse heavily decorated in the traditional way. You never see anybody on Bay Street carrying a stamped briefcase to work. A plain black or brown portfolio is much to be desired to a carved one, ever to me. A simple black or brown contour belt will show off a trim waist to better advantage than one that hogs all the attention with its art. Look over the book, "The Leatherworking Handbook" by Valerie Michaels for uncarved masterpieces. It's in your library.
There is, however, still room for the carvers and stampers in our midst, but let's use Canadian themes - birchbark canoes, igloos, teepees, grain elevators, steam locomotives, mine shafts, barns and silos, bears, buffalo, wolves, beavers, moose and elk. Try Celtic designs for our Scottish ancestors. How about forts, 2-wheeled Metis carts, Red River carts, mocassins, trilliums and the original badge of the Northwest Mounted Police, now the Royal Canadian Mounted Police? Also, totem poles, horse drawn vehicles, covered bridges, "Avro Arrow", the "Bluenose" schooner. Inspiration can come from the CN Tower, Eskimo sculptures, lighthouses, song birds, even horses like "Northern Dancer". That's only a start but you can see where I'm headed.
Have fun and try something Canadian!
[Note from the Editor: I think Al is suggesting a challenge to CSCLers. We do have an Annual and an Exhibition in 2004...]
Page 7 — "Chick-a-dee" by Silva Fox FCSCL
Chick-a-Dee
Silva Fox 2003
F.C.S.C.L.
Tracing/Carving Pattern
Rough Bevel, Emboss & Bevel again
Tooling & Embossing Complete
[Four photographs of a tooled leather chickadee-on-a-pine-branch panel appear on the page under the three captions above, in turn: three down the left side and the close-up of the third stage at the foot of the right-hand column. The first three carry her name in script, "Silva Fox 2003", as the tail of each printed caption; the close-up carries none. At the top right, a row of tool impressions is labelled, left to right, "B971", "B701", "F976", "F902", "B. Beard Hair tool", "F895", "F896", and below them "A98", "A98", "F898", and "Home made textures". Below the tool row, a small reversed-out panel shows the chickadee-and-pine-cone silhouette in white on black.]
This simple 5" x 5" pattern is most appropriate for use on almost any kind of item and any weight of leather from Christmas cards and pictures to the notebook I made. The pattern is embossed on 5 oz. tooling leather. The plugs are lightweight cardboard; one under the pine-cone and the bird is a double, one for the body and on top the wing. I use the same method as Al Stohlman for the embossing.
Unlike many styles of western tooling, figure carving tends to use more modeling than tools to render the fine details. The tools I used are shown above. The background tools are home made and went particularly well with the pine structure. Tricks like this can make a work look much more complex than it is. Enjoy!
Page 8 — Are You Interested in Becoming a CSCL Associate or Fellow
Are You Interested in Becoming a CSCL Associate or Fellow?
Additional information available from any Executive Council Member or Branch President.
Requirements for Associate Membership in the Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft
(adapted from the April 1996 revision)
1. Not less than 3 years satisfactory practice of leathercraft.
2. Two years satisfactory service to the society such as writing for the bulletin, helping with sales and exhibitions, serving on Executives (branch and national), promoting leathercraft and encouraging new members.
3. Producing work of high standard of craftmanship. Originality of design is not necessarily required, but will receive favourable mention. Copied design should bear some stamp of individuality of the craftsman and not be an exact copy.
4. Pieces required for the Board of Selection:
(i) Handbag or other large articles involving gusset construction
(ii) Belt of 6 or 8 oz leather
(iii) Optional
(iv) Optional
NOTE: (iii) and (iv) should show specific techniques. Should demonstrate knowledge of materials, various techniques, and versatility - eg tooling, carving, colouring, construction, stitching, lacing, moulding, etc.
NOTE: One piece must be laced and one piece must be handstitched. Those techniques can be on ANY piece, even on the same piece.
5. Marking of pieces are according to the Society's Point System. The minimum passing mark on each piece is 75 marks. If one article receives less than 75, credit will be given for the other 3 articles and a "condition" on the fourth. Another article may be submitted the following year and assessed. Only one article may fail to receive this condition.
6. Work submitted must be accompanied by a signed declaration on the application form that the work is solely that of the candidate. Work done in a Leathercraft Studio may be submitted provided it is done without assistance.
7. Enclose fee as set forth in the application form, available from the Council of Fellows, to cover examination and certificate.
Requirements for Fellow Membership in the Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft
(adapted from the April 1996 revision)
1. At least one year as an Associate Member and three years of service to the Society.
2. Wide experience and meritorious achievement in the field of leathercraft.
3. Approval of the Board of Selection of submitted work as follows:
4 Articles (2 Large and 2 Small) of the applicant's choice, all of different function, size and treatment chosen to show versatility and grasp of techniques. No piece submitted for Associate will be eligible.
4. Marking will be according to the Society's Point System. The minimum passing mark on each of the four pieces is 80 marks. All four articles must qualify.
5. All work must be original in design and decoration, and should include, if possible, new forms and uses.
6. Candidates shall submit an article, not necessarily technical for publication in Canadian Leathercraft for the approval of the Board of Selection. An article previously published may be submitted.
7. Work submitted must be accompanied by the signed declaration on the application form that the work is solely that of the candidate, done without supervision or assistance.
8. Acceptance by a two-thirds vote of the active available Fellows.
9. Enclose fee as set forth on application form, available from the Council of Fellows, to cover examination and certificate.