An issue of the Society’s newsletter, transcribed from the original.
(8 pages, 1.8 MB)
the full-resolution scan, 26 MB, for close research
Page 1
CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT
Volume LII No. 1 Autmn 2003
[Printed exactly so: the masthead spells the season "Autmn", missing the second "u" of "Autumn". Kept as printed; the editor owns the typo herself in the Corrections notice (Winter 2003, page 2).]
0045-5121
Creating... At the Norland Workshop
[The caption above is printed beneath three photographs from the workshop; the page names no one in them.]
Page 2 Notes from the Editor Page 2 Norland Hosts a Successful CSCL Gathering... Page 3 Tips for Leathercrafting, The Order to use Tools when Carving Page 3 2003 CSCL OVSA Recepient...Laura Bush Page 4 Executive Council Highlights — September 26, 2003 Page 5 Executive Council continued, Brain Teasers Page 6 CSCL Members in the News, Answers to Brain Teasers Page 6 Hamilton's Tool Use Workshop, Websites of Interest Page 7 "5 and 6 Petal Flower Pins" by Carol McLean FCSCL Page 8 Slate of CSCL Executive Council 2003-2004
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 County Rd.45, RR#1 Coboconk, ON K0M 1K0 1st Vice-Pres: Peter Grove 313 King St., East Hamilton, ON L8N 1C1 2nd Vice-Pres: Heather Atkinson 631 Adelaide St. Woodstock, ON N4S 4C1 Past President: Nancy Durham RR#1 Princeton, ON N0J 1V0 Treasurer: Kevin Armstrong 1377 Hurontario St. Mississauga, ON L5G 3H5 Recording Sec'y: Della Chynoweth #701-45 Balliol St. Toronto, ON M4S 1C3 Correspondence: Heather Atkinson 631 Adelaide St. Woodstock, ON N4S 4C1 Membership: Bill Whittingham 345 Colbourne St. Bradford, ON L3Z 1C7 Editor: Madeleine Mitchell 17 Light St. Woodstock, ON N4S 6G7
Page 2 — Notes from the Editor...; Norland Hosts a Successful CSCL Gathering...
Notes from the Editor...
As the cooler weather approaches and the days become shorter, I find my attentions turn to "what can I create from leather?" Perhaps it was the first meeting of the Woodstock Branch where we recreated Peter Groves' "Moulded Roses", or the Norland Workshop on September 20th where the camaraderie of the participants and Jessie Little's Flower Pin patterns made the day a complete success. More details follow in this edition. My hands are yearning to work with leather and create something for the Annual, or an Exhibition, or just that piece that is functional and beautiful.
Belated Birthday Wishes to Ruth Haig FCSCL. Ruth passed a milestone in September and continues to inspire Hamilton Branch members and other CSCLer's.
Jack Meharg, who was highlighted in the last Leathercrafter, has been under the weather recently. We're thinking of you, Jack!
Our thoughts are also with Al Foss, our Librarian, and his wife, Jean. Al's contribution about the Library Treasures will continue in future issues.
It was great to have a letter from CSCL Fellow Nora Huyck recently. Nora's leather skills are legendary in the Guild. Although Nora lost all of her leather articles and tools in a devastating fire, she continues to enjoy CSCL through the Leathercrafter and remains interested in the workings of the Executive Council.
Toronto Branch has started the planning for the 2004 Annual... Mark your calendar for the weekend of April 23, 24, 25, 2004.
Remember, YOUR comments and questions are welcomed by the Editor. Contact me at the following: Madeleine Mitchell, 17 Light St., Woodstock, ON N4S 6G7 or [email protected]
Norland Hosts a Successful CSCL Gathering...
"Flower Design Workshop"
Held on Saturday, September 20, 2003, at the Norland Community Hall in Norland, the Norland Branch welcomed a total of 22 leathercrafters who took part in this CSCL-sponsored workshop. The "Chynoweth Gang" — Susan, Barbara, Della and Phyllis, and of course, Hilda — was instrumental in getting things organized, kits distributed, questions answered, and the coffee prepared.
The kits included patterns and leather for 2 Orchids, a Dogwood, and a Rose. It was amazing to note that although the patterns started out the same, the leather flowers that were created were all unique and quite different. There was an opportunity to try Air Brushing as well as various brush techniques. Della and the girls had prepared "story boards" that showed the flower pattern construction and colouring ideas.
Special Thanks to Jessie Little FCSCL, whose leather and patterns provided the inspiration for this workshop!
Although I can speak only for the Woodstock contingent, I know we drove home feeling we had a fulfilling day of leathercraft and Norland's hospitality... and a delicious lunch!
Page 3 — Tips for Leathercrafting; 2003 CSCL Volunteer Service Award Recipients; The Order to use Tools when Carving
Tips for Leathercrafting
Lacing: If lacing is kinky, try moistening it with a damp sponge, or better yet, liquid wax. The wax makes the lacing go through the slits more easily.
Revolving Punch: Use upside down for hard-to-reach places. Sharpen with emery cloth, and rub inside with a round object. Keep anvil filed smooth.
Nail Clippers: Use to round corners on light-weight leather. Toenail clippers on heavier weight leather.
Round Handled Tools: File a flat surface on the handle to stop these tools from rolling off a table.
The Order to use Tools when Carving
Case, trace, and swivel cut
Cam, shade, and bevel
Vein, seed, and mulefoot,
Background like the devil.
Last the fancy swivel cuts
But do be very cautious
These should be the crowning touch
One slip can make you fuss.
— from an Old Craftsman Magazine
2003 CSCL Volunteer Service Award Recepients
The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards are presented to people who have contributed their skills and time, for more than 5 years, to a non-profit organization in Ontario. CSCL has continued to nominate 6 CSCL members each year for the award. Canadian Leathercraft will highlight CSCLer's who were nominated in 2003. Presentations to recognize "Provincial Treasures" are currently being held throughout Ontario.
2003 OVSA Recepient: Laura Bush, Member-at-Large
Keeping alive the Heritage Craft of Leatherwork
Laura Bush has been a vital member contributing member of the Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft for 31 years, having joined in 1972. She first tried her hand at leathercraft as a girl in CGIT (Canadian Girls in
Page 4 — Executive Council Highlights
Training). Years later, she joined the Belleville Leather Guild with Dorothy Harwood and Vera Farara. Laura was an active member of the Belleville Branch, doing demonstrations and serving as Branch President. Laura has attended all the CSCL Annual Meetings (except one, when her husband was ill) and has enjoyed the knowledge shared and the friendship of CSCLer's. She has won many Craftsman Ribbons through the years. Laura helped staff the CNE booth for CSCL and was often the Belleville Branch chauffeur.
After the Belleville Branch disbanded, Laura became a Member-at-Large and continued to attend Annuals and workshops. She took a 5-day leather course at Georgian College with CSCL Fellow Clara Cavanaugh.
Laura has always been active in her Community through her Church and the Ontario Genealogical Society; she is a descendant of the United Empire Loyalists. She sold and demonstrated Cameo Tube Paints for 35 years, as well as trying her hand at many other crafts.
Laura was a farmer's wife who raised 5 children. She now lives in suburbia enjoying her 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Laura continues to support CSCL and the heritage craft of leatherwork which is part of our Canadian heritage.
Executive Council Highlights
— from September 26, 2003
Welcome to our new Executive Council member!
Paul Kitchener, President of the Mississauga Branch, attended his first Executive Meeting, September 26th.
Mark your calendar — The 2004 Annual is being planned for April 23, 24, 25, 2004 at the Lindsay Inn, Lindsay, ON. Toronto Branch will host. President Della Chynoweth suggested she is looking for patterns for cases for leather tools. If you have a pattern or ideas, please pass along to Barbara Chynoweth, #701, 45 Balliol St., Toronto, ON M4S 1C3
Profit from 2003 Annual
Phyllis McHale presented Treasurer Kevin Armstrong with a cheque for $191.46 which was the balance left over from the Annual.
Toronto Branch looking for a new Meeting place
The building where Toronto Branch has held meetings has been sold and members are looking for a new location. If you have any leads on a site, contact: Della Chynoweth, #701, 45 Balloil St., Toronto, ON M4S 1C3
[Printed exactly so: within this single page the Society gives Della/Barbara Chynoweth's street name two different ways — "Balliol St." above and "Balloil St." here — and the front-cover officer table on page 1 of this same issue also prints "Balliol St." The correct name of the street is Balliol Street; each spelling is kept exactly as it appears in the original rather than silently corrected.]
Page 5 — Where Oh Where is the Original Weston Plaque?; 2004 Biennial Exhibition; BRAINTEASERS
CSCL Members invited to participate in Craft Sale
Madeleine Mitchell reported that the Woodstock Branch CSCL is participating in the 2nd Annual Craft Sale at the Woodstock Museum on November 15th, 2003, from 10am to 4pm. The Woodstock Christmas Parade is being held the same day and there will be extensive BIA promotion. Other CSCLer's are invited to attend and sell their leathercraft. The Museum will handle all the sales (Visa or cash or cheques only) and take 15% commission. For tables and details, contact either Heather Atkinson or Madeleine Mitchell (addresses on front cover).
President Visits Members
Phyllis McHale and her mother Hilda Chynoweth recently visited Jessie Little FCSCL, who has had a fall but is recovering. Jessie was instrumental in the recent CSCL Workshop, providing leather, designs, and colouring techniques for the Flower Pins. Thank You Jessie!
When Phyllis and Hilda visited May Corbett FCSCL, who remains in her own home in Barrie, she cleaned out her basement into Phyllis' van. Barrie Branch memorabilia may show up at next year's Annual.
Where Oh Where is the Original Weston Plaque?
We know the most recent Weston Plaque is in Peter Grove's store, following Hamilton's win at the Annual... but we don't know where the original plaque is. If you know, please contact Phyllis McHale or any Executive Council member.
2004 Biennial Exhibition
We're looking for a location for the next Biennial Exhibition, possibly in the Hamilton area. Usually, the Biennial has run for about a month with jurying of the articles preceding the opening. If you have any ideas or would like to help with the organization of the Biennial, please contact Phyllis McHale.
BRAINTEASERS — Decipher the hidden meaning of each set of words
1. PLASMA 2. L NCH 3. B ILL ED H2O L NCH
Answers on page 6
Page 6 — CSCL Members in the News; Hamilton Guild's Tool Use Workshop; Websites of interest to CSCL members
CSCL Members in the News
— Emma Windatt, Norland Branch, received her Ontario Volunteer Service Award at the North East presentations in Peterborough on September 30th. We've heard Emma is just out of hospital and on the mend after a recent illness.
— Madeleine Mitchell, Woodstock Branch, received her 25 year Ontario Volunteer Service Award at the London Convention Centre on September 30. Dorothy and David MacPherson attended with the Mitchell's.
— Woodstock Branch has continued to get local newspaper coverage in the weekend section under "Club News" and this has brought CSCL to the attention of the community and potential new members.
Answers to BRAINTEASERS
1. Blood is thicker than Water
2. Lunch Break
3. Sick in Bed
CSCL Proudly Presents
Hamilton Guild's Tool Use Workshop
Saturday, November 22, 2003
10am to 4pm
St. Margaret's Church Hall, Hamilton
Hosts: Peter Grove FCSCL and Lauchlan Harrison ACSCL
$20.00 plus materials
Tools to bring — scissors, knife, skiving knife, glass plate, slit punch, round punch, tape measure, snap and rivet setters, saddle stitching needles, awls, #5 and #6 overstitchers, edgers, slickers, creasers, plus any belt books — Belts Galore, Lucky Eight, Leathercraft Tools etc.
The tools will be used to build a belt. Some areas to be covered — skiving, edging, creasing, slot and hole punching, belt sizing, loop/keeper making, buckle placement, snap and rivet attachment and saddle stitching.
Bring your own Lunch or join us for $5 and get Pizza, vegetable platter, and a drink.
St. Margaret's Anglican Church is located at 134 Emerson, off Main St West, across from MacMaster University. Parking is free. The hall is fully wheel chair accessible.
[Printed exactly so: the university across the street is named "MacMaster University" here; its correct name is McMaster University. Kept as printed.]
CALL LAUCH HARRISON AT (905)525-4092 BEFORE NOVEMBER 14 TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!
Websites of interest to CSCL members
International Federation of Leather Guilds — http://ifolg.org
Silva Fox Artistry — http://wdstudio.net/foxart/main.htm
Tribute to Robert Muma — http://wmuma.com/robertmuma/index.html
If you know of any websites that CSCL members might find of interest, please contact the Editor.
Page 7
5 and 6 Petal Flower Pins
With Free Form Leaves and opt. Curled Accents
Carol McLean F.C.S.C.L.
These pins make lovely gifts and are also a very saleable item. I am giving you the pattern for both 5 and 6 petaled flowers with petal shape variations. Feel free to vary the outer shape of the petals so that your pins are not all identical.
DRAFTING: If you want to draft your own patterns in the future, just divide the 360 degrees of a circle by the number of petals that you want. E.g. 360 divided by 5 is 72 degrees and 360 divided by 6 is 60 degrees. Draw a circle the size of the flower that you want, draw a line across the exact middle of the circle and then, using your protractor, mark off the number of degrees until you have all of the petal sections defined. You can then decide upon the shape at the end of the petals. Make all of the petal ends the same on a single flower.
[A diagram beneath this paragraph shows three drafting layouts, labelled "5 Petals", "6 Petals", and "5 Petals" again with the alternate petal-end shape.]
Make your template out of cardboard or see-through plastic material. (You can use the flexible cutting boards that are available at the $ Stores.) Just lay it over the pattern, trace and cut out. I find that a fine indelible marking pen is best for the tracing operation. This makes a very durable pattern that will endure many tracings. Punch small holes at the dots in the middle of the pattern. Trace around the template on to the damp leather and mark the dots with your tracing tool. Then simply cut around the leather on the traced lines and then cut into the dots for the individual petals. I used wallet weight for mine. For the Free-Form Leaves, leave a bit of leather between your traced flowers when you are marking them. This is then used for the leaves later.
Dampen the leather. Shape the flowers as desired by pinching the petal tips and contouring each petal. Let dry. Make a centre for the flower, e.g. fringe or button etc. When dry, select a piece of the "leftover — in between" leather. Hold it behind your flower shape and see if you can cut 1 2 or 3 "leaf tips" from it. Also see if there is some leather available to cut some curled accents. Using the flower as your guide, free hand cut the leaves and then the strips for the Curled Accents. (This all remains as one piece.) Dampen the "leaf" leather and shape according to the flower shape's needs. Twirl and then curl the accents on to the top of the flower shape. Let all dry together.
Dye as desired. Smooth any edges as needed. Apply desired finish. Let dry. Assemble the flower/leaf pieces with a good quality glue. Then adhere the pin back.
Page 8
Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft
Slate of Executive Council 2003-2004
Past President Nancy Durham (519)458-4533 [email protected] President Phyllis McHale (705)454-3206 [email protected] 1st Vice-President Heather Atkinson (519)537-8138 [email protected] 2nd Vice-President Peter Grove (905)527-7745 [email protected] Recording Secretary Della Chynoweth (416)481-7732 [email protected] Corresponding Sec'y Heather Atkinson (519)537-8138 [email protected] Treasurer Kevin Armstrong (905)278-4666 [email protected] Branch Presidents: Hamilton Lauchlan Harrison (905)525-4092 Mississauga Paul Kitchener (905)271-0066 Norland Phyllis McHale (705)454-3206 [email protected] Toronto Della Chynoweth (416)481-7732 [email protected] Woodstock Heather Atkinson (519)537-8138 [email protected] Directors: Kevin Armstrong (905)278-4666 [email protected] Mary Anne Crawford (905)793-2809 Al Foss (Librarian) (416)284-5036 [email protected] Don MacLeod (905)277-2058 David McPherson (519)473-6450 [email protected] Dorothy McPherson (519)473-6450 [email protected] Jack Meharg (416)439-5873 [email protected] Madeleine Mitchell (Editor) (519)537-7821 [email protected] Dorothy Muma (416)654-5635 Betsy Rennie (905)631-6277 Bill Whittingham (Membership) (905)775-8476 [email protected] Ex-Officio Bill Whittingham, Chair Council of Fellows (905)775-8476 [email protected] Ruth Haig, Teaching Standards (905)525-0780 Kevin Armstrong, Archivist (905)278-4666 [email protected]
[Printed exactly so: this slate has Heather Atkinson as 1st Vice-President and Peter Grove as 2nd Vice-President, the reverse of the order the masthead on page 1 of this same issue still prints for the two of them. The Corrections notice (Winter 2003, page 2) says the editor reversed the two by mistake here: it should read 1st Vice-President Peter Grove, 2nd Vice-President Heather Atkinson.]