An issue of the Society’s newsletter, transcribed from the original.
(9 pages, 2.1 MB)
the full-resolution scan, 26 MB, for close research
Page 1
CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT
VOLUME LIII No.1 — AUTUMN 2004
0045-5121
Loreen Manuel's Hummingbird Wall Display
CSCL Judges' Special Choice Award – Leather 2004
[The two captions above are printed above and below the photograph beneath the masthead.]
In this Edition... Page 2 Notes from the Editor Page 3 Bookbinding Workshop Page 4 2003 OVSA –Della Chynoweth, Highlights of September & October Executive Meetings Page 5 Highlights continued, Leather 2004 Page 6 Leather 2004 –Award Winners Page 7 Pictures from Leather 2004, Tips & Tricks in Leathercraft Page 8,9 "Stylized Key Tags" by Carol McLean FCSCL
All material published in "Canadian Leathercraft" is the property of the Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft and may noy be reprinted in any form without the permission of the Society.
[Printed exactly so: "may noy be" for "may not be".]
President: Peter Grove 313 King St East Hamilton, ON L8N 1C1 [email protected] 1st Vice-Pres.: Lauch Harrison 68 Tisdale St. S Hamilton, ON L8N 2W2 [email protected] 2nd Vice-Pres.: Vacant Past President: Phyllis McHale 3783 Cty Rd. 45 RR#1 Coboconk, ON K0M 1K0 [email protected] Treasurer: Della Chynoweth Unit 20- 42 Fourth Ave. Orangeville, ON L9W 4V9 [email protected] Recording Secretary: Della Chynoweth Unit 20- 42 Fourth Ave. Orangeville, ON L9W 4V9 [email protected] Correspondence: Sandra Roberts PO Box 655 Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0 [email protected] Membership: Phyllis McHale 3783 Cty Rd. 45 RR#1 Coboconk, ON K0M 1K0 [email protected] Editor: Madeleine Mitchell 17 Light St. Woodstock, ON N4S 6G7 [email protected] Website: www.canadianleathercraft.org
Page 2 — Notes from the Editor
Notes from the Editor...
The last few months since the last edition of the "Canadian Leathercraft" have been filled with news of our members and CSCL activities. Besides reactivating the CSCL Executive and Branch Meetings in September, and having an excellent Bookbinding Workshop in October, CSCL has mounted an exhibition called "Leather 2004" throughout November. More about these events in the following pages.
While reading this Issue you might notice a few changes — your editor got a new computer with all kinds of bells and whistles! I hope to publish this Issue via email to some of you and on the website — if all goes well — look at www.canadianleathercraft.org
I had a letter from Nora Huyck FCSCL of Huntsville. Nora is an Honourary Life MAL Member and was a Barrie member. She writes that the "Canadian Leathercraft" keeps her "in touch with the activities of CSCL." She writes "I wish I could be more active but those days are long gone — but what happy memories I've got." She also mentioned that there are new faces and names in CSCL, many that she doesn't know. With my new computer and a few more computer skills I will try to add more names to the photos I publish. Thanks Nora.
It is with sadness that CSCL reports the passing of 3 CSCL members.
May Corbett of Barrie passed away in June in Barrie. When I joined CSCL back about 1974, May was President of CSCL and an active member of the Barrie Branch.
Kevin Armstrong of Mississauga passed away in September. For those of us who sat with Kevin on the Executive, we knew him as a meticulous Secretary and Treasurer for CSCL as well as the chronicler of the CSCL archives.
Jack Meharg, who also passed away in September, brought laughter and tremendous leathercrafting skill to CSCL. Toronto Branch will miss Jack as a member, demonstrator, and mentor. He held the offices of President and Vice-president on the CSCL Executive and faithfully attended Annuals since 1975.
At the September Executive, we remembered our late members and closed the meeting as Jack Meharg would have... "I move to adjourn".
If any CSCLers have memories of May, Kevin, or Jack that they would like to share, please contact me and I'll find space in a future issue.
CSCL presents Leather 2004
November 2 to 30, 2004
2nd Floor
Hamilton Public Library
55 York Blvd., Hamilton Ontario
— a show of award winning Leather created by 16 CSCL members
— bring your family and friends
Page 3 — Bookbinding Workshop
Ray Findlay at CSCL Workshop
[The caption above is printed above a photograph of him.]
Book Binding Workshop
With Ray Findlay
held Saturday, October 16, 2004
at the Cooksville United Church, Mississauga
Ray Findlay of Cambridge is a member of the Canadian Book Binding Guild and a talented instructor to CSCL novice bookbinders.
Twelve CSCL members recently attended a stimulating workshop conducted by Ray Findlay of Ancaster. Ray began his bookbinding career in England where his teacher said "Ray, you flunked glueing". As we quickly learned, Ray went on to excel in glueing and bookmaking. He now lovingly restores old books and he showed us how to avoid the "enemies of the book". Acid tanned leather can deteriorate a book cover and leach into the pages.
[Printed exactly so: this page names Ray Findlay's home town two different ways within the same short article — "of Cambridge" in the opening sentence and "of Ancaster" two sentences later.]
The best kinds of leather for leather book covers include Morocco, calf skin, thin, vegetable tanned leathers. The longest lasting paper for books will have a "high rag content" and acid free "end papers", available in Artist Supply stores, can provide an elegant inside lining.
Ray spoke of the importance of a good paste for bookbinding and he shared his own Paste Recipe — 1 part Rice Flour mixed with 6 parts Water, then mixed with an equal amount of white, PCV glue. For preservation of the paste, he adds Thymal crystals, available at pharmacies. He said that he even uses this paste for the leather parts of a book. A bookbinding brush is a round, 1" diameter, with possibly a copper band (avoid steel or iron bands) and looks rather like a stenciling brush. Paste is dabbed rather than brushed on book parts.
As the day progressed everyone made their "signatures" and sewed them together to create the pages of our own books. We then used a heavy card board as a base for our covers and with Ray's guidance created a book. Although leather could be used, we covered our books with a very interesting artist paper, supplied, in various colours, by Ray. Twelve CSCLers went home with their very own completed book.
[A further workshop photograph appears at the foot of the page in the original.]
Page 4 — 2003 OVSA –Della Chynoweth, Highlights of September & October Executive Meetings
2003 Ontario Volunteer Service Award
...from the notes of Dorothy McPherson
Recipient: Della Chynoweth
Della is the mother of three and grandmother of four and has been a vital contributing member of Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft for 25 years. Della has been leathercrafting since 1957 when her mother (Hilda Chynoweth) enrolled her in Night School Leather courses at Fenelon Falls. She remembers, as a child, sitting and lacing wallets to help fill her mother's Christmas leather orders.
As a member of the Norland Leathercraft Society she served as Secretary 1982-83, Program Director 1978-86, and President 1997-2000. She has been a part of the CSCL Executive since 1999 and is currently President of the Toronto Branch.
Della has enjoyed a lifelong involvement with the Girl Guides of Canada, serving as a Junior Leader at 18. When she moved to Toronto she served on the Council for Yukon and NorthWest Territories as Lone Guider until the Council moved to Whitehorse. Back in Norland, she became Lieutenant of the 1st Coboconk Girl Guides, then Captain of the Company. When Pathfinders was formed she became Captain and then Lieutenant. She served as Deputy District Commissioner, and District Commissioner and Training Advisor for Woodland Division until 1980. In 1980, she moved to Shelburne and helped as a Lieutenant in the 1st Shelburne Company for two years.
She has also acted as Recording Secretary of the Norland Bowling League and President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Norland Ladies Auxiliary.
Currently, she is living in Orangeville and tries to keep up with her leathercraft and finds that skills acquired in painting courses helps in leatherwork. She has been the recipient of numerous Craftsman and Salon Ribbons. Della enjoys crafts and helping people — especially in leathercraft. Through Della's continued commitment to the Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft she has helped to keep alive the Canadian heritage craft of Leather.
(We now know why Della's email address is "wanderingmom" — Editor)
Highlights of the Executive Meeting: September 24, 2004 and October 16, 2004
The Executive was saddened by the recent passing of 2 Executive Council Members — Treasurer and Archivist, Kevin Armstrong and Director, Jack Meharg. Jack and Kevin both gave their time and talents generously to CSCL and will truly be missed.
Della Cynoweth kindly volunteered to take over the Treasurer's position — Thank You Della.
[Printed exactly so: "Della Cynoweth" here, without the "h" that this issue's own front cover and every other mention on this page give — "Chynoweth" is the Society's usual spelling of the name.]
By the October Meeting, Della, Peter Grove and Phyllis McHale were able to arrange signing authority for the bank accounts and CSCL business is again active.
Peter Grove has been in touch with the Executors of Kevin's estate so that when things are settled, CSCL will be able to access CSCL Archival materials that Kevin had been storing. Paul Kitchener has kindly offered space for future storage.
Page 5 — Highlights continued, Leather 2004
Peter has also been in touch with Mr Heacock about a "memorial award" for the late Betty Heacock. More details to follow.
Woodstock Branch President, Madeleine Mitchell, presented a tentative plan which will see the 2005 Annual Weekend reduced to a one day event. She presented an outline of the program for the day that would conclude with the Annual Banquet. The Woodstock Branch took a look at CSCL attendance, travelling, hotel, and meal costs. Discussion around the table was positive. She asked the Branch Presidents to present the concept of a one day Annual to their members and to promote that Judging for Awards as well as Weston Trophy, will be prior to the date of the Annual.
It was noted that if a host Branch wishes to return to the full weekend in the future that still remains an option. Madeleine will provide more details at following meetings.
CSCL's Juried Biennial Exhibition — Leather 2004
On November 2nd, at the Hamilton Public Library, CSCL President, Peter Grove opened the month long exhibition of 52 Leather Articles crafted by 16 CSCL members. He thanked Lauchlan Harrison for his tireless efforts in bringing this show to Hamilton. Peter then escorted the audience to view "Leather 2004" set up on the 2nd floor of the Library.
Carol McLean FCSCL from Woodstock and Ruth Haig FCSCL from Hamilton were the chief judges and both commented on the high quality of the pieces and the "delight of having over 50 pieces to judge".
Ruth spoke about the history of CSCL, as one of the oldest craft guilds in Ontario, and its past exhibitions. Fred Brown, Robert Muma, the Lamours, and others were instrumental in promoting CSCL and starting the tradition of Biennial Exhibitions.
[Printed exactly so: "the Lamours", most likely referring to Dr. Ralph and Reta Larmour, founding members whose donated collection became the Society's Larmour Memorial Library (see the Society's history of the library, drawn from the Winter 1987 issue).]
Carol McLean described the 2004 Exhibition as "exciting" and how difficult it was to select Award winners. She and Ruth were impressed with the "mastery of techniques" and resultingly they chose not only the six Award pieces, but added 6 Honourable Mention pieces.
Ruth and Carol noted that they would like to see more colour and more tooling in a future CSCL show. Perhaps a workshop could be arranged.
Following the presentations of the Awards, the attendees enjoyed refreshments and conversation.
Page 6 — Leather 2004 –Award Winners
Leather 2004 Award Winners and Judges Comments
CSCL Executive Award for Most Functional Article – $100
Black Box with Ray Skin by Sean Dalgetty
Innovative and outstanding, combines different textures of leather
CSCL Judges' Special Choice – $100
Hummingbird Wall Display by Loreen Manuel
A wonderful combination of textures, masterful use of colour
Irva Ford Award for Best Moulded Leather Article – $100
Large Rimmed Bowl by Peter Grove
Simplicity and clarity of design – would have appealed to Irva
Michigan Leather Artisans Award for Best Soft Leather or Colour – $75
Black Mitts with Mink Trim by Lauch Harrison
Superbly crafted – lovely and warm, soft to the touch
Moore-Pearsall Award for Best Belt – Gift Certificate
Geometric Coloured Belt by Nancy Durham
Exquisite finishing techniques — feels wonderful in the hand
Moore-Pearsall award for Best Design – Gift Certificate
Gun Belt and Holster by Paul Kitchener
Magnificent three dimensional carving — a wonderful mastery of colour
Honourable Mentions
Fox Mask — Sean Dalgetty Mahogany Moulded Bowl — Nancy Durham Brown Moulded Jug — Peter Grove Coffee Table Album — Peter Grove Black Courier Satchel — Lauch Harrison Eagle Picture — Paul Kitchener
[The cursive award heading above reads "Moore-Pearsall", two L's. It appears a second time on this page, for the Best Design award, printed with a lower-case "award".]
Page 7 — Pictures from Leather 2004, Tips & Tricks in Leathercraft
Pictures from the Opening of Leather 2004 — November 2, 2004
[A row of photographs from the opening reception appears here in the original, with two side-by-side photographs individually captioned "Carol McLean FCSCL" and "Ruth Haig FCSCL" — not one joined caption.]
Leather 2004 — Clockwise starting at top left:
Fox Mask (Honourable Mention) by Sean Dalgetty Oval Box, Lid & Tray by David McPherson Geometric Belt (Best Belt) by Nancy Durham Angel by Loreen Manuel Book Cover by Madeleine Mitchell Brown Jug (Honourable Mention) by Peter Grove
Tips and Tricks in Leathercraft
To remove Mildew on leather — try white vinegar diluted with water. Be sure to sponge with clear water after cleaning.
To remove the salt stains from winter boots — try vinegar or lemon juice, apply polish or water proofing afterwards.
Ask your Dentist for discarded dental tools — they make great modelers.
Do you have a "French Curve"? Available at art supply stores — great for curved designs.
Page 8 — "Stylized Key Tags" by Carol McLean FCSCL
Stylized Key Tag
With Negative "Punch Out" Design
by Carol McLean FCSCL
This little project was devised to use up those small pieces of belting weight leather that accumulate when you trim belt blanks to size. You usually have some "cut off pieces" left over. Here is a neat little project to turn those odds and ends into useable and/or saleable items. Each one can be different, depending upon the "negative hole punching design" you chose to do. I have used 1 3/8" width for mine but you may use whatever width you have and adapt the design to fit your tag width. They are like peanuts... You will want to make more than one!!!! Once you have tried this technique for the key tag, you will see that lighter weight leather could be used for pins, earrings and pendants too!
Requirements: Belting Weight Leather 1 3/8" x 6 ½"
1 split key ring — approx 1½" in size
Tools etc:
Edge Beveller — 6 Hole (round) punch or assorted sizes of single punches
Edge Creaser — Bone Folder or Edge Slicker
Edge Dressing — Dyes of your choice
Also bring along your sense of fun, adventure and creativity. Enjoy this little project!
[A key tag pattern diagram, credited "C. McLean", appears here in the original.]
Make template using pattern above. (Size is x 1 3/8" x 6 ½")
Trace the pattern on to your belting leather.
Using an awl, mark the centre of each hole — (to be punched out later). (This will give you the positioning points upon which you will then centre the appropriate sized hole punch.)
Cut out the key tag.
I will tell you the colours I used for dyeing my key tag (as a guide) but feel free to use your own choices. Vary your colour combinations also.
Dye the inside of the section of the key tag that will show through the punched holes when it is folded over the key ring. (I dyed mine yellow.) Smooth this area with a bit of edge dressing and a bone folder, and also the area that will wrap around the key ring.
Page 9
[Page 2 of the Stylized Key Tag pattern, continued from page 8.]
P.2. Stylized Key Tag, Cont'd.
Punch out the holes using the awl marks as centering points. Vary the size of the holes as shown.
The holes marked all in BLACK are completely punched out.
The "rings" shown in the example are just indented into the leather with the smaller centre holes punched out. These outer "rings" are then coloured with an orange acrylic paint after the rest of the project is completed. (There are 3 of these spots on my sample).
Sand the edges along the central cut away area that will be folded over the split ring now, since it is difficult to get at these edges once the ring is installed.
Edge Crease around the top (front) edge of the key tag.
Edge Bevel around the top edge also. (The bottom edge will be glued together, so must be left unbeveled.)
Dye the key tag, including the edges. (I used a rich tan colour.) Be sure to get the dye around the edges of the punched out holes too.
Next, I used a bit of edge dressing and a tapered round boner to smooth the inside of the holes a bit. (A tapered wooden skewer would also work. Just sharpen a length of ¼" wooden doweling in a pencil sharpener, sand the tip smooth and you will have a great, inexpensive tool for this step!).
Tip: Always insert the dowel from the front to the back, so that the smoother edges are on the outside (front) of your project.
I also boned the edges where the split ring will be. It is easier to do them at this stage and not have to work around the ring as you would later on.
Slip the split key ring into place, centering it in preparation for assembly.
Tip: Slightly moisten the leather around the fold area so that it will not crack when it is folded over the ring.
Using a good quality glue, place a layer on to the back of the punched out half of the key tag.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You do not want to put glue on the area that will be showing through the punched out holes!!!
Carefully fold in half, aligning all edges.
Make sure that the edges are well fastened together.
Check for edge smoothness — you may want to give the edges a bit of a sanding now.
Edge dress and bone the edges smooth. You may use an edge slicker for this if you wish.
Give the entire project a coat of clear finish. Let Dry. Use the ring to hang it up for drying.
Carefully paint on the three little orange acrylic dots.
Your key tag is complete! I hope it is the first of many!
Now wasn't that a lot of fun?
Next you can try a pin and earring set!!! Enjoy!
Carol McLean C.S.C.L. Annual, April 2003