Hand Tooled and embossed leatherwork
Do you know the difference?
If not, it’s worth taking the time to read on …
N Hand tooled leather is hand made by
a person, with their own hands, not by a machine. This means creating a
design, drawing it first onto paper, next carefully tracing and then marking it
onto the leather. Depending on whether the artisan chooses to carve into
the leather or not, she/he will then take great care in cutting that
pattern/design into the leather at just the right depth. Next, using
their leatherwork tool designed for this purpose, she/he will run it along the
edge of the marked or cut line, while hitting down on it with their mallet to
make an impression. This must be done in a steady, consistent manner in
order to make a clean and smooth design. A slip in the wrong direction
could mean a whole different design, or worse still – a complete new start!
N Hand tooled leather products are unique. Even if the same design is used, no two will be exactly
the same because they
are done by hand.
N Hand tooled products are made using real
cowhide leather, often referred to as ‘natural tooling’
leather. This
heavier leather is not only ideal for tooling but it is also of high quality
and is durable
and long lasting.
N Hand tooled leather products can be custom made with your own design.
N Hand tooled leather products are made with love and care. The time taken to create these works of
art can
quite often be long but the end product is very rewarding.
N Hand tooled leather products are an investment. Over time, like good wine, these products
will
only get better! The character and life will intensify and, looked after, will last for many years to
come. The craftsmanship, uniqueness, quality, love
and care all contribute to making these products
well worth the price tag!
4 Embossed leather products are done by machine using specially designed
plates that are pressed into the leather.
4 Embossed leather designs can be extremely detailed.
4 Embossed leather products do not need to be done on leather of the same
high quality as hand tooled.
4 Embossed leather products are, more often than not, mass produced which
enables the price of each piece to be kept to a minimum.
Both methods of leatherwork are beautiful and have their place. In
the end, it all comes down to what you are looking for and personal
choice.
I take great joy and pride in my leatherwork. Whether it’s an item that I’m making for my
stall, online store, or custom made, you can be assured that each piece is
truly hand crafted with love and care
The Happy Viking
(1) First of all I draw the design/pattern onto paper. This is a design that I created for a custom order for a pair of Legolas arm vambraces to be worn at a Lord of the Rings' event in Washington.
(2) Next I dampen the leather all over:
(3) Then I place paper on top of the dampened leather and trace the pattern to leave an indentation:
(4) Next I tool the pattern into the leather. I had some tools made up to use when I demonstrated at Viking events but I love them so much that I use them all the time now.
To see the finished product or order a set of custom arm vambraces, please click on the link below:
This is the start of a design I created for another custom order - a Medieval Dog collar
to be worn by an Irish Wolfhound.
This is my Celtic Oak Tree of Life design before staining on a handbag.
I also have this design printed on greeting cards. Please take a look at my Etsy shop (link below).
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