eeThis course is the first designed for the modern world
of the Internet. The lessons are designed to be sent
back and forth between the instructors and the students
by electronic means.
It is based on the Al Stohlman Home Study Course in
Leathercraft, which is the property of Tandy Leather
Factory, Inc. It is taught by employees of TLF who
are donating their time and expertice to further the
cause of leathercraft.
It is jointly sponsored by the internet group: Free Leather
Artisans Sharing a Hobby and employees of Tandy Leather
Factory. Many parts of this material are the property of
TLF and must be treated as such,
Through their stores, TLF offers free classes in leathercraft.
These lessons reflect what is taught in those classes and is
for those who cannot attend those classes.LEATHER KNOWLEDGE
Leather is the skin of an animal, As such it is not manufactured
like cloth. It is grown in nature. To make the skin into leather, it
must he tanned, There are different tanning methods for different
purposes.
Carving leather must be vegetable tanned, often called bark
tanned. It accepts moisture, can be molded and formed,
carved and stamped
It is Split into various thicknesses, and is measured in "terms"
of ounces. One ounce is about 1/64 inch in thickness, 8 ounce
is 8/64 or 4/8 inch,
The side that held the hair is
called the grain side; the meat
side is called the flesh. The fibers
between hold the tanning liquors.
These are the fats and oils that
give leather its life and pliability.
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Grain or
“Smooth side