Leathercrafts Books

The Leatherworking Handbook: A Practical Illustrated Sourcebook of Techniques and Projects

Valerie Michael

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Cassell Illustrated Amazon Marketplace: 46 new & used starting at $10.98

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Leathercrafts
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> General
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

One of the better leathercraft books available 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This book stands out from the general run of leathercraft books by not being "crafty" (i.e., about making junk) and presenting truly fine workmanship - not the equal of commercial products, but better. It is superbly illustrated and very much to the point. It presents tools, techniques, and projects in order of difficulty. The project items are worthwhile, beautiful, even elegant. No digressions on philosophy or history, no segues into other crafts, no lists of out-of-date websites and suppliers, etc. Buy it. It will elevate your vision as to what's possible.

Editorial Review:

Valerie Michael—a founding member of the Association of Design Leatherworkers—has created the definitive guide to this popular and age-old craft. Oriented to the beginner, it thoroughly presents all the materials, tools, and key techniques in easy-to-follow photographs: finishing edges, paring and hand-stitching, making pockets, attaching studs and straps, and decorating surfaces. The well-chosen projects take into account developing skills, and range from belt and wallets to quilted items and bags. An invaluable reference work.

“...Instructions are concise enough to offer craft enthusiasts of differing skill levels a range of projects to undertake.”—Booklist.

“Excellent and easy-to-understand introduction to classic leatherworking.”—Library Journal.

The Complete Book of Tanning Skins and Furs

James E. Churchill

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Stackpole Books Amazon Marketplace: 40 new & used starting at $11.00

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Leathercrafts
Subjects -> Outdoors & Nature -> Hunting & Fishing -> Hunting
Subjects -> Outdoors & Nature -> Hunting & Fishing -> Shooting

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Covers a Lot of Ground, Decently 3 out of 5 stars.
19 of 20 people found this review helpful.

Churchill covers the tanning of many different types of animals, using many different methods. This is the good and the bad of this book. No other tanning book I know of contains so much varied information, and for this reason its a good one to have. However, the techniques are not covered in much detail so it is challenging for the beginning tanner to be successful using these instructions alone.

In reference to the previous reviews written here. I agree with the first two (look like they are written by the same guy?), in that if you are wanting to tan buckskin, this isn't the best book. However if you are wanting to do furs, the books mentioned below don't cover them (I'm the author of one of them)...and this is your best bet.

Not Worth the Money 1 out of 5 stars.
11 of 12 people found this review helpful.

I was very disappointed with this book. He talks about the generalized steps to do tanning, but he lacks good step by step information for beginners. Its a good first book to read, then find another book with more detail as to how to actually do the procedures. He only has two plans for crafting with leather, and I think he should have added more. I wouldn't advise you purchase this book unless its your first and you want to understand the general procedure of tanning, then find a better book with more details.

How to Make Whips (Bushcraft)

Ron Edwards

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Cornell Maritime Press Amazon Marketplace: 25 new & used starting at $15.65

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Leathercrafts
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> General
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Great overview on whipmaking process, but NOT an instruction manual!! 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I must say I did find this book fascinating and the information contained in it provided an overview of the entire process of whipmaking form skiving a core to to plaiting the overlay. However, If your looking for a step by step, ultra-specific instruction manual, taking you completely thru the process of making a whip from scratch, this book still is not quite it!!! Don't get me wrong, there is alot of great information, and this is certainly THE Published book to get that comes closest to an instruction manual, but I feel, if your an absolute beginner, you're still not quite going to be able to knock out a COMPLETE whip from scratch after reading this book. Unfortunately, that's exactly what I was looking for when I got this book.

For instance, whenever Mr. Edwards talks about anything to do with the "set"(the overlay plait) he is very specific. But he quickly glances over other parts of the whip that are equally as important(i.e. he never fully explains exactly how to correctly taper and shape cores or bellies for certain whips which is going to be devastating to the overall whip taper if you don't have it right). The section right in the beginning explaining the different types of Leather and Hides was also lacking. And I know he's an Australian, but he spends WAY to much time emphasizing Stockwhips and barely anytime on the most popular American whip, the Bullwhip(you will DEFINITELY NOT be able to make a proper bullwhip after reading this book).
If you really want an INSTRUCTION MANUAL guiding you specifically thru every single step in making a Bullwhip, then go to www.dukewhips.com and buy Rob Duke's Bullwhip Making Instruction Guide.
I really did enjoy Mr. Edwards book. As I said there are a number of extremely vital techniques explained that are invaluable to the whipmaking process. I just wish it would have pulled the entire whipmaking process together more coherently.

The New Bullwhip Book

Andrew Conway

Amazon Price: $12.95 List Price: $12.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: LOOMPANICS UNLIMITED Amazon Marketplace: 5 new & used starting at $11.00

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Leathercrafts
Subjects -> Sports -> Individual Sports -> Martial Arts -> General
Subjects -> Sports -> Individual Sports -> Martial Arts -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Great! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This is a great and easy to follow book. Also a must in your collection.

Editorial Review:

Did you ever look at the person with the bullwhip on the movie screen and think, "Hmmm, I wonder if I could do that?" Or maybe you are one of the people in the circus audience looking at the man or woman cracking the whip, not at the lion. If either of these scenarios describes you, then you are the kind of person for whom The New Bullwhip Book was written. The book introduces you to whip basics, parts of the whip, the different types available, as well as the three basic cracks, and step-by-step instructions on how to master those cracks.

The Art and Craft of Leather: Leatherworking tools and techniques explained in detail

Maria Teresa Llado i Riba, Eva Pascual i Miro

Amazon Price: $19.79 List Price: $29.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Barrons Educational Series Amazon Marketplace: 32 new & used starting at $15.88

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Leathercrafts
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> General
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Creating handsome leather products is an enjoyable and rewarding hobby, but it's a craft that requires training and specialized tools. This attractive volume presents beginners with the information and instruction they need to get started. Following a brief illustrated history of leathercraft, the authors describe how animal hides are processed into various types and grades of leather. The heart of this book begins with an introduction to leatherworking tools--mallets, awls, bevellers, groovers, special needles, coloring and dying agents, and others. Next, the authors demonstrate techniques and the use of tools for embossing, cutting, sewing, and shaping. They conclude with detailed, photo-illustrated instructions for eight different projects, which include construction of a beautiful leather basket, an elegant serving tray, a unique clock face, a stylish picture frame, a handsome set of scrapbook covers, and several more beautiful items. Hundreds of instructive color photos and a useful glossary.

The Complete Guide to Traditional Native American Beadwork: A Definitive Study of Authentic Tools, Materials, Techniques, and Styles

Joel Monture

Amazon Price: $11.53 List Price: $16.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Wiley Amazon Marketplace: 61 new & used starting at $4.48

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Fashion -> General
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Fashion -> General AAS
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> History & Criticism -> Regional -> Native American

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

"I can think of no recent book about traditional crafts which has delighted me more than Joel Monture's Complete Guide to Traditional Native American Beadwork. All too often, books of this nature are either as boring as a repair manual, or obscure and inaccurate. Monture's triumph is that his book is not only the best and most complete book about virtually every aspect of Native American beadwork tools, materials, styles and methods, it is also clear, interesting reading. Written from the point of view of a Native master craftsman who is also a gifted teacher, and accompanied by striking full-color photos, it can serve as either a beginning point or a lifelong reference tool. I am confident that Monture's book will bring him wide praise, not only from beadworkers, but also from any person who delights in knowing more about the meaning and the history of an indigenous artform which is finally attracting the sort of critical attention and informed appreciation it deserves."
--Joseph Bruchac, author of Keepers of the Earth
* Includes all the basic stitches and designs
* Contains a special section on natural tanning methods
* Extensive glossary
* Full-color photos of authentic Native American beadwork

Native American Leather & Bead Crafting

Patty Cox

Amazon Price: $11.21 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Sterling Amazon Marketplace: 41 new & used starting at $8.59

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> History & Criticism -> Regional -> Native American
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Schools, Periods & Styles -> Folk Art
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Beadwork

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Leather and bead crafting 3 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This was an OK book if you are a beginner beader and leather worker. Not very challenging but somewhat useful.

Native American Leather & Crafting 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I received the book in a short amount of time. It was in good condition. I will be getting into the book at a later time and I can't wait.

Editorial Review:

Native American art has a timeless appeal that fascinates anyone who appreciates quality craft and design. The projects selected here are modern interpretations of traditional Native American patterns and techniques—they adopt methods, supplies, and tools that are accessible to any crafter, while encouraging an appreciation for the historical significance of this unique culture. Leather working principles are demonstrated step-by-step and used to make moccasins, pouches, and vests, and patterns are also included for more complex garments such as a Southwest Rosette Shirt and a Chippewa Inspired Beaded Jacket. Many jewelry items are also featured—from a Turtle Fetish Necklace to a Zig-Zag Ankle Bracelet. While the inspiration for these designs may be centuries old, they still remain hugely fashionable!

Making Leather Purses & Totes

Lisa Galvin

Amazon Price: $10.17 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Sterling Amazon Marketplace: 34 new & used starting at $8.50

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Fashion -> General
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Fashion -> General AAS
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Design & Decorative Arts -> Graphic Design -> Commercial -> Fashion Design

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Well done book with little to offer for serious projects 2 out of 5 stars.
9 of 10 people found this review helpful.

This book is beautifully done, but suffers from the problems I've seen in other books on leather bags. The actual leather bag patterns are too small to be practical for use. Many of the bags as shown appeal only to young girls playing dress up. This is not to say that they couldn't be made tasteful, if still undersized. A few of the projects, surprisingly, are only accented by leather and are otherwise store bought bags. There are some good ideas in this book, but not enought to justify the price for the already accomplished leatherworker. I don't recommend it, and would have returned it if the shipping both ways would not have exceeded the cost of the book.

Editorial Review:

From casual totes to stylish clutches, this compilation offers an irresistible assortment of chic leather projects. The simplicity of the techniques adds to its appeal; even novices can easily make each bag. Photos of the purses in each phase of construction, plus images of the finished items, provide guidance on working with this supple and durable material. Discover a variety of ways to tool, brand, punch, cut, stitch, glue, and embellish leather, and see how to add hardware, such as clasps and latches. Anyone would proudly show off the fringed Cell Phone Bag, Suede Hip Purse, and Alligator Grain Cowhide Handbag.

A Selection of the Crafters Choice Book Club.

Braiding Rawhide Horse Tack

Robert L. Woolery

Amazon Price: $8.95 List Price: $8.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Cornell Maritime Press Amazon Marketplace: 29 new & used starting at $4.86

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Design & Decorative Arts -> Decorative Arts
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Leathercrafts
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

A complete guide to braiding horse tack. 4 out of 5 stars.
34 of 38 people found this review helpful.

Woolery has included a wide variety of braiding techniques and their application with regard to making horse tack. Although all of the examples are western-type tack, the pieces of tack described are useful to any horseman. Learning how to make your own tack can be very handy out on a trail when something breaks, and Woolery's book has enough information to become an expert or a competant amateur.

Editorial Review:

Here is an instruction manual for the novice worker in rawhide. Unlike many other works on the subject, this book assumes no previous knowledge or experience. The reader is shown in drawings and photographs every step of the procedure, from starting with a fresh cowhide, through cutting strings and braiding them, to finished reatas, bosals, hobbles, or reins. The book also is useful to the collector of braided rawhide by demonstrating what to look for when buying an article. "For those who collect, use, or aspire to learn how to make your own cowboy horse gear, don't miss Woolery's book." --Western Horseman

Deerskins Into Buckskins: How To Tan With Natural Materials - A Field Guide for Hunters and Gatherers

Matt Richards

List Price: $14.95 By: Treasure Chest Books Amazon Marketplace: 8 new & used starting at $12.50

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Leathercrafts
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> General
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 23 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Deerskins Into Buckskins: How To Tan With Natural Materials, a Field Guide for Hunters and Gatherers 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I had been brain tanning for many years when I first read this book. After trying some of Matt's ideas, my hides came out softer the first time and had very few hides that needed re-softening.

Matt's book is simply written, his ideas and techniques are solid, and if you follow his instruction, you WILL make great leather. I once met a young lady that showed me her first four hides she ever brain tanned. They were great, and she learned how to do it from this book. In fact, I use his book in the brain tanning classes I teach. It is that good.

Editorial Review:

All kinds of people enjoy making and wearing their own buckskin and so can you, with this easy to use guide. Over 130 photos and illustrations bring you step by step from raw skin to velvety soft buckskin and then show you how to create beautiful garments and useful goods. Design to be easily understood by the beginner yet rich with detail for the experienced, this book teaches tanning as a natural process. No chemicals are needed. All the tolls and materials are waiting around your home and land. While the tools are simple, having a great method is the key. This book has that method.