Jackson County - Leathercraft
Youth participating in the leathercraft project will develop leather craftsmanship skills and explore different methods to leather creation while exploring their creativity.
Project Resources
There are no manuals used for this project. Please complete your project according to the exhibit guidelines and scorecard provided. If you have further questions please contact the Jackson County Purdue Extension Office.
Exhibit guidelines
- 4-H member must fill out a record sheet to be turned in with the green / white record book.
- Attach to project 4-H-618AW "4-H Craft Information Card" for description of work completed on the project.
- If multiple pieces make up the exhibit, a photograph of the complete exhibit should be attached to the exhibit so the total exhibit can properly be displayed.
- For safety purposes any craft exhibit that resembles a sword, knife, or look-a-like weapon, will be judged but will not be displayed.
- Projects must not exceed division skill limits. They must also show proper use of expected skills.
exhibit class guidelines
beginner (Grades 3 - 5)
Skills to learn:
- Learn kinds and working qualities of leather
- Practice the correct way to handle stamping tools and how to hold a mallet so as not to tire easily
- Learn how much moisture to use in working leather
- Practice making simple and original designs with stamping tools
- Learn proper finishing techniques including slicking edges, dyeing / staining and sealing
Make and exhibit one small leather article using a simple stamped design using skills learned with or without single lacing. Examples include: coasters (set of 4), coin purse, key case or item of equal skill level.
Exhibit: One (1) article made.
Intermediate (Grades 6 - 8)
Skills to learn:
- Continue enhancing skills from beginner level
- Practice on leather scrap pieces to learn the tooling technique and the correct use of the swivel knife, how deep to cut, and decorative cuts
- Proper beveling of swivel knife cuts
- Learn the different grades of leather and which are best suited for which types of projects
- Learn to cut your own hides, create your own designs for articles, cut pieces for projects.
Select an article to tool and / or stamp and finish the article. Lace or hand sew as needed. Examples of articles include: belt, small purse, key case, billfold, or item of equal skill level.
Exhibit: One (1) article made.
advanced (Grades 9 - 12)
Skills to learn:
- Continue enhancing skills from previous levels
- Learn figure carving and techniques associated
Select an article to tool and carve using an advanced design on one large article. Figure carving is also acceptable. Lace or hand sew as needed. Examples of articles include: figure carved pictures, billfolds, handbags, portfolio, or item of equal skill level.
Exhibit: One (1) article made.
Note: Some leather tools and stamps are available on loan on a first come, first serve basis from the Extension Office. Plan early.
The Grand Champion for this project is eligible to go to the Indiana State Fair for Arts & Crafts. This is a county project, however each 4-H'er must attach to project 4-H-618AW "4-H Craft Information Card" for description of work completed on the project. Find this card by navigating the Indiana state project page for Arts & Crafts.