Projects in Leather

by Tony Laier and Kay Laier

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Projects in Leather is an accessible and appealing leathercrafting tutorial project book full of well designed projects by Tony and Kay Laier. Due out 5th Feb 2024 from Fox Chapel, it's 96 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

The thorough introduction (~13% of the content) includes tools, materials, leather definitions and types, selecting materials, setup and more. The following chapters include techniques: tooling, dye/coloring, braiding/knots lacing and stitching, and hardware. The tutorial chapters include 22 full projects, happily including several tutorial chapters which will be of particular interest to re-enactors/SCAdians, and other history buffs. There are a lot of nice tooling patterns in the book including a really attractive and versatile acanthus design which will have all the SCAdians swooning.

Each of the projects includes a list of tools & materials, recommended leathers, measurements, and step-by-step cutting and assembly instructions. The photos and illustrations are clear and easy to follow. It's nice that the templates for each pattern are included in the actual chapter, not at the end of the book, so there's no flipping back and forth and hunting for the correct pieces. That was a big bonus. Tooling designs are *clearly* illustrated and action photos are not blocked or figleafed with tools or hands in the way. The writing is clear, simple, and accessible.

Many of these projects are small, so readers can use up even the smallest scraps. The measurements are given in US standard with metric units in parentheses. Materials are easily sourced from a well stocked crafts shop, or online. There is no index or resource lists, but it doesn't present any difficulties. This is a nice resource for beginning to intermediate leatherworkers, or more general crafters looking to expand their materials repertoire to leather.

Five stars. Just making one of the included projects would save enough over retail to cover the price of the book.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.