Ever wondered why books are considered to be a man’s best friend? Well, this adage is based on the abundance of knowledge that lies in books. Before the rise of the internet, information was passed down for generations via manuscripts. Thus, the practising of leathercraft the ‘old-fashioned way’ is best documented in books. Indulging in these books will help stimulate your creativity and give you insights into leathercrafting and its various nuances. 

This article will shed some light on some books that are a must-read for every leathercrafting enthusiast. These resources will help you widen your thinking and open up countless avenues via which you will engage in the most authentic and elevated experiences in leathercrafting. 

Whether you’re a beginner, have substantial expertise in leathercrafting, or have an eagerness to know more about leathercrafting, stick around as we have some interesting resources to share with you. 

Check Out: .Ar:ti|sans Minimalist DIY Leather Kits

Resources To Boost Creativity 

Pursuing a hobby stimulates the right hemisphere of the brain, which is responsible for ‘creativity’. But what is creativity, and how can we boost our creativity? 

Creativity can be referred to as the amalgamation of an individual’s cognitive abilities, knowledge, prior experiences and the environment to which they are exposed to. Pursuing hobbies acts as an excellent outlet for a creative release- individuals tend to draw their experiences from their immediate surroundings. 

Likewise, leathercrafting is more of an experiential journey than it is a hobby. This skillful art requires not only patience and concentration but also requires dexterous nimble fingers. The creative mind works in unison with your hands to form a magisterial sense of rhythm. 

We at .Ar:ti|sans share your passion for leather and have gathered together a database of creative resources of articles, blogs, stories, guides, how-tos, and DIY projects that are readily available on our website. 

Suppose you have hit a plateau in your leathercrafting journey. In that case, these books will help you emerge from your creative lull and rekindle the joy of leathercrafting. 

Also Read: Make Your Own DIY Leather Wallet Billfold

3 Books All Creative Minds Should Read 

Books are the most readily available resource that streamlines your thoughts by exposing you to information in a structured manner. The author takes you through the ebbs and flows of the topic while piquing your curiosity. 

Regardless of your expertise in the leathercrafting journey, these books will help you fine-tune your creative thoughts and help you become better leather craftsmen. 

‘Leathercraft’, By Nigel Armitage

Niche: Traditional Handcrafted Leatherwork Skills and Projects

Overview: This learning resource is based on the timeless theme of leathercrafting- where quality supersedes quantity, and the finished product reflects your personality.  This book helps you learn traditional techniques and implement them in DIY projects that require their usage in modern ways.

It provides you with a modern flavour to leathercrafting, from beginner DIY projects like a simple leather cardholder to intermediate DIY projects like a leather belt to advanced DIY projects like a round-bottom bag. This book will further make you appreciate the grandeur of leather while taking your leather creations to the next level. 

‘Leather Crafts’, By Valerie Schafer Franklin and Geoffrey Franklin

Niche: In-Depth Information on Tools, Materials, and Techniques

Overview: To experience leathercrafting at its finest, one must be exposed to the most primitive techniques in which it was practised. This book offers insight into the very origins of leathercrafting and how this material was used to craft elegant accessories. It sheds light on how today’s world leathercraft items are being featured on blogs, photo-sharing sites and craft marketplaces. 

Additionally, the book offers more than 20 DIY leather projects, each accompanied by an illustrated step by step guide. The projects are progressive in terms of their difficulty level, the easier ones prepping you up for, the more advanced ones. The product themselves are functional with elegant embellishment and natural finishes.

Also Read: DIY Projects Using Leather Scraps

‘The Leatherworking Starter Handbook’, By Stephen Fleming

Niche: Beginner Friendly Guide to Leather Crafting Process, Tips, and Techniques

Overview: This book serves as the most complete leathercrafting resource. It has been curated, keeping in mind the obstacles faced by leathercrafting enthusiasts, going through all the possible roadblocks that might arise. The easy to follow nature of the book has helped numerous leathercrafting enthusiasts to streamline their thoughts- the magnitude of information available online is overwhelming for most. 

It provides you with the appropriate step by step information that is needed to complete your DIY projects. From intimating you with the history of leather and the essential tools used in the field, it gradually moves on to explain leathercrafting techniques like beveling, embossing and stamping. It also provides a great online resource in case you have any doubts following any particular DIY project.

Get Started With Leatherworking 

Regardless of whether you are venturing into leathercrafting in 2021 or have already tried your hand at it, these are the absolute must-haves in your leathercrafting ensemble. 

• Stitching chisels- These are used to poke holes in the leather before you start stitching.
• Stitching Needles (for leather)- They’re thicker than the typical needle and fit the thread.
• Wax Thread- To stitch the pieces together.
• Scratch Awls- These are predominantly used to pierce holes in the leather. 
• Cutting Board- You want to make sure of a solid surface at your workstation. 
• Miscellaneous- Make sure to keep items like glue, rulers, and sandpaper handy. 

Pursuing leathercrafting as a hobby is something that requires patience and proper guidance. More often than not, enthusiasts try to find resources online and are exposed to more information than they can process. With years of experience in the leathercrafting industry, we at Artisans share your passion and your eagerness to indulge in hands-on projects. 

To cater to your enthusiasm, we’ve accumulated a database of resources ranging from articles, guides, and how-to DIY projects that are readily accessible on our website. 

The .Ar:ti|sans products for minimal DIY leather products inspiration would serve as a guide to ensure everything's done right. Artisans products offer practical steps and leather quality references to ensure you pick the products to have fine finishing.

Check Out: .Ar:ti|sans Minimalist DIY Leather Kits

The products only serve as inspirational guides to help with DIY production. However, you're free to be as creative as you wish with styling.

Sign up to our newsletter to get frequent updates about the latest trends and happenings in the leather industry. Also, follow us on our Instagram and not miss a single update.

Articles You Might Like:

21 Tips To Improve Your Leatherwork

Make DIY Leather Gifts on a Budget: Easy DIY Leather Handmade Gifts