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Leathercraft Project

Learn to design, make, and decorate leather furnishings and wardrobe items.

Skills learned include: 

  • Background dying
  • Carving and carving tools
  • Finishing leather
  • Hand sewing
  • Stamping, including how to prepare leather, create a design, and stamping tools.
  • Staining techniques
  • Tanning techniques
  • How to keep accurate records
Someone cuts a circle out of leather
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It is time to get creative and think about your project. Leathercraft lessons are being offered from 3:40 to 5:15 p.m. on Thursdays. We know schools have differing end times. Please show up as soon as your school lets out for the day. If you know anyone who has expressed interest in doing leathercraft, please pass this on to them and encourage them to get started now.  For all of you returning parents/families we ask you to get your kids thinking outside the box and different for their projects this year.

Bryant Miller's House (check the Clover Connections newsletter for the address):

  • Sept. 28th
  • October 12th
  • October 26th
  • November 9th
  • December 7th
  • December 21st
  • January 11th
  • January 25th
  • February 8th
  • February 22nd
  • March 7th
  • March 21st
  • April 4th
  • April 18th
  • May 2nd
  • May 16th
  • May 30th  

The Ranch, McKee Building, Loveland, CO

  • September 21st, Berthoud Rm.
  • October 5th, Loveland Rm.
  • October 19th Loveland Rm.
  • November 2nd, Loveland Rm.
  • November 30th, Berthoud Rm.
  • December 14th, Timnath/LaPorte
  • January 4th, Loveland Rm.
  • January 16th, Tuesday Berthoud Rm.
  • February 1st Berthoud Rm.
  • February 15th, Loveland Rm.
  • February 29th, Berthoud Rm.
  • March 14th, Berthoud Rm
  • March 28th, Berthoud Rm.
  • April 11th, Berthoud Rm.
  • May 9th, Berthoud Rm.
  • May 23rd, Berthoud Rm.

Many members choose to purchase their own tools and leather. However, you can also use the project leader's tools and donated scrap leather at the leathercraft workshops. We recommend attending a leathercraft workshop and talking to the project leader prior to purchasing anything. 

Project units are designed for members 8-18 years old. We recommend doing units 1-3 in order.

Unit 1: Introduction to Leathercraft and Creative Stamping

  • Members will learn creative stamping and how to hand sew a whip stitch, running stitch, or saddle stitch.  They should complete two or more of the following:
    • An item with one layer of leather such as:
      • Belt, bookmark, wrist bracelet, or set of coasters
    • An item with two pieces of leather such as: 
      • Coin purse, knife sheath/case, simple purse, wallet
  • Member will also learn how to apply a clear finish to their item

Unit 2: Beginning Leather Carving

  • Members will learn how to use a:
    • Swivel knife
    • Camouflage tool
    • Pear shader
    • Beveler
    • Veiner
    • Seeder
  • Members will make one (or more) completed items with double loop lacing

Unit 3: Intermediate Leather Carving

Members should make an item using one or more of the following skills:

  • Traditional carving
  • Inverted caring
  • Silhouette carving

Unit 4: Advanced Leather Carving

Members should make an item using one or more of the following skills:

  • Advanced traditional carving
  • Figure carving
  • Pictorial carving
  • Decorative swivel knife carving
  • Embossing or filagree work

Unit 5: Advanced Stamping

Members should make an item using advanced stamping. 

Unit 6: Sewing Leather

Members will make an item made primarily by sewing leather. 

Unit 7: Braiding and Un-Tooled Leather

Members will make an item using one or more leather art techniques:

  • Lacing
  • Braiding
  • Expanding
  • Sculpting
  • Molding leather

Unit 8: Master Leathercraft

Members will make an item using multiple leather working techniques, such as: 

  • Carving
  • Stamping
  • Embossing
  • Filigree

Unit 9: Making and Rebuilding Saddles 

Members will learn the skills necessary to build or rebuild a saddle. 

Manuals are available on the Colorado 4-H Website

4 -H Record Books are also called e-Records. Each project has its own record book that members are required to complete each year. The links to e-Records in the specific project areas are below. Record books are turned in at Interview Judging before our County Fair. In June, you will need to schedule an interview for each of your project areas and bring your record book with you to Interview Judging the week of the Larimer County 4-H Fair.

We have more information about how to fill out your record books here.

Thinking about signing up for the Leathercraft Project? Already enrolled but have questions? Contact us.

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Non-Discrimination Statement

Colorado State University Extension is an equal opportunity provider. Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations. CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension ensures meaningful access and equal opportunities to participate to individuals whose first language is not English. Colorado State University Extension es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

Colorado State University no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad y se compromete a proporcionar adaptaciones razonables. Office of Engagement and Extension de CSU garantiza acceso significativo e igualdad de oportunidades para participar a las personas quienes su primer idioma no es el inglés.

Col.st/ll0t3

Larimer County Colorado State University Extension

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ADDRESS
1525 Blue Spruce Dr.
Fort Collins, CO 80524-2004

Phone: (970) 498-6000 

7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday - Friday 

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