Good Sheridan Carving Resources For A Beginner

[tntsl]

I'm pretty new to leather carving in general. What are some good books, DVDs, etc. for someone just starting out with sheridan carving?

[Double U Leather]

There's a book called Sheridan Style Carving by Bob Likewise that is a must have for Sheridan Style carving. I'm by no means a master at it, but when I first started, this book helped immensely. I would also suggest finding someone who is accomplished at it, and willing to show you some things about Sheridan style, and ask a zillion questions. It's a bit difficult at first to figure out, but once you get the hang of it, it just seems to flow. I'd also suggest finding someone whose work you like, and study it meticulously. LW's very own "Hidepounder" is an inspiration to alot of folks, myself included. One other thing I'd offer....get a subscription to the Leather Crafters and Saddlers Journal. Lots of really good instruction in there too. Good luck, and be Blessed.

[tntsl]

Thanks for the reply leatherrookie. I've seen that book and I was wondering if it was a good for a beginner. I'm glad you mentioned the Journal too.

[aermotor]

There's a book called Sheridan Style Carving by Bob Likewise that is a must have for Sheridan Style carving. I'm by no means a master at it, but when I first started, this book helped immensely. I would also suggest finding someone who is accomplished at it, and willing to show you some things about Sheridan style, and ask a zillion questions. It's a bit difficult at first to figure out, but once you get the hang of it, it just seems to flow. I'd also suggest finding someone whose work you like, and study it meticulously. LW's very own "Hidepounder" is an inspiration to alot of folks, myself included. One other thing I'd offer....get a subscription to the Leather Crafters and Saddlers Journal. Lots of really good instruction in there too. Good luck, and be Blessed.

A lot of us simply refer to Bob Likewise's book as The Bible. No disrespect to the Holy Bible, but it is that important to the history and function of the Sheridan Style.

Happy New Year, everyone.

[hidepounder]

Just wanted to add another vote for "Sheridan Style Carving" by Bob Likewise. I recommend it to all toolers!

Bobby

[kseidel]

"Sheridan Style Carving" is a great book for defining Sheridan style carving, and certainly should be in your library, but it is by no means a beginner book. If you have a fundamental knowledge of leather carving and tooling, then it is perfect... however, if you are new to leather carving, than I would recommend other books that deal more with basics. Chan Geer has written some books that cover the basics better, as well as the older "How to Carve Leather" books by Al Stohlman that deal with fundamentals. One thing that you need to know is that it requires some different shapes of tools for Sheridan style than other styles. Studying work by other craftsmen is very helpful in learning pattern layout and variations of the looks within the style. Good look to you! It is a great adventure.

Keith Seidel

[tntsl]

I'm going to get a copy of "Sheridan Style Carving" and perhaps a copy of "Learn Sheridan Style Tooling" by Chan Geer also. Then I just plan to work at it a ton and keep checking back here for more tips.

Hidepounder,

I checked out your gallery - your work is incredible! I can see why leatherrookie is studying your work.

Thanks for the recommendations folks!

[hidepounder]

tntsl,

Keith is absolutely right about "Sheridan Style Carving" not being a beginner book. I should have picked up on that myself. I haven't read Chan's book and I'm sure it is very good, however I still go back and look at many of the Stohlman articles. I recently saw one of his tech tips that reminded of a tooling element that I want to add to my next project. Much of his work is timeless!

Keith's advice about studying other craftsmen's work is spot on also! I get a lot of inspiration studying the work of some of the pros right here on LW. Here's a link to a couple of them: Click here and here and here too.

Happy New Year!

Bobby

Edited December 31, 2010 by hidepounder

[mendedbowl]

If you're interested in a beginner DVD, you may enjoy "Learn Sheridan Style Leather Carving with Chan Geer". I found it to be a good start, and it's great to see his tools in action.

now I'm looking for a little more, so my next educational purchase will be "Sheridan Style Carving" by Bob Likewise. After such high recommendations, how can I not buy it?

ken

[tntsl]

So I purchased these two books. Both books have good information but Sheridan Style Carving is definitely more comprehensive. I can see why so many people said good things about it. In my opinion, Sheridan Style Carving is the better of the two books for a beginner. Now I need to get a few more tools and practice, practice, practice.

I'm going to get a copy of "Sheridan Style Carving" and perhaps a copy of "Learn Sheridan Style Tooling" by Chan Geer also. Then I just plan to work at it a ton and keep checking back here for more tips.

Hidepounder,

I checked out your gallery - your work is incredible! I can see why leatherrookie is studying your work.

Thanks for the recommendations folks!

[leatherjunkie]

So I purchased these two books. Both books have good information but Sheridan Style Carving is definitely more comprehensive. I can see why so many people said good things about it. In my opinion, Sheridan Style Carving is the better of the two books for a beginner. Now I need to get a few more tools and practice, practice, practice.

You can find Chan Geer's pattern packs at www.hidestoart.com. hides to art also sells barry king tools which are designed for sheridan style carving.

Check your local leathercraft store and see if they will bring Chan Geer in for a class. If not hopefully you have a tandy store close that may be able to bring Chan Geer in to do a class.

Chan Geer is a very good instructor and easy to talk to. He loves teaching sheridan style to everyone that wants to learn. If you can find one of his classes be sure to have some extra money with you cause he sells tools from barry king and hides to art at his classes.

www.hidecrafter.com also has some videos made by Chan Geer which are very good to watch. his leather lacing video is the one that i watch the most, mainly because i forget how to finish the lacing.

Jim Linnel from tandy leather factory says you can use crafttools to do sheridan style tooling. He even did a how to video one sheridan style. think that tandy leather factory sells this one.

I was able to take one of his classes on animal carving. He also loves teaching leathercraft to all. I think his speciallity is animal carving and embossing.

any video that you can pickup for leatherworking is well worth it even if all you do is watch the video.