Warpe Report post Posted July 24, 2011 I am looking for a book that is a jack-of-all but master of none (carving, stamping, braiding, patterns, dyeing, etc.). Does one exist? Just looking for general information. Al Stohlman's book has been mentioned, but is there others? Thanks for the info in advance. Warpe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ferg Report post Posted July 24, 2011 I would need to vote for Al Stohlman books, any and all, depending on what you wish to work on at any given time. Some of today's professionals smirk at Al's artistic and carving ability, I think there are literally thousands of folks doing excellent leather work just because of this man and his wife. ferg I am looking for a book that is a jack-of-all but master of none (carving, stamping, braiding, patterns, dyeing, etc.). Does one exist? Just looking for general information. Al Stohlman's book has been mentioned, but is there others? Thanks for the info in advance. Warpe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
$$hobby Report post Posted July 24, 2011 ALs comes to mind. but why the "best"? there are Libraries still and USED book stores around. why limit to ONE book where you have the whole world at your fingertips? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Warpe Report post Posted July 24, 2011 ALs comes to mind. but why the "best"? there are Libraries still and USED book stores around. why limit to ONE book where you have the whole world at your fingertips? The "one" book is to get a glimpse at all the possibilities and THAN to expand off of that to the areas that are either useful to me and my work or I myself am interested in. Basically, I am looking for a book that will introduce me to a bunch of examples and help point me in the area i want to go. Warpe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elton Joorisity Report post Posted July 24, 2011 I would have to vote for F.O. Baird's Leather Secrets...It's a huge book full of patterns, tips, pics...they are however hard to come by. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ken Nelson Report post Posted July 24, 2011 I would have to vote for F.O. Baird's Leather Secrets...It's a huge book full of patterns, tips, pics...they are however hard to come by. I have both of the big F.O. Baird Books and would let both go as a pair if the price were right. Ken Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Warpe Report post Posted July 24, 2011 I have both of the big F.O. Baird Books and would let both go as a pair if the price were right. Ken lol looked that book up. Hard to come by is only half the equation....the going auction prices are a bit out of my range! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scott Leger Report post Posted July 25, 2011 Do You want book about sewing Leather ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WyomingSlick Report post Posted July 25, 2011 If you are a beginner, then the first book to get is the "Leatherwork Maunual" by Al Stohlman, A.D.Patten, and J.A.Wilson. This is the book (or excerpts from) used by Boy Scouts and 4-H programs across the country. After you have learned what is in those 160 pages, you won't need anyone to tell you what book to buy next. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simontuntelder Report post Posted November 13, 2013 To me the best book is definitely Valerie Michael's book on leatherworking. I wish it was the first book that I read about working with leather - and not one of the last I've read. It's just so good - and cheap too http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1844034747 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris B Report post Posted November 14, 2013 Another one, if you can find it, is Al Stohlman's home study course. Goes from basic tooling, right up into making a purse. It gives all of the tools needed as well as how to do it. Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stan Report post Posted November 15, 2013 You can't go wrong by spending some serious time right here. Just poke around! Take some notes on ideas, resources, good sites to visit, and keep coming back to Leatherworker. It takes time to realize what a valuable resource this place is. Stan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glendon Report post Posted November 18, 2013 I would second the Valerie Michael book. It is a great all around intro book. Al's techniques are great, but I think the explanations and illustrations in Valerie's book are a bit better. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joe59 Report post Posted November 20, 2013 If you can find a copy of Raymond Cherry's book on leather working it is well worth while. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
raysouth Report post Posted November 21, 2013 Hello Warpe, Go to www.abebooks.com and type in "leathercraft" in search bar. Most of the titles suggested to you will be found there, at reasonable prices from a varied amount of sellers. Some offer free shipping as well. God Bless. Ray Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kikilamour Report post Posted May 15, 2014 I own AL Stohlman and Valeria Michaels book and constantly wish I had had access to Stohlmans way earlier. Stohlmans knowledge is extensive, indepth anequivalent to gold dust Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LTC Report post Posted May 15, 2014 which stohlman book? there's a lot more than one... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Macca Report post Posted May 15, 2014 1 book for everything is a challenge Can definitely recommend the following though Leathercraft tools : Al Stohlman The art of hand sewing leather : Al Stohlman The Leatherworking handbook : Valerie Michael above 3 will cover most of what you could want for the basics carving, stamping etc, is a bit US for my tastes so I don't do any of it, so no recommendations there. Also, the Stohlman books, art of making leather cases are very good for techniques (but not patterns !) None of the above are much good for patterns though, all very dated. The Japanese books are pretty good for newer patterns/ ideas http://www.goodsjapan.jp/category/books/catId=4053927 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LTC Report post Posted May 15, 2014 The Japanese books are pretty good for newer patterns/ ideas http://www.goodsjapan.jp/category/books/catId=4053927 leathercrafttools.com has several of those same books for about half what goodsjapan is trying to get for them in case anyone is interested in getting them...no sense in paying more for them for no reason... http://www.leathercrafttools.com/book/list.jsp i have no affiliation with them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Macca Report post Posted May 15, 2014 leathercrafttools.com has several of those same books for about half what goodsjapan is trying to get for them in case anyone is interested in getting them...no sense in paying more for them for no reason... http://www.leathercrafttools.com/book/list.jsp i have no affiliation with them. nice find ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glendon Report post Posted May 15, 2014 The only thing with leathercrafttools is that as far as I know, no one has posted here on how reliable they are. I was tempted to check them out awhile back, but no one here at the time knew anything about them. Personally I don't think the patterns in The Leatherworking Handbook are too bad. A bit minimal, but good for beginning projects. That would be my pick if you had to chose one book. I would definitely agree that the Stohlman books are very out of date for full patterns. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LTC Report post Posted May 15, 2014 (edited) i've ordered the books from them (leathercrafttools.com) and they are very responsive and good at communication. i wouldn't have any hesitation ordering from them again. the stohlman books are good to learn various techniques needed to build different types of cases. no one needs a fitted case for their old polaroid camera anymore, but there are lots of tips in the books to allow people to build cases of their own design using info in the books. Edited May 15, 2014 by LTC Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glendon Report post Posted May 15, 2014 Thanks LTC. I may have to check out those books one more time then. I would agree with you about the Stohlman cases series. They are great for learning techniques. I'm a fan of them. You just wouldn't want to do a straight build along with too many of the projects. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
St8LineGunsmith Report post Posted May 19, 2014 Warpe I sent you a PM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LoneWolf1973 Report post Posted March 2, 2015 I just got back into leather a few years ago. When I did I bought a starter set from tandy. Last night was the first time I opened the book or watched the dvd that came with it. There is alot of useful information for beginners there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
