Drawing Sheridan Pattern- First Attempt

[hidepounder]

I know better than to broach this subject, but sometimes I just can't bite my tongue any longer! Sheridan style carving isn't identified by drawing in circles. It has to do with the use of certain design elements and specific tools. Patterns have been drawn in circles for a long time and Sheridan style toolers certainly make use of them in their layout, however so did those tooling in the Northwest, Porter and a number of other regional styles. Unfortunately the use of the "Sheridan" style is misused broadly, much the same way that tissue is called Kleenex. What distinguishes "Sheridan" style from others is the use of extra steep bevelers, thumbprints in lieu of pear shaders, the use of flower centers and flower center bevelers, etc. Additionallly, the use of the wild rose was very prominent is "Sheridan" style designs and "Sheridan" style toolers definitely reduced the size of the tooling patterns. In my mind, "Sheridan" style tooling portrays more stemwork than other styles and the petals or "stickers" are usually very elongated and/or sharp as opposed to short, fat and blunt (as was typical in the "Porter" style. I am often described as a "Sheridan" style tooler, and while I can and have done tooling in that style (I really like it!), I don't think I'm a "Sheridan" style tooler at all. Okay, enough spouting off on my part, LOL! Sometimes I just can't keep my big mouth shut! BTW......nice layout and stamp job, Tim!!!!

Edited March 15, 2014 by hidepounder

[Mike 257]

ok I have a question, I could never draw and never had a reason or desire to learn. Now that Im just getting into leather work I decided I wanted to learn tooling. I figured that I would just use patterns but now after only a few weeks Im feeling like Im cheating by tracing someones pattern on my leather and calling it "My Work"

So my question is , can I learn to draw Sheridan style patterns.

[WyomingSlick]

There is a big differance between calling something your work, and claiming "original design". True originality is as rare, perhaps more so, than artistic ability. If you ever looked at many old Doodle Pages, many of them strived to show ways that you could take a design or pattern, and make your own personal statement by varied use of tools, differant techniques, and even reworking of the design to fit other styles such as inverted carving or silhouette work.

There is nothing wrong with tooling a pattern pretty much like the photo-carve shows, but it certainly doesn't hurt to experiment and find your own interpretation.

If you build a table out of wood, is it not your work.......despite the fact that it has a flat top and four legs just like a jillion other tables? The only misrepresentation is if you copy something exactly and represent it as the original by using logos, or other identifying markings.

[WyomingSlick]

ok I have a question, I could never draw and never had a reason or desire to learn. Now that Im just getting into leather work I decided I wanted to learn tooling. I figured that I would just use patterns but now after only a few weeks Im feeling like Im cheating by tracing someones pattern on my leather and calling it "My Work"

So my question is , can I learn to draw Sheridan style patterns.

Sure you can. And the more you do it, the easier it will become.

[hidepounder]

ok I have a question, I could never draw and never had a reason or desire to learn. Now that Im just getting into leather work I decided I wanted to learn tooling. I figured that I would just use patterns but now after only a few weeks Im feeling like Im cheating by tracing someones pattern on my leather and calling it "My Work"

So my question is , can I learn to draw Sheridan style patterns.

Of course you can learn to draw patterns! As a matter of fact, learning to draw a pattern will assist in your tooling because you will gain a better understanding of the basic principals which make up the pattern. That said, I encourage people to continue tooling existing patterns so that they have an example to follow. I would never encourage tooling someone else's patterns on items for sale, however, striving to make your tooling look like the original is the best way I know to learn to master your tools. Once you master your tools, then it's time to start drawing your own patterns. Another way to look at it is, if you can't tool it, how can you expect to know what to draw? That's my take on it anyway!

Hope this helps!

Bobby

[Mike 257]

There is a big differance between calling something your work, and claiming "original design". True originality is as rare, perhaps more so, than artistic ability. If you ever looked at many old Doodle Pages, many of them strived to show ways that you could take a design or pattern, and make your own personal statement by varied use of tools, differant techniques, and even reworking of the design to fit other styles such as inverted carving or silhouette work.

There is nothing wrong with tooling a pattern pretty much like the photo-carve shows, but it certainly doesn't hurt to experiment and find your own interpretation.

If you build a table out of wood, is it not your work.......despite the fact that it has a flat top and four legs just like a jillion other tables? The only misrepresentation is if you copy something exactly and represent it as the original by using logos, or other identifying markings.

Thank you , your insight was very help full . Gave me something to think about ,

[Mike 257]

Of course you can learn to draw patterns! As a matter of fact, learning to draw a pattern will assist in your tooling because you will gain a better understanding of the basic principals which make up the pattern. That said, I encourage people to continue tooling existing patterns so that they have an example to follow. I would never encourage tooling someone else's patterns on items for sale, however, striving to make your tooling look like the original is the best way I know to learn to master your tools. Once you master your tools, then it's time to start drawing your own patterns. Another way to look at it is, if you can't tool it, how can you expect to know what to draw? That's my take on it anyway!

Hope this helps!

Bobby

Thank you Bob, What you said makes a lot of sense to me. So for now I will continue tooling others patterns and learn the tools . Heck I have tools (Some stamps) that I dont even know where there suppose to be used . Also have to learn how to keep tools sharp, Im also working on my hand stitching and I haven't even touched dye yet , So Im a bit relieved that you say its ok to use existing patterns because I already have a lot to learn .