young girl working on leather project

Leathercraft should be of interest to youth in rural or urban areas. It complements other projects using leather products, such as the livestock, horse and clothing projects. Use creativity to create projects and learn new skills. You will appreciate the natural beauty and usefulness of leather, learn the principles of good design, learn to be creative, original and strive for quality craftsmanship.

To complete this project, set goals and record project highlights in Montana 4-H record forms, write at least three original poems composed of at least four-line stanzas and demonstrate a specific rhyme pattern in original verse. The member manual also lists other activities to make your experiences rewarding—from performing at local events to locating cowboy poetry in your local library and on the internet.

 

Projects to learn

At level 1,2,3 of leathercraft, students will learn

  • practice simple lacing

  • finishing and assembly of leather articles

  • keep accurate records of costs

  • share information with others

  • use basic leather carving tools

  • practice elementary sketching

  • design,select, carve and tool two or more articles

  • simple molding and shaping
  • hand stitching

At level 4,5,6,7 of leathercraft, students will learn

  • to figure carve and emboss
  •  solid color dyeing and shading
  • peer teaching
  • leading a class
  • select one or more pictures, scenes or portraits to carve
  • mount the picture
  • make or rebuild a saddle
  • study references on saddle making

At level 8,9,10 of leathercraft, students will learn

  • develop a pattern using stamping tools
  • create balance in design and color
  • apply color to stamped designs
  • make two or more articles using non-tooled and non-sewn techniques like lacing, braiding, expanding, and sculpting.
  • select the type of leather 
  • patterns for leather projects

Independent study is for any youth looking for new challenges and opportunities in 4-H. This allows a member to explore topics that have not been investigated while remaining enrolled in a 4-H project. Members enrolling in the independent study phase of a project should

  • develop a detailed learning plan for their work
  • identify an area of interest within the project area
  • set goals and locate resources (people, publications, materials) to carry out a project plan
  • determine specific experiences needed to accomplish project goals,
  • set a realistic timeline for completion
  • carry out the project learning plan,
  • share experiences with others
  • evaluate outcomes and determine what could be improved.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

The individualized learning plan should be approved by a parent, 4-H adult volunteer leader or 4-H agent. For assistance in developing a personal learning contract, use Design Your Own project materials or other goal-setting materials. While independent study provides flexibility and creativity, it also requires serious planning, implementation and evaluation.

 

Materials you'll need

Non-Animal Record Books

A Project/Financial Journal is needed for each non-animal related project. Project journals need to contain the name of the project, the year these records were kept, and a leader/parent signature. All sections of the journal need to be completed. If nothing was done in an area or section of a record sheet, the word “none” or something similar should be written. 

Download record book sheet

 

Careers in Leathercraft

If you are wanting to explore careers in leathercraft, below are some of the potential routes you can take. 4-H members interested in going to college can also visit the 4-H foundation website for scholarships in their county or reservation.

  • Saddler
  • Shoe Repairer
  • Leather worker