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KINGSMERE CRAFTS
HAND-CRAFTED LEATHER GOODS
Hand-tools for decorating leather
The tools shown in the illustrations give an indication of their use just judging by their names. Though in practice their uses are interchangeable. It is very often the case that a tool intended for a particular purpose is eminently suitable for an entirely different one.
To achieve the greatest depth and clarity in your carving, many techniques and tools are used. A Beveller is used to deepen one side of a swivel knife cut. The heel of the Beveller leaves an "aura" around the subject you are bevelling. The surface behind this is on the same level as what you want standing out. Blending this "aura" out of your carving, using tools called Matters that are designed for this purpose, will increase both the depth and clarity of your carving. Use a lighter striking force on your tool as you fade away from the line, thus eliminating all unwanted tool marks.
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Backgrounder tools are very often just known as punches or stamps. They are intended for making a general background and for camouflaging. Matting tools will compress the leather in those areas which will be textured or backgrounded in the final stages. By first blending and compressing these areas, a smoother more uniform background will be realized.
Matting tools come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Round matters are very common. One side is usually ground flat, so that it may be placed against a line, following the path of a Beveller. The round shaped heel enables this tool to blend as much area as possible away from the line round Matters work quickly and are easy to use in larger areas.
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Backgrounder stamps |
Beveller stamps |
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Seeder and mulefoot stamps |
Pear shader stamps |
The beveller has a curved face on its head to avoid making a too sharp impression at its edges. It is for depressing areas around the lines of the design to bring it into relief. It is held in an upright position with its front face in the cut, it is given a sharp tap with the mallet, and you move along the cut tapping as you go.
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Veiner stamps |
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