RUGA - Gleann Abhann

Intermediate Medieval Leatherworking – DOM08B01

(Created by Etheldred Nic Eoghainn)

Level of Content: Intermediate. Students should have a basic understanding of the characteristics of tanned leather and be familiar with methods of leather construction and decoration.

Estimated Length of Class: 2-3 hours, depending on student aptitude and number of students in the class. (Recommend limit of eight (8).)

Course Description: In this hands-on class, students will construct a leather belt pouch as well as a decorated (tooled and carved) leather plaque to be placed on the flap of the pouch. This class will familiarize students with creating patterns for use in leather construction as well as how to execute that construction. In decorating the leather plaque students will reinforce and expand upon methods learned in the beginning leatherwork class. In order to stay within a reasonable time frame, the instructor will provide the pattern for the pouch as well as a selection of patterns for the decoration. It should not be expected that the entire project will be completed within the class period, but that it should be well started with class time weighted toward those parts of the project most needful of instruction. (This must be based on an assessment of student skills.)

Learning Objectives: By the end of this class, students should be able to:

1. Create and apply a pattern for leather construction;

2. Stitch together multiple pieces of leather to construct a pouch;

3. Carve and tool a decorative design of moderate complexity;

4. Understand methods for applying a finish to vegetable-tanned tooled leather.

Suggested Teaching Resources:

Basing, Patricia. Trades and Crafts in Medieval Manuscripts. New York: New Amsterdam

Books, 1990.

Evans, Angela Care. The Sutton Hoo Ship Burial. London: British Museum Press, 2002.

Garnes, Jane E. The Complete Handbook of Leathercrafting. Malabar, FL: Robert E. Krieger

Publishing Co., 1981

Waterer, John W. Leather in Life, Art and Industry. London: Faber and Faber, 1946.

Waterer, John W. Leather and Craftsmanship. London: Faber and Faber, 1950.

Waterer, John W. Leather Craftsmanship. New York: G. Bell & Sons Ltd, 1968.

Syllabus kindly created for RUGA by Etheldred Nic Eoghainn, 1/26/07.