About Wet-Formed Leather

I'm often asked how I came up with this method of working in leather. Well I didn't "come up" with it alone. Some form of wetting and molding leather has probably always happened, whether it was for making armor, containers, masks, or bindings. I started doing leather like most folks, with a kit from Tandy, and made a wallet or a belt or a bag. I then drifted over to sewing bags and small goods using soft chrome-tanned leathers.After some time I started seeing some new and interesting things being done with vegetable-tanned leather. In the early eighties there were folks from the US, Canada, Australia, and England sharing ideas and techniques for "Art" leather via a newsletter and a couple of wonderful conferences. I was also inspired by a book by Rex Lingwood (Leather in Three Dimensions), and a workshop given at Arromont by Marcia Lloyd.There was talk during the workshop of masks being made in Italy that revived those used in the Comedia 'dell Arte; an early form of improv. Theatre.

The techniques for making these masks were very long and involved, and I felt there had to be a faster, easier way. Thanks to our modern tanners who make wonderful molding leather, and new technologies in molding and casting for pattern forms it is a lot easier to make molded leather objects.I have made some videos and booklets describing the techniques I've learned and would like to pass them on to you. I've also found a way to duplicate the forms for masks into lightweight plastic for you to use if you don't want to start from scratch.

I'm no longer doing production craft work, but I do have a few products available as a result of teaching classes or just fooling around. Soon you can check out the finished products link if you're interested.

Happy Crafting!
Cheryl Smeja

Flowers and Vases