Leather I
JUNE 5-10, 2022 WILLIAM HOLLAND
TOM SLAVICEK - LEATHER I & II
You will have time to make up to 5 to 7 projects depending on size and complexity. Choices for your projects can be from the following: Make a leather shoulder bag or two, learn how to use a wood burning tool to inscribe a design onto the leather and then colorize it, depending on time make a small backpack, a couple of leather belts, wallets, passport wallet, journal, bracelets (with magic braid), belt pouch for your phone, instrument strap, lady’s wallet, clutch purse, and more. All leathers, materials, tools, and instructions are provided, along with templates. If you have an idea for a leather project you can bring it and can make it real. As time allows you can learn how to make tassels and fringe to add to your projects. No artistic ability is necessary, nor is any previous leather working experience. The class typically runs from Sunday evening and concludes on Friday by noon. You do not need to bring anything except your enthusiasm, and your desire to make something beautiful!
Lab Fee: $225
Est. Materials Fee: $0+
Consumable Fee: $15
Prerequisites: Ages 13 and up
Bio:
Tom Slavicek
Tom earned his Leatherworking and Indian Lore Merit Badges when he was a Boy Scout on his way to eventually becoming an Eagle Scout. Both Merit Badges have remained life-long hobbies of his.
Before retiring to Dahlonega, GA Tom served the Boy Scouts of America for 37 years as an executive director in 8 different councils in the U. S. He has also served as the Scouting director for U.S. Forces and their families in southern Germany. Soon after retiring in 2011 Tom and his wife started a faith-based ministry for the homeless in Dahlonega, Georgia. He served as its first (volunteer) director and set the ministry on a strong financial and organizational footing. Tom is also a member of several arts councils and guilds.
Each leather piece is original in design, and is hand cut and stitched – no machine tools are used. Tom’s pyrography designs (Greek for “writing with fire”) are hand drawn and inscribed free hand onto the leather using a pyrography pen. No stencils, decals, or transfers are used. Up to five or six types of leather can be used to make some of the pouches: elk, suede, deerskin, python, eel skin, and cowhide, among several others. His primary media in colorizing the bags is the use of about 60 colors of India inks and acrylic leather paints. In some cases, Tom uses silver and gold paint directly on the leather before inscribing artwork on it. Each piece is unique.
During 2020 Tom developed a new technique of painting on leather and creating 2-d art which is suitable for framing, making art prints, note cards, etc.
Tom teaches numerous leatherworking classes throughout north Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina, which include the John C. Campbell Folk School, Arrowmont Folk School, several art centers, and community centers.. His students learn the same techniques that he uses in creating the bags. and some have even gone on to start their own leather crafting business.