How to Master Sheridan Style Carving with This Free Book Download

If you are interested in learning how to carve leather in the classic western style, you might have heard of Sheridan style carving. This style of carving was created by Don King, a saddlemaker and toolmaker from Sheridan, Wyoming, in the 1950s. He turned saddles, tack, and everyday items into works of art with his floral carving and practical form .

Sheridan style carving is popular among leather artists around the world, but it can be challenging to master. You need to learn how to use various tools, such as the swivel knife, the pear shader, the seeder, the veiner, the mulesfoot, the background tool, and the hair blade. You also need to learn how to draw and trace patterns that fit the shape and size of your leather project .

Fortunately, there is a free book download that can help you learn Sheridan style carving from the experts. The book is called Sheridan Style Carving, and it was written by Chan Geer, a legendary leather artist who learned from Don King himself. The book covers everything you need to know about Sheridan style carving, from the history and philosophy of the style, to the tools and techniques you need to use, to the tips and tricks for creating beautiful patterns and designs.

The book also includes a pattern pack with 27 patterns that you can use for your own projects. You can print them out and trace them onto your leather, or you can use them as inspiration for your own designs. The patterns range from simple to complex, and they cover various themes such as flowers, leaves, scrolls, borders, animals, and more.

If you want to get this free book download, all you need to do is purchase one of the Realeather® kits that include a promo code for it. There are two kits available: Sheridan Style Tool Set I and Sheridan Style Tool Set II. Each kit contains a set of tools that are specially designed for Sheridan style carving, as well as a piece of leather that you can practice on. The kits are affordable and easy to use, and they are perfect for beginners and pros alike.

So what are you waiting for? If you want to master Sheridan style carving and create stunning leather projects, get your free book download today and start learning from the best!

What is Sheridan Style Carving?

Sheridan style carving is a style of leather carving that originated in Sheridan, Wyoming, in the 1950s. It was created by Don King, a saddlemaker and toolmaker who was inspired by the floral patterns of Spanish and Mexican saddles. He developed his own style of carving that combined realistic flowers and leaves with geometric shapes and scrolls. He also created his own tools and stamps that gave his work a distinctive look and feel .

Sheridan style carving is characterized by its intricate and elegant patterns that cover the entire surface of the leather. The patterns are usually symmetrical and balanced, and they follow the contours and curves of the leather. The patterns are also designed to enhance the functionality and durability of the leather item, such as a saddle, a belt, or a wallet. Sheridan style carving is not only beautiful, but also practical .

Sheridan style carving is also known for its rich and vibrant colors that contrast with the natural color of the leather. The colors are achieved by using dyes, stains, paints, and antique finishes that add depth and dimension to the carved patterns. The colors are usually applied after the carving is done, and they are carefully blended and shaded to create a realistic and harmonious effect .

Why Learn Sheridan Style Carving?

Learning Sheridan style carving can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby for anyone who loves leather and art. It can also be a profitable skill for anyone who wants to make or sell leather products. Here are some of the benefits of learning Sheridan style carving:

You can express your creativity and personality through your leather projects. You can choose from a variety of patterns and themes, or you can create your own designs that reflect your interests and passions.
You can improve your hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Carving leather requires precision and attention to detail, as well as patience and perseverance. You will learn how to use different tools and techniques to create smooth and clean cuts, curves, and textures on your leather.
You can make unique and high-quality leather products that will last for years. Leather is a durable and versatile material that can be used for many purposes, such as clothing, accessories, furniture, home decor, and more. By carving your leather, you can add value and beauty to your products, as well as make them stand out from the crowd.
You can join a community of leather artists who share your passion and enthusiasm. You can learn from other carvers who have more experience and knowledge than you, or you can teach others who are just starting out. You can also participate in events, competitions, exhibitions, and online forums where you can showcase your work and get feedback.

How to Get Started with Sheridan Style Carving?

If you are ready to learn Sheridan style carving, you will need some basic tools and materials to get started. Here are some of the essentials you will need:

A piece of vegetable-tanned leather that is suitable for carving. The leather should be smooth, even, and free of defects. The thickness of the leather depends on the type of project you are making, but generally, a 3-4 oz leather is good for small items, and a 8-9 oz leather is good for large items.
A swivel knife that is used to cut the outline of the pattern on the leather. The swivel knife has a blade that rotates on a handle, allowing you to make smooth and curved cuts. The blade should be sharp and well-adjusted to your hand size and grip.
A set of stamps that are used to create textures and shapes on the leather. The stamps are metal tools that have different designs on their ends, such as flowers, leaves, scrolls, borders, etc. The stamps are used with a mallet or a hammer to imprint the designs on the leather.
A mallet or a hammer that is used to strike the stamps on the leather. The mallet or hammer should be heavy enough to make a clear impression, but not too heavy to damage the leather or the stamps. A wooden or rawhide mallet is preferred over a metal hammer, as it is less likely to leave marks on the leather or the stamps.
A pattern that is used to guide your carving. The pattern can be drawn by hand or printed from a book or a computer. The pattern should fit the size and shape of your leather project, and it should be clear and detailed. You can use tracing paper or carbon paper to transfer the pattern onto your leather.
A sponge and water that are used to moisten the leather before carving. The leather should be damp but not wet, as this will make it easier to cut and stamp. You can use a spray bottle or a damp cloth to wet the leather evenly.
A dye, stain, paint, or antique finish that is used to color the leather after carving. The color should match the style and theme of your pattern, and it should enhance the contrast and depth of your carving. You can use brushes, sponges, rags, or airbrushes to apply the color on the leather.
A finish that is used to protect and seal the leather after coloring. The finish should be compatible with the color you used, and it should prevent fading, cracking, or staining. You can use acrylic, wax, oil, or lacquer finishes to coat your leather.

Once you have all these tools and materials, you can follow these basic steps to carve your leather:

Cut your leather piece to fit your project. You can use a knife or scissors to cut the leather along the edges.
Moisten your leather piece with water until it is damp but not wet. This will make it easier to carve and stamp.
Transfer your pattern onto your leather piece using tracing paper or carbon paper. You can use a stylus or a ballpoint pen to trace the pattern onto the leather.
Cut the outline of your pattern with your swivel knife. You can use a cutting board or a marble slab as a base for your leather. You should hold your swivel knife at an angle and apply even pressure as you cut along the lines.
Stamp your pattern with your stamps and mallet or hammer. You can start with the center of your pattern and work your way outwards. You should align your stamps carefully and strike them firmly and evenly.
Color your pattern with your dye, stain, paint, or antique finish. You can use brushes, sponges, rags, or airbrushes to apply the color on your leather. You should let the color dry completely before applying another layer or color.
Finish your pattern with your finish of choice. You can use brushes, sponges, rags, or spray cans to apply the finish on your leather. You should let the finish dry completely before using or displaying your project.

Congratulations! You have just completed your first Sheridan style carving project!

Where to Find Sheridan Style Carving Resources?

If you want to learn more about Sheridan style carving, or if you need more inspiration and guidance for your projects, there are many resources available online and offline that you can use. Here are some of the best sources of Sheridan style carving resources:

Books: There are many books that teach you how to carve leather in the Sheridan style, or that showcase the work of famous Sheridan style carvers. Some of the most popular books are Sheridan Style Carving by Chan Geer, Leather Carving by Al Stohlman, The Art of Leather Burning by Lora S. Irish, and Sheridan Style Patterns by Don King.
Videos: There are many videos that demonstrate how to carve leather in the Sheridan style, or that feature interviews and tips from expert Sheridan style carvers. Some of the most popular videos are Learn Sheridan Style Leather Carving by Chan Geer, Drawing Sheridan Style Patterns by Chan Geer, Sheridan Style Carving by Jim Linnell, and Sheridan Style Carving by Bob Park.
Websites: There are many websites that offer free or paid patterns, tutorials, articles, and forums related to Sheridan style carving. Some of the most popular websites are Elktracks Studio, Tandy Leather, Leathercraft Library, and Leatherworker.net.
Kits: There are many kits that provide you with all the tools and materials you need to start carving leather in the Sheridan style. Some of the most popular kits are Sheridan Style Tool Set I and Sheridan Style Tool Set II by Realeather®, which also include a free book download of Sheridan Style Carving by Chan Geer.
Courses: There are many courses that teach you how to carve leather in the Sheridan style, or that help you improve your skills and techniques. Some of the most popular courses are offered by Leathercraft Masterclass, Udemy, Craftsy, and Leathercraft Academy.
Events: There are many events that celebrate and promote Sheridan style carving, such as competitions, exhibitions, workshops, and festivals. Some of the most popular events are World Leather Debut, Don King Days, Leather Crafters & Saddlers Journal Events, and Australian Leather Guild Events.

With so many resources available, you will never run out of ideas and inspiration for your Sheridan style carving projects. You can also find new friends and mentors who share your passion and enthusiasm for this amazing art form.

Conclusion

Sheridan style carving is a beautiful and rewarding way to express your creativity and skill with leather. It is a style of carving that originated in Sheridan, Wyoming, by Don King, and that has become popular among leather artists around the world. It is characterized by its floral carving and practical form, as well as its rich and vibrant colors.

If you want to learn Sheridan style carving, you will need some basic tools and materials, such as leather, swivel knife, stamps, mallet or hammer, pattern, water, color, and finish. You will also need to follow some basic steps, such as cutting, moistening, transferring, cutting, stamping, coloring, and finishing your leather. You can also use various resources, such as books, videos, websites, kits, courses, and events to learn more and improve your skills.

One of the best resources you can use is the free book download of Sheridan Style Carving by Chan Geer. This book covers everything you need to know about Sheridan style carving, from the history and philosophy of the style, to the tools and techniques you need to use, to the tips and tricks for creating beautiful patterns and designs. The book also includes a pattern pack with 27 patterns that you can use for your own projects.

To get this free book download, all you need to do is purchase one of the Realeather® kits that include a promo code for it. There are two kits available: Sheridan Style Tool Set I and Sheridan Style Tool Set II. Each kit contains a set of tools that are specially designed for Sheridan style carving, as well as a piece of leather that you can practice on.

So don’t wait any longer. If you want to master Sheridan style carving and create stunning leather projects, get your free book download today and start learning from the best!

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