Leathercraft Library

Wednesday, 24 August 2025

Leather Christmas Card Project

TOOLS & MATERIALS

6047-00 “HOW TO CARVE LEATHER” by Al Stohlman (Page 18, Page 42, Back Inside Cover)

2-4oz Veg-Tanned Tooling Leather (suggested leathers)

9157-93 3-4oz Craftsman Oak Tooling Side

9154-00 2.-2.5oz Petite Tooling Calf

9153-00 2-3oz Petite Tooling Goat

9157-32 2-3oz Craftsman Oak Tooling Side

9157-33 3-4oz Craftsman Oak Tooling Side

9157-72 2-3oz Oak Leaf Tooling Side

9157-73 3-4oz Oak Leaf Tooling Side

9003-02 3-4oz Royal Meadow Tooling Side

3500-00 Tracing Film – 1 yard

35048-00 Swivel Knife w/ Blade

Filigree Blade (8027-00 Ceramic, 8014-00 Steel, or 35051-04 HCS1055)

Craftool Stamps: (B803, F891, F902, F976, F900, S631, B61, S864, B701, F899, P972, S633, S931, S932, F895, B199, F896)

8039-06 Modeling Tool – Fine/Small Round Spoon

8039-01 Modeling Tool - Point/Stylus

8116-00 Bone Folder

PATTERN: Christmas Card Pattern

Directions

“Here’s “How” to wish a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year of Carving” with Al Stohlman, from the How to Carve Leather book by Al Stohlman.

Make the tracing and cutting patterns. Be sure no lines have been omitted. Cut the leather to size.
Dampen both sides of the leather. Allow surface moisture to evaporate until leather returns to its natural color.
Center the tracing on the damp leather. Transfer the design to the leather using the stylus. Push just hard enough to make a clear impression.
Before removing the tracing lift one corner at a time and check to be sure that none of the lines have been omitted.
Use care in tracing and cutting all lines, the finished carving will be no better than its outline. Do not cut the dotted lines. They are merely guides for beveling.
Strop the blade of the swivel knife. This insures easier cutting and better work.
Cut the outlines of the design holding the swivel knife vertical, do not lean the knife to the right or left.
Refer to the photo-carve pictures for stamping tools and location of use.
Use the spoon modeling tool to smooth and add roundness to beveled edges.
After all stamping is done, and the leather is dry. It is time to color your cards as desired.
Apply a finish of choice to seal the pores of the leather.
Punch holes for lacing or stitching.
Moisten and fold creases with a bone folder.
To cut out letters, snow and interior of wreath…use Craftool filigree blades. (Practice on scrap leather.)
To simulate snow…use white leather or heavy white paper behind filigree.
After backing filigree with desired color…cement edges. Lace or stitch as desired.
You can also use the 4903-01 ¼” Alphabet Stamp Set to easily customize and personalize your cards.

C. Davenport

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