Creating handsome leather products is an enjoyable and rewarding hobby, but it's a craft that requires training and specialized tools. This attractive volume presents beginners with the information and instruction they need to get started. Following a brief illustrated history of leathercraft, the authors describe how animal hides are processed into various types and grades of leather. The heart of this book begins with an introduction to leatherworking tools--mallets, awls, bevellers, groovers, special needles, coloring and dying agents, and others. Next, the authors demonstrate techniques and the use of tools for embossing, cutting, sewing, and shaping. They conclude with detailed, photo-illustrated instructions for eight different projects, which include construction of a beautiful leather basket, an elegant serving tray, a unique clock face, a stylish picture frame, a handsome set of scrapbook covers, and several more beautiful items. Hundreds of instructive color photos and a useful glossary.