eeThis course is the first designed for the modern world of the Internet. The lessons are designed to be sent back and forth between the instructors and the students by electronic means. It is based on the Al Stohlman Home Study Course in Leathercraft, which is the property of Tandy Leather Factory, Inc. It is taught by employees of TLF who are donating their time and expertice to further the cause of leathercraft. It is jointly sponsored by the internet group: Free Leather Artisans Sharing a Hobby and employees of Tandy Leather Factory. Many parts of this material are the property of TLF and must be treated as such, Through their stores, TLF offers free classes in leathercraft. These lessons reflect what is taught in those classes and is for those who cannot attend those classes.LEATHER KNOWLEDGE Leather is the skin of an animal, As such it is not manufactured like cloth. It is grown in nature. To make the skin into leather, it must he tanned, There are different tanning methods for different purposes. Carving leather must be vegetable tanned, often called bark tanned. It accepts moisture, can be molded and formed, carved and stamped It is Split into various thicknesses, and is measured in "terms" of ounces. One ounce is about 1/64 inch in thickness, 8 ounce is 8/64 or 4/8 inch, The side that held the hair is called the grain side; the meat side is called the flesh. The fibers between hold the tanning liquors. These are the fats and oils that give leather its life and pliability. Page 3 Grain or “Smooth side