Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Feb 07/01) - In a high-tech age, a low-tech craft is getting new life.
Leather craft - turning tanned animal hides into practical and fashionable accessories - is now a design studies option at St. Patrick high school.
Career and Technology Studies teacher Warren Cummins introduced the popular six-week program in September.
"Leather craft draws upon math, chemistry, sewing and design" Cummins said.
"It's a certifiable trade in Alberta."
The course teaches a set of skills used in shoe repair and making leather tool belts and work boots, Cummins said. He has a modest leather business out of school hours - which is one reason he suggested offering the class at St. Pat's.
Apart from employment opportunities, the skills have other uses.
"It makes a great hobby, one you can do for fun or profit," he said.
At the end of six-weeks, students leave with pocket-sized projects and hopefully a new appreciation for leather craft, Cummins said.
"They'll walk away knowing where leather comes from, how it's made, its history, tooling and stamping techniques, stitching and lacing," he said.
"Many of the skills they learn can be transferred to any textile industry or trade like metal work."
Cummins hopes to continue offering the leather lessons next year -- classes with costs comparable to other design studies classes like stained glass and silk screening.
