nlay and inlay are traditional techniques for design that still speak to us today. Both methods use pieces of leather to lay down fields of color. Lettering can be created as well as abstract and figurative images. Although we will include onlay with soft edges in our discussions, we will focus on a technique that stabilizes the leather sufficiently to produce onlay and inlay with clean, hard edges.

Onlay is the use of thin pieces of leather applied on top of a substrate. Inlay is the use of thick pieces of leather set down into a space cut out of a substrate. The onlay/inlay cutting system that will be demonstrated and practiced is applicable to untooled, hand-tooled, and machine-stamped designs, and is equally useful if you are making one book or many.

Participants will each produce five models: four variations of onlay, and one inlay—all on leather-covered board. Details of paste production, leather preparation using the Schärf-Fix paring machine, knife selection, cutting surfaces, and onlay/inlay application will be covered.

Prepare for the workshop by creating or acquiring a very simple design, e.g., a letter—no more than two inches in height and width—that you will use for your models.

All levels of experience are welcome.

About one month before the workshop, registrants will receive a tool list, directions to the studio, and any other pertinent logistical information via email. Workshop hours are usually from 9:30 until about 5:00. Please do not buy an airplane ticket or make any other non-refundable payment before checking with us to be sure the workshop for which you have registered has sufficient enrollment.

Sign up: Total: $285 Deposit: $50 Balance: $235

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