Concepts of Floral Embossing and Realistic Sunflowers! 

In this class we will study basic embossing concepts used for floral carving, as well as, the use of the multi-blade knife to make a more realistic center.  We will utilize every bit of 4 hours for this class. 

As with most classes you will have your tools that you will be bringing for your other classes, including your block. I suggest bringing a towel to place under your block as this helps deaden a little sound. For this class, since it is only a half day and we are only exploring the concepts, we may not finish it in entirety. Below is a short list we will be using in class. 

Clear ruler, Wing Dividers, inkpen, Scratch awl, Fine tipped stylus, Ball modeler, modeling spoon. A long thin lined (toe to heel) thumbprint or pear shader. I will have multiblade knives to use for class. 

It would be helpful to have a thin bladed swivel knife, different sized bevelers, as well, as matted bevelers. For the center, a small S632 seeder (for example) or a 3/16 drive punch from the mini punch sets. You will also need a multi blade hair knife, don’t worry, I will have some to share. 

For your benefit, it is always helpful to bring a hairdryer and extension cord, but due to time constraints, we will be using one quite frequently.

About Michael Francis:

I have been tooling since 1971 and have been

teaching fellow Leather Crafters for over 36 years. I was raised in a small mining and

ranching town in New Mexico, where I first got the bug for leather. In 1971 my father

passed, and my grandmother purchased my first set of tools, as I wanted a tooled leather

belt. My grandmother being a member of the Great Depression just simply said, “If you

want a belt, make it!” and the rest is history as they say! I first started teaching at the

original Tandy Leather store in Fargo ND back in the 90’s and I was hooked helping bring

this art form to folks who are interested and enjoy working with their hands. It wasn't long

before I was transferred to Spokane, WA, where I remained until Tandy shut most of its

stores down.

During my time at Tandy, I was fortunate to have spent time with Robert Beard, Robb Barr,

Chuck Smith, Tony Laer, Peter Maine, and Jesse Smith. They are the main reason why I enjoy

sharing this knowledge with those eager to learn.