In this class we will study basic concepts of hair texture using the multi-blade knife to give you another concept-and way of bringing your leather to life. 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, Fine tipped stylus, Ball modeler, modeling spoon. Very pointed and narrow F902 type smooth beveler. Also you will need an assortment of bevelers, preferably smooth, and matter bevelers.

It would be helpful to have a thin bladed swivel knife, smooth pear shaders, Xactoknife, and scalpels #11. You will also need a multi blade hair knife. In this class I will also be showing the use of Propetals, Prolifters, whatever you want to call them. I will be using Ed Labarres lifters, or GrayGhost Graphics set.

For your benefit, it is always helpful to bring a hairdryer and extension cord, 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.