Book excerpt: Leather is a strong and versatile material, which is highly suitable for handicrafts. Anyone can learn the techniques of leatherworking, and with some basic tools and a little patience can produce articles that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Topics covered: Advice on selection of tools and different types of leather; Step-by-step instruction on the techniques of cutting, bevelling, burnishing, hand-stitching, carving, stamping and thronging; Tips on how to avoid common pitfalls; A range of interesting projects; Explanatory line-drawings and photographs throughout.