National Leatherwork Day is annually observed on August 15. This day was created to recognise the art of leatherworking and the skill it requires. Leather, which has been around since the stone period, is one of the most versatile materials ever created. This day was created by Tandy Leather to recognise and honour the creative talent of leathercrafting.
The background of National Leathercraft Day
We nearly cannot survive a day without leather. It’s in the shoes we wear, the upholstery of our sofas and automobile seats and even the belts that hold up our trousers. Leather is one of the most versatile materials created by humans, and leatherworking is one of the most valuable talents in human history.
Leather is created from the skin and hides of various animals and is used to make a variety of products, including apparel, footwear, furniture, and tools or equipment. It has existed for as long as humans have needed to hunt for sustenance or kill for protection, but leather-making techniques such as hide working, tanning, and crusting date back at least 400,000 years.
The earliest leather tanning tools and footwear date back to the Stone Age, when humans protected themselves from the elements with animal hides. In the Bronze Age, it became a viable material for manufacturing tools, weapons, and shields, and by the Iron Age, it gained an advantage as a material for armbands and other jewellery.
By the Middle Ages, leather was being used for clothing, saddles, books, boxes, and other arts & craft equipment. Ancient Greeks and Romans were trend-setters because they discovered a way to use leather not only as a protective material, but also as an aesthetic one with the creation of sandals and bags.
Tandy Leather is one of the leading wholesale and retail distributors of leather and leatherwork products in the United States, with over one hundred stores worldwide. National Leathercraft Day was created in 2018 by Tandy Leather, which is now owned by The Leather Factory, to recognise the discipline of leathercrafting.
DAY OF NATIONAL LEATHERCRAFT ACTIVITIES
Utilise leather
Today’s trend is leather! There is no greater way to commemorate such a day than by putting it into practise, and the best way to do so is by donning leather. Whether it’s a piece of clothing, a hat, a piece of jewellery, or a pair of shoes, incorporate at least one leather object into your outfit of the day.
Acquire a leather product.
Patronise your neighbourhood leatherworker by acquiring a new leather item. Purchase home furnishings, clothing, or anything else that catches your attention to celebrate National Leathercraft Day. This not only demonstrates your appreciation for the craft, but it also helps a leathercrafter smile.
Enrol in leatherworking workshops
Participating in leatherwork is an additional excellent method to appreciate the craft. Similar to pottery or painting, some arts and crafts establishments offer leatherworking. Find the one closest to you and enrol to begin studying leatherworking.
5 fascinating facts about leather
Contrary to conventional belief, leather is a renewable natural resource that does not require the use of synthetic substances.
To prevent splitting, only the highest quality hides can be dyed white, and white leather is the most difficult and expensive to produce.
On average, each individual wears at least four leather products per day.
Leather’s pores make it simple for its texture to adapt to its environment.
Salmon leather is a phenomenon in Iceland and Norway, where it is very popular.
NATIONAL LEATHERCRAFT DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | August 15 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | August 15 | Thursday |
| 2025 | August 15 | Friday |
| 2026 | August 15 | Saturday |
| 2027 | August 15 | Sunday |
