Shop Talk! April 2022

Excitement runs through me as I sit down to write this today. As some of you know, each year we dedicate an entire issue to women in the leather industry. In the fields of traditional arts that are predominantly filled with men, it is truly an honor to celebrate the determination, talent and craftsmanship of a few female artisans. But before I share some insight about the incredible ladies featured in this year’s issue, I’d like to take a few lines to introduce you to one of the most inspiring women I know in the industry. Her name is Danna and she just happens to be the mother of my husband. At the young age of 28, Danna’s father passed away quite suddenly after a terminal cancer diagnosis. She and…

LYNN ASCRIZZI Lynn Ascrizzi is a freelance writer, artist, poet and home gardener who lives in a home that she and her husband, Joe, built in the woods in Freedom, Maine. In the past four years, she has written extensively for Shop Talk!. Early on, she taught art and English in public schools and was senior editor, illustrator and art director for Farmstead, a national magazine for small farming and home gardening. Later, she was lifestyle editor, feature writer and syndicated columnist for Central Maine Newspapers. Her poems have been published in several journals and in two anthologies by Down East Books: “Take Heart: Poems From Maine,” (2013) and “Take Heart: More Poems From Maine,” (2016). LIISA ANDREASSEN Liisa Andreassen is the president of Write Away, Inc. (www.writeawayinc.com). She works with custom content…

When you’re searching for a material that looks great while offering weather resistance, waxed canvas is an excellent choice. This age-old material was popular in the early- to mid-1900s and has recently experienced a resurgence with craftspeople who value the properties of this natural, eco-friendly material. Its water-repellent nature, durability, and beautiful patina make this 10 oz. waxed canvas a perfect option for backpacks, work aprons, jackets, vests, dog gear, saddle bags, tote bags, book bags and all sorts of outdoor gear and packs. Visit shop.weaverleather.com or call 800-932-8371 to place your order.…

After having written nearly one and a half years’ worth of content here at the Magnus Marketing Minute, I still have to say that my favorite issue of ShopTalk! Magazine is the one from April 2020. Amongst the strong, powerful and independent women in leathercraft featured, my daughter (then seven) was recognized in an article by Jim Linnell for the small, yet notable strides she’s made with selling her leatherwork to raise money for charity. Since then, I look forward to the annual publication dedicated to women in our craft each year. We do have the opportunity to hear stories from female business owners and artisans in the 11 other issues each year, but there’s power in the representation that comes with focused attention on a segment of leatherworkers that are…

Cabot tannery closes The French tannery Cabot di Fougères closes definitively after more than a century of activity. On Thursday 24 February, all movable property owned by the company went to auction. As reported by magazine.interencheres.com, on Thursday 24 February, the auction house SCP Gauducheau Jezequel sold 367 lots owned by the company. These included large stocks of processed calf and kid leather lying in the company’s warehouses in Fougères. There are also typewriters, computers, measuring instruments, furniture, and desks. The Cabot tannery began its history in the early 1900s. After rapid growth as a producer of suede calfskin, kids, and goats, Cabot expanded to the rest of the world and was among the leading exporters of leather in China. Its leathers were also used by big brands, such as Hermès. LHCA…

Hand dyeing leather goods gives makers several advantages, especially in the beginning stages of learning the leather trade. It allows us to create custom looks for customers, as well as avoid having to purchase multiple hides in a variety of colors. Investing in dyes and finishing supplies can be more affordable than carrying many different leathers. However, the variety of dyeable leathers and the mediums themselves have increased exponentially in the leather marketplace in recent years. Choosing which leather products to invest your time and money in can be daunting. Up until a few years ago, veg tanned leathers from craft stores or distributors were all that were readily available for crafters. Veg tanned leather is known for its patina aging and its ability to be tooled and dyed. It is…