Textiles Summer Session 1
May 29–June 3
Beth Dow
Traditional Hand-Sewn Leatherwork
This workshop will cover the foundational skills of hand-sewn leatherwork using the traditional, two-needle saddle stitch with natural vegetable-tanned cowhide. We’ll begin with small projects followed by large tote bags that can be customized with pockets and hardware. Techniques will include surface decoration, wet molding, hardware installation, pattern drafting, and leather treatment. This is a relaxing, machine-free way to construct objects of great beauty and integrity. No experience is necessary, but this workshop does require good hand dexterity and enough arm strength to pound hand tools with mallets. All levels. Upper textiles studio.
Studio artist; teaching: Metropolitan State University (Denver), University of Minnesota, North House Folk School (MN); multiple individual artist grants from Minnesota State Arts Board, two McKnight Foundation fellowships (MN); collections (visual art): Minneapolis Institute of Art, Museum of Contemporary Photography, Portland Art Museum (OR), Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University (CT).
