Leather
craft supplies include the material itself as well as the tools utilized
to work it. Leather has historically been created by the tanning of
animal hides. Today, many people are opposed to animal leather. For
this reason, various types of synthetic or artificial leathers have
been created.
Different leather craft supplies are used within different leather
crafting techniques. Some of these techniques are used to alter the
color of the material. Leather dyeing and leather painting are examples
of these. The former makes use of either oil- or water-based dyes which
are absorbed into the hide. Painting, on the other hand, applies color
purely to the surface of leather.
Other leather craft supplies may focus more on affecting the three-dimensional
shape of leather. Tools such as swivel knives, bevellers, and seeders
are used for leather carving. Leather stamping, on the other hand, makes
use of stamps and mallets for creating imprints.