Thank You! Personalised Leather Book Workshop

Many thanks to the people who attended the Personalised Leather Book Workshop last Saturday at Hornsey Vale Community Centre.  I was so proud of the creative books you made and the encouragement you gave to each other.  Well done!

I intend to run more leather workshops in the future so keep your eyes on this blog for more details.

   

Finished Bible Cover: Composed Simplicity

I have now completed the Bible cover I was asked to make using black cow hide leather and red thread.

When creating a Bible cover, sometimes it is as difficult to simplify the design as it is to make it quite intricate.  The lady who asked for this cover wanted something simple. The simplest 
technique would have been to use the natural beauty of leather, carefully positioning its irregularities to make a feature of them and adding nothing to the surface. 

However, I love manipulating the surface of leather and I employ different techniques to do so. The following link is from an leather accessories website that gives a very simple explanation of the differences in some leathers.

http://www.maxwellscottbags.com/italian-leather-blog/2011/08/differences-in-animal-leather/

Leather Workshop: 5 Days Left!

There are only a few days left until the Personalised Leather Book workshop.
Many thanks to the people who have reserved a place already. There are a few spaces left.  If you would like to attend, please let me know as it helps me to prepare the letters you need for your initials.

These are images from people who attended a similar workshop last November:

     

Recap:If you attend, you will be provided with a small plain paper journal (approximately 13cm x 9cm, 100 pages) which you will decorate with the initial of your name and take home.

You will use leather needles and running stitch (or a stitch of your choice) to secure your initial to your chosen leather.

Spaces are limited so please contact me to reserve a place at  meloleather@gmail.com
or  07951 553 856

When:   Saturday 3rd August 2013

Where:  Hornsey Vale Community Centre
               60 Mayfield Road
               London N8 9LP

Time:    11:00am - 2:00pm

Costs:  £30 per person             

Requirements:  This workshop is suitable for anyone who can sew using simple running stitch.  All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. 

Africa Inspires

For many years now, I have admired the many beautiful patterns in the African fabrics friends of mine wore on a daily basis.  

The colour and pattern you find in these beautiful textiles is one of the sources of inspiration for my leather work; wherever possible, I line my purses and cover my books with distinct African fabrics.  

This inspiration worked very well during Black History Month when I ran bookmaking workshops using African fabrics. It's also nice to see that others are using Africa as a source of inspiration too.  The July/August 2013 issue of Selvedge, a magazine which focuses on textiles, has a feature on African textiles and the history that forged some of them.  Take a look if you get the chance.

Art in Action 2013

Art in Action is an annual craft event that takes place in the beautiful setting of Oxfordshire countryside.  

I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to attend with a good crafting friend of mine.  It was a real priviledge to see so many talented artists, some of whom were demonstrating their skills on site.  This included weavers, glass blowers, bee keepers, silversmiths, blacksmiths, 
potters . . . 

Each art and craft discipline had its own dedicated tent. There was so much to see; we hardly scratched the surface!  

If you get the opportunity to attend this event, I would highly recommend it. 

Child counting the cartridges on this interesting deer.

Each art and craft discipline was housed in its own tent.  Many artists sold their work in the market place area.

Bible Gifts

I continue to work on the bespoke Bible cover I have been asked to create. I am at the stage where I am trying to understand the needs of the person who will be using the Bible, and which colours will best suit this person.
Below are some images of a christening Bible I covered earlier in the year.

3 Weeks: Personalised Leather Book Workshop

There are only 3 weeks left until the Personalised Leather Book workshop.

If you attend, you will be provided with a small plain paper journal (approximately 13cm x 9cm, 100 pages) which you will decorate with the initial of your name and take home.

You will use leather needles and running stitch (or a stitch of your choice) to secure your initial to your chosen leather.

Spaces are limited so please contact me to reserve a place at  meloleather@gmail.com
or  07951 553 856


When:   Saturday 3rd August 2013

Where:  Hornsey Vale Community Centre
               60 Mayfield Road
               London N8 9LP

Time:    11:00am - 2:00pm

Costs:  £30 per person             

Requirements:  This workshop is suitable for anyone who can sew using simple running stitch.  All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. 

Christmas in July?

Why is this post called 'Christmas in July?'  Well, this week, I played an old Christmas tape I found in my drawer as part of a school assembly and, even though we are in July, many people who make handmade items are already planning for Christmas!

My leather designs suited the beautiful items that are sold in Little Paris.  I especially liked the contrast of my red keyring tree against the steely grey containers on their back wall.  I can't wait for the next craft fair.

I met many wonderful and creative people, including Namvula.  She is a musician from Zambia who performed as I sat at my Little Paris' Barboot stall.  She will be performing in London this Summer.

Beautiful Bibles

I feel very fortunate to be working on another Bible at the moment.  To be given someone's well used and precious item is a real privilege.

After working on mending the pages and spine (text block) I'll be designing a suitable cover that suits the personality of the Bible's owner.

I'll keep you posted!

Personalised Leather Book Workshop

Have you ever wanted to personalise your own leather notebook?

I will be running a Personalised Leather Book workshop this summer.  Participants will be provided with a small plain paper journal (approximately 13cm x 9cm, 100 pages) which they will decorate with the initial of their name.

Participants will use leather needles and running stitch (or a stitch of their choice) to secure their initial to their chosen leather. 

Spaces are limited so please contact me to reserve a place at  meloleather@gmail.com
or 07951 553 856 When:   Saturday 3rd August 2013

Where:  Hornsey Vale Community Centre
               60 Mayfield Road
               London N8 9LP

Time:    11:00am - 2:00pm

Costs:  £30 per person

Requirements:  This workshop is suitable for anyone who can sew using simple running stitch.  All children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Creative Crafters

I had real fun selling my handcrafted leather designs at The Crouch End Festival. It was great to take part in this community event and to meet so many people who share my passion for colour and craft.  

Thank you to everyone who made the day special.

This is a blog in process =)

Ever wanted to do something crafty?

Coming soon details of up coming August 2013 leather Workshop with Melonie, the Designer Maker behind Melö Leather.

Welcome to Melö Leather

Melö Contemporary Handcrafted Leather Designs offers a diverse range of leather items that are not mass manufactured. These leather designs apply a fresh approach to traditional and contemporary stitching techniques, using bold colours, organic curves, shapes, patterns and the manipulation of the surface of leather.

Each item is handcrafted, created with great time and considerable patience. This is a reflection of the long and arduous process involved in the production of leather before it is worked by Melö. Leathers are chosen for their quality and texture.

Much passion, thought and consideration go into each item created by Melö Contemporary Handcrafted Leather Designs.