QUESTION 3

Write notes on any three of the following decorative techniques:

• stamping;
• embroidery;
• appliqué;
• dyeing.

A good number of candidates attempted this question and scored relatively high marks.  Most of the candidates provided answers to the question but were not able to write extensively on some of the decorative techniques. Candidates were expected to answer thus:

• Stamping:

-           This is the use of stamps to print patterns on leather surface.
-           It is a technique of decorating leather involving the use of shaped   implements like stamps.
-           Stamps help to create imprints on leather surfaces.
-           Stamps are made with the use of mallet to effect prints on leather.
-           Commercial stamps are available in various design e.g. geometric shapes,    forms of animals, flowers, e.t.c.
-           Stamping is mostly performed on vegetable tanned leather that is already   dampened with water.
-           Water makes leather softer; hence compression of stamp to produce            designs becomes simple.
-           A design stamped on wet leather becomes permanent as it dries.
-           To make impression created with a stamp to last, leather is conditioned       with oil and fat.
-           Stamping can be effected before or after dyeing.
                                                           

(b)        Embroidery:

-           This is the technique of sewing patterns onto leather.
-           It is created with stitches.
-           It involves the use of needle and thread for light leathers, while awls and               thread are preferred for heavy leathers.
-           It is a perfect way of effecting permanent decoration on leather.
-           It is a way of making bold outlines that are well stitched on leather.
-           Patterns can be in geometrical shapes or forms of animals, plant etc.

(c)        Appliqué:

                        -           It is an ornamental work made with materials stuck on the surface of
            leather with the use of glue or stitches.
-           It involves fixing a piece or pieces of materials on top of another on the      surface of leather to achieve a desired decorative effect.
-           Soft and thin leather is best suitable for this type of decoration.
-           Tools used include punches, scissors, needles etc .
-           Machine is used to sew patterns of larger size on hides, pre-punched stitch holes is required for easy stitching.

•       This is done pasting, stitching, sewing different materials onto a leather      background to create a design.

(d)       Dyeing:
                        -           It is the process of imparting colour onto the leather surface.-          
-           It involves the use of alcohol based dyes.
-           Alcohol helps dyes to get absorbed into the moistened leather                                 quickly.
-           Stains can as well be applied to add patterns leaving parts                                        unstained to provide beautiful contrast.
-           Alcohol based dyes are more effective than water based dyes.
            -           Wax paste often serves as final coat.