The borders of open-work leather can be ornamented
by a sort of plaiting formed by lacing thin strips of soft leather through holes made with a punch.
A very effective decoration for furniture can be made with open-work leather over a panel of wood, or a metal background.
CHAPTER III
LEATHER MOSAIC
Until recently it seemed as if this pleasing art would have to remain the monopoly of a limited number of professional craftsmen working with numerous tools, and reckoning a ten years’ apprenticeship necessary to the attainment of proficiency in their craft. But although there is small likelihood of amateurs entering the domain of the followers and emulators of artists such as John Reynes, Florimond Badier, Monnier, Padeloup and Jubert, Mons. Eugène Aumaître has invented a simpler process of leather mosaic, for which fewer tools are required and which is within the reach of artist and amateur alike. The following pages contain the result of the study of his method, with the addition of some observations based on the practical experience of the author.
LEATHER FOR GROUNDWORK
Any skin may be used for the groundwork of leather mosaic, but morocco, and especially the kind called Cape morocco, is generally preferred, because of the grained surface which shows up the inlaid decoration to the best advantage.