This is my early Xmas gift to myself - a C.L. Whiting handbag! Now, normally MY handbags come from thrift stores and discount department stores, but when I saw the incredible work on these (called Leaf Leather), I had to own one!
Here's a little background on the artist.....
New York and Italy both play a part in the talent behind C.L Whiting, a person people nationwide respect as a Master Leathercrafter.
Many familiar with the art of leathercrafting say what C.L Whiting does "is impossible to do!"
But, when people realize this artist is not only accomplished in all forms of artwork, from watercolor to oils; as well as pastels, it makes more sense. And when it is understood that the work C.L. produces on leather is a combination of countless years of perfecting these forms of art, Leaf Leather's achievement becomes more understandable.
Leaf Leather's story began in upstate New York more than 20 years ago. This is where C.L. Whiting developed a love for nature and a passion for detail. While working part-time at a small leather shop and studying art at a New York university, the opportunity arose for C.L. Whiting to become an apprentice under an Italian engraver who was retiring and desired to pass along his technique for making fine detailed tools to someone who would appreciated it.
After years of study and countless hours of time, C.L. began to create a one of kind, unique process that no one in the world could imagine possible. By combining the artistic art forms learned in school, along with those specialized engraving skills gained through this apprenticeship, she discovered the ability to produce tools in the shape of leaves with uncanny microscopic detail.
C.L. withdrew from the university and began a decades-long development of more than 5,000 tools in different leaf patterns. Only after these tools were honed to her satisfaction did she realize the uniqueness of her new art form, and only then did the products you now see begin to be produced.
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