The Indianapolis journal., 1899-10-15

The Finest and Most Delicate Shad-
ings Possible.

Southern Review OF Commerce.
Notwithstanding the numerous art processes
rnat already S engage the a,tention or
for place In the favor OF the public. The new
leather-etching process is one Of these. and II
tend with as II is so simple and inexpensive that
any one can take IL up and really artistic results
can be obtained. Doubtless 1t viii soon prove
valuable in the decoration OF all kinds OF leather
goods. which are admirably adapted for the pur-
pose so long as they preserve the natural color
OF the leather but not IL they are black or dark
coIored
In appearance etched leather work resembles
somewhat burnt drawing; and whoever knows
the Infinite trouble and care necessary in burning
design on leather. en- account Of the softness OF
the material. even In the hands of an experienced
person. will give unhesitatng preference to the
etching process. for decorating large or small ar
ticles. from napkin ring to a chair seat.
The design appears in distinct dark-reddish
color. which can be varied In shade from the
ightest TO the darkest tone. so that designs IN
imitation Of mono-tint paintings and landscapes
can be produced with all their fine shadngs Just
well the coarser sketches and ornamental
figures. Outline work be done very effec-
lively. simply etching the contours and general
details and filling in the fiat spaces with diagonal
lines. dots. etc.-in short the oppor-
tunity for variety in leather-etching is practically
unlimited and opens to persons with artistic
talent a new and attractive field for exercising
their individual abilities.
All the instructions fo- burnt drawings are
equally applicable To leather etching. and no spe-
cial directions required for a. In the leather
etching work the finest and most delicate shad-
with the burning tool in burnt drawing; and by
uniting line work with fiat cooring a highly
unique and agreeable effect can be produced. al
though based on single tone color In ar
tistic hands there Is no limit 10 the application
OF this etching IN all places where leather Is
used In its natural color. and TO produce master
pieces the master hand only Is required.
The materials needed few and simple. The
chief article ts concentrated chemically pure
solution Of soda. This ny itself gives deep. dark
lines and fiat surfaces; and the water Is
added TO IL the lighter and more delicate is the
shade. Fer drawing the finer lines. zinc pens
with fine coarse points used: coarse lines
call for glass pen. For small nat spaces n
brush OF felt s used. while for larger surfaces
a small. fine sponge Is used Camel's hair pencils
cannot be used as the alkali quickly destroy
them.
The mode OF procedure is quickly explained.
The principal lines. outlines. etc. first etched
with the glass pen or wide-pointed zinc pen: then
the shadings filled in with a fine zine pen;
lastly the fats painted in with the felt brush
II II Il desired TO have the ground toned" n
very thin solution is applied with a fine sponge.
and repeated until the required shadngs OBJ
tained; hut each coat must be thoroughly dried
before applying the next one. To avoid closlding
spotting the leather may be danpened with
clean water before applying the etching solution.
When the design IL completed and the work thor
oughy dried. very thin coat OF leather varntsh
should be applied. which will give the surface a
dull polish lshfs< ttiaf