Shading with a Thumbprint – Joe Meling

Description

Joe Meling

Tis Annex Art Education Building, 235 N Marina St, Prescott, AZ 86301 – Tis Annex Room 104

Tuesday 02/23 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

All skill levels welcome!

Workshop Description: Good shading should add depth, shape, and movement to your tooling without leaving behind distracting tool marks. In this class, we’ll focus on using a thumbprint to create smooth, natural-looking shading and cleaner transitions throughout your work. We’ll cover where to shade, how much pressure to use, how to blend your impressions, and why the areas you leave unshaded are just as important as the areas you tool. The goal is to create dimension and form—not simply mash the leather down. This class is great for beginners learning proper shading techniques as well as experienced leatherworkers who want to refine their tooling and create a more polished, professional look.

Materials to bring: Tooling stone, mallet, water spray bottle or sponge and dish, notebook, pen/pencil, thumbprint(s), and headlamp if desired. For thumbprints, bring what you have. I will have some you can try if needed. I prefer vertical lined but any will work. My “go-to” is a Barry King #2 vertical lined thumbprint.

Workshop Instructor: Joe owns and operates 23+ in Pendleton, OR. He has been tooling leather since 2005. Through his YouTube channel, online courses, and in person classes, Joe specializes in helping beginning leather toolers. The ah-ha moments that students have, continues to fuel his drive to simplify the learning process.

Workshop Sponsors: Hermann Oak Leather Co.

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Wednesday, December 30, 2026.