Hand tooling of leather involves first scribing a design on wet leather with a stylus. While the leather is still damp, the design is then carved into the leather with a sharp knife. Then a series of small tools are used to punch down, lift up and otherwise “sculpt” the design to give it a 3-D effect. Once the leather is dry, dyes are applied to bring a life-like appearance to the design. A leather varnish is then applied to protect the work.

About the Artist

Hava Hegenbarth’s name may be familiar, as her work graces some of The Seeing Eye’s lovely drawn note cards. Hava began drawing animals while stationed abroad with the U.S. Foreign Service. Her first assignment was in Australia, and later she was stationed in Rwanda and Tanzania. Since retiring from the Foreign Service, Hava devotes her time to her art and raising guide dogs. In addition to drawing and painting, she is also skilled in leatherwork and has donated many lovely pieces to The Seeing Eye.