History in Leather - Abraham Lincoln's White House

[dlguyer17]

So I'm an excited wife...bear with me. My husband has begun a new venture over the past year. He found that he is able to take a piece of regular cowhide leather, custom dye it, and then hand etch (with a regular pocket knife or exacto kinfe) pictures into the leather. (He never uses stamps to create any of his work. Each stroke is hand etched out!) He has done many pictures over the last year, but today he finally finished one of his first pieces in a series that is heading more towards a Civil War and history path. I am sharing it here because I think it is exquisite and unique and I thought you all would enjoy seeing it.

It's 20 1/2" x 15 1/2". He used 3 different dyes in order to signify the dark shadows, the blood shed, and the challenges that Lincoln faced during his presidency. The etching also shows the Cassius M. Clay Battalion defending Abraham Lincoln's White House in April of 1861 at the beginning of the war. Hope you all enjoy it!

[BettyO]

Welcome, Lisa!

We're a friendly group and I'm sure you'll enjoy our posts --

OMG - That is a BEAUTIFUL image of Lincoln! Your husband made this out of leather?! Absolutely breathtaking!

Does he plan on selling these? Can he take commissions?! I see a market here - especially on this forum!

Thanks and welcome -

[dlguyer17]

Thanks for the welcome! I'm excited to look through here and find info for our homeschooling. My oldest son loves history!

Yes, it's all hand etched in leather! Crazy, I know! It's fascinating to watch him! He does sell these. I don't think he's listed this particular piece for sale yet but probably will later today. He can custom do just about any picture you give him. He astounds me how he can take any photo and exactly duplicate it into leather. His only two stipulations are that the pictures can't be copyrighted (lots of free pics on the library of congress) and that the picture has to be high enough resolution that he can zoom in to get all of the fine details.

If you wanted to see more you can go to his website http://baldmansmarkings.wordpress.com/

[BettyO]

That is fantastic, Lisa! So very glad that your son has taken an interest in history. We're very scholarly on this site and several of us ARE teachers or have been teachers. Also, a lot of authors hang out here as well. Just ask any history question -- we love to share!


Just went to your husband's site - and yes, I WILL have a commission for him!

Thanks!

[RJNorton]

Lisa, welcome to our forum! I just had eye (cataract) surgery and am using my wife's reading glasses to see the monitor, and things are still blurry, but I can see enough to say your husband's work is outstanding!

[Gene C]

Welcome Lisa. Wow! Derek is an amazing talent. Love the Christmas ornaments, the birds, all of it. Great website.

[Laurie Verge]

The detail in his work is absolutely amazing. Thanks for sharing your husband's talents with us.

[Craig Hipkins]

Wow! That is an amazing piece of work. These days it is hard to find things that are hand crafted and not mass produced.

Craig

[LincolnMan]

That is pure art-work. What an amazing thing!

[ReignetteC]

Lisa,
The etchings on your husband's website are fabulous. I love the etching of AL and his son Tad.

Welcome!
Reignette

[dlguyer17]

Thank you for all of your compliments!! I definitely agree with you all and see his work as being amazing! But I'm also a little biased from my perspective!!

[Matt Macoubrie]

This is unbelievable! I love artisan work, because it comes from the heart and hand of individuals such as your husband!!!! I love the Lincoln one, it is not only historically cool, but just cool in general. I think another cool one would be a D-Day one! Talk about epic!!! Thanks for joining the forum and good luck

[dlguyer17]

Thanks so much for your feedback! He just launched a new website: http://historyinleather.com/

He is currently working on a piece with Grant and Lee at Appomattox Court House.