Karl Muse from Peru
is the artisan in the spotlight this week
'My father taught me the basics about working with leather. I learned more through my research on Internet and books. My friend Delcher helped me out a lot when I first started. I really appreciate all that he taught me, for there are many techniques that are not written in books that master tanners zealously keep them to themselves. I only use vegetable tanning, which uses natural plants and tree bark to create the colors. If you think about it, a good quality leather belt will remain with you longer than any shirt, shoe or dress. Imagine the stories our belts could tell about us if they could only talk!'