Valerie Michael--a founding member of the Association of Design Leatherworkers--has created the definitive guide to this popular and age-old craft. Oriented to the beginner, it thoroughly presents all the materials, tools, and key techniques in easy-to-follow photographs: finishing edges, paring and hand-stitching, making pockets, attaching studs and straps, and decorating surfaces. The well-chosen projects take into account developing skills, and range from belt and wallets to quilted items and bags. An invaluable reference work. .,."Instructions are concise enough to offer craft enthusiasts of differing skill levels a range of projects to undertake."--"Booklist." "Excellent and easy-to-understand introduction to classic leatherworking."--"Library Journal."

Elizabeth Kelley is an American who has lived in Germany for much of her life and remained even after Hitler's takeover. She is captured by the Gestapo for hiding her best friend, Zarah, who she believes is a Jew, and is sent to a concentration camp for her so-called crime. Derek von Vetter is the half-English, half-German nobleman and career German Army officer, who has been assigned as Kommandant as punishment by his superiors when they discover he had falsified identity papers for his grandmother's secretary and friend, Miriam, who is a Jew. If he did not accept the so-called commission, then he, Sabrina and Miriam would be incarcerated at the camp, Once there, he along with his friends in the Resistance smuggle in supplies for the benefit of the prisoners and in helping several of them to escape. If his superiors discovered these new changes, he could be killed. Could Elizabeth and the other captives trust him and his changes? Were they genuine or merely for show? Would she be able to resist falling in love with him or would her heart make the decision for her?

Standing Naked in Rose Petals tells an amazing tale of discovery, identity, and commitment to one's true purpose. The most enchanting, magical, and rewarding life of all is using our own stories to become more human.