I notice that none of the Smithing Perks mention Leather or Hide armor. I'm guessing this means that anyone can make them, no Perk required. But what about upgrading them? All the other armors get awesome "upgrade twice as much" Perks. What if I like Leather? I'm sad.

I think Hide gets some upgrades I dont know if leather armour gets the upgrade...

Well if leather does get left out of smithing, it can still be enchanted. Not a great answer, but at least there is that alternative.

I think I remember reading in some previews stuff about leather and hide armors, that you work with animal pelts and that and can even make stuff to upgrade your weapons like leather grips and stuff.

At least thats what I remember, will have to look for where I read it.

I'm certain it can be done, in the making of skyrim video you can see the player working on a piece of leather strung up.

you can make it iv seen it in some streams along with things like hide, imperial, studded. it doesnt require any perk.

I second for confirmation. You have to make various components from hides and such, then combine them to make the armor. Can be upgraded as well.

Do you get to make visual decisions as well? Kinda like I heard that when someone crafted some iron armor they had options for shoulder and stuff.

Yeah, it seems pretty interesting. I saw that you could craft nordic/imperial steel bracers, with the same stats, just different appearances.

It seems to me that appearance changes as you upgrade armor, not when you craft it. Haven't seen enough to be sure though.

haha i just made a thread on this, i could list some things iv seen there if you wish?