I began leather crafting in my father’s taxidermy shop when I was a child. By the time I was seven I was more than just running and grabbing things, I was learning the trade. By the time I was ten I knew how to skin, clean & prep, flesh, and tan a fur or hide, and the basics of what to do with the leather afterwards.

Fast-forward to when I was nineteen and I found myself in the military, in Texas, and befriending a saddler. I apprenticed under him in my free time for three years before shipping overseas. He taught me how to make saddles and tack, carve and tool leather, and many, many other things.

Jumping forward again, I found myself out of the military but still living in Texas. I spent the next three years studying under a master leather clothier and leather quilter. I learned to work with chrome-tanned leather and make garments like leather jackets and chaps, as well as how to make bags, other clothing accessories, and patchwork leather quilts.

I’ve continued learning since then. I still take classes, and learn everything I can about the leather trade. I also teach now, and I find I really enjoy this.