We love leathercrafting in all its forms, from time-honored traditions to wildly experimental builds. Over time, we’ve found ourselves returning to a few areas of shared passion. These aren’t official tracks or silos, just evolving zones of interest shaped by the work our members bring to the table. Don’t see your favorite technique or obsession here? Bring it to a monthly meeting. We learn by sharing, and the Guild grows through you.
We’re drawn to finely finished work: bags, wallets, shoes, and other leather goods that reflect careful design and elevated construction. Many members explore techniques like turned edges, clean hand-stitching, flawless finishing, and precision pattern-making. This is where craft meets control.
From Sheridan-style floral tooling to Mongolian saddlework, heritage techniques are always in the mix. While American leathercraft plays a big role, we also celebrate traditional methods from around the world, like Japanese hand-carved patterns inspired by natural forms. If your toolkit includes a swivel knife or set of stamping tools, you’re in good company.
This is where things get weird, in the best way. Members in this focus area explore new approaches to edge burnishing, hand-dyeing, hardware-free closures, alternative thread paths, and outside-the-box construction techniques. Some of these ideas end in triumph, others in total failure, but that’s the fun of it.
Not everything has to be stitched to perfection. This space is for creative, useful, or joyful projects: simple tools, wearables, gifts, and daily-use items that are fun to make and satisfying to finish. Great for newer makers and seasoned folks alike, these projects often turn into gateway builds, or just clever uses of leather scraps.
