Boston Leather Guild

Monthly Meeting

Date:
Monday, September 14, 2026
Time:
6:30 PM 8:30 PM
Location:
West Branch Library – Somerville40 College Ave. | near Davis Square
September 2026 Agenda Items

Leather Petting Zoo & Virtual Craftroom Tours

Tannages, Tanneries & Articles

What’s the difference between vegetable-tanned and chrome-tanned leather? What does “combination tanned” actually mean? Why does one piece of leather feel firm and structured while another is soft, oily, stretchy, waxy, or almost buttery? We’ll have a wide assortment of leathers on hand from well-known tanneries, representing different tannages, finishes, temper, weights, and articles. Think of it as a leather petting zoo: an opportunity to pick things up, bend them, smell them, examine the grain and flesh, compare them side by side, and get a much better sense of what all those descriptions on tannery and supplier websites actually mean.

Craftroom Tours

For our second activity, we’re turning the camera around and taking a look at where we all actually make things. Guild members are invited to submit photos of their workspaces: dedicated workshops, basement benches, spare bedrooms, kitchen tables, beautifully organized tool walls, hopelessly overcrowded drawers, clever storage solutions, and strange homemade fixtures.

It’s partly a workshop tour, partly an organization-and-storage idea exchange, and partly a celebration of the fact that there is absolutely no single “right” way for a leatherworker’s workspace to look. Come prepared to steal a few good ideas.

If you have questions about this meeting or would like to contribute a topic, please contact Jake at jake@bostonleatherguild.com.

First Time Joining Us?

Participation is free and open to all experience levels. Space is limited, so please RSVP (info@bostonleatherguild.com) if this will be your first meeting. Current members do not need to RSVP.

Future Meeting Dates
  • Monday, October 12, 2026

    Preview: THOL Fine Leathers Sponsored Bag Contest

  • Monday, November 9, 2026

    Preview: Buckleguy's "Make it Great with Hardware" Contest

  • Monday, December 14, 2026