Boston Leather Guild

Monthly Meeting

Date:
Monday, October 12, 2026
Time:
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Eastern
Location:
Online Only via Zoom

There is no in-person meeting this month. Join us by Zoom using the button below.

Join the Meeting on Zoom
October 2026 Agenda Items

THOL Fine Leather Bag Contest: Online Meeting

Two-Hour Meeting Agenda

All times are Eastern. We will meet online only, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.

6:30–6:40 PM: Welcome and Zoom Check. Settle in, check sound and screen sharing, and review the evening’s plan.

6:40–6:50 PM: Contest Overview. Review the Pattern and Original categories, judging criteria, and how Guild voting will work.

6:50–7:40 PM: Maker Presentations. Entrants introduce their bags, photographs, materials, design decisions, and construction. The facilitator will divide this 50-minute block among the entrants and keep each presentation on time.

7:40–7:50 PM: Questions and Close-Up Review. Ask follow-up questions and revisit details in the submitted photographs before voting.

7:50–8:10 PM: Guild Member Voting. Review the entries and cast votes in the Pattern and Original categories.

8:10–8:25 PM: Guild Results and Discussion. Share Guild voting results when available, discuss the work, and give any available THOL judging updates. If results are still being finalized, explain how they will be shared afterward.

8:25–8:30 PM: Wrap-Up. Confirm prize-distribution next steps and any follow-up announcements, thank the makers, and close at 8:30 PM.

Present Your Bag

Our October meeting features the THOL Fine Leather Bag Contest, with time for entrants to present their work and for the Guild to vote. Join us online on Monday, October 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM Eastern. There will be no in-person meeting at the West Branch Library in Somerville.

Create a new bag specifically for this contest, either from a pattern or from your own original design. Bags should be at least one half leather by visible material or construction. Any bag style and construction method are welcome. Be ready to briefly explain your design choices, materials, construction, and intended use. Give it your best effort, but do not let perfection keep it on the bench.

Submit Your Entry by 6:00 PM

Submit your project through the website by Monday, October 12, at 6:00 PM Eastern, before the meeting begins. Include one to seven photographs and choose Pattern or Original as your entry category. For a pattern entry, identify the pattern source.

Submit Your Bag. Read the Full Contest Details and Rules.

Judging and Prizes

THOL Fine Leather judging and Guild Member Voting are separate voting tracks. Each awards first and second place in both the Original and Pattern categories, for eight prizes in total. The same bag may receive recognition in both tracks.

During the online meeting, entrants will present their bags, and Guild members will consider the submitted photographs and presentations when voting. Craftsmanship, materials, design and function, creativity, originality, fit and finish, and overall impression all matter.

THOL’s prize packages include leather hides and shoulders, straps, and THOL Fine Leathers tees. See the Complete Prize List and Judging Criteria.

Featured Contest

THOL Fine Leather Bag Contest

The THOL Fine Leather Bag Contest is the Guild’s annual challenge focused on finely made bags, thoughtful design, and serious craftsmanship. Entries should show care in leather selection, construction, finishing, usability, and detail. This contest exists to give makers a reason to take on a bag project, try an idea, solve a few problems, and see it through. Bring your best work, but do not wait for the one bag that feels beyond criticism. A well-considered bag with a few lessons built into it is very much part of the spirit of the contest!

View Contest Details

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

First Time Joining Us?

Participation is free and open to all experience levels. This meeting is online only. Use the Zoom link above to join. Please RSVP (info@bostonleatherguild.com) if this will be your first meeting. Current members do not need to RSVP.

Future Meeting Dates