I started leatherwork in 1962 while serving in the Royal Australian Navy. My hobby at the time was braiding thin rope into belts and lanyards and making knot boards. I replaced the thin cord with leather thong and began braiding the lanyards and belts with kangaroo thong. I then went on to teach myself stamping leather belts and bags and eventually progressed to carving, and some 50 years later am still going strong. I had a Tandy Leathercraft store franchise for a couple of years and also worked the local weekend markets. My wife (of 50 years) is also a part time leatherworker and we both spent a short time as the Colony leatherworker in Old Sydney Town tourist park on the central coast of NSW. We had to dress in costume for the period 1788 to 1810.

During the period 1972 to 1988 I started entering my work in the Sydney Royal Easter Show and the Brisbane Agricultural Show and scored the following results - 8 Thirds, 9 Seconds, 11 Firsts (including 3 Standard of Excellence). I recently won First Prize Master Division in the 2011 International Internet LeatherCrafters' Guild tribute to the US Navy SEALs. This year my entry gained a second place. My leatherwork was put on hold a few years ago when I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. My Doctor has worked out a dosage of pills (8 per day) that keeps me from stabbing myself when using an awl. My gallery has been divided into two sections - one for pictures and one for general leatherwork. I appreciate constructive comments on my work, it is the only way to improve. I have recently setup my own website - myleatherwork.com to display examples of my leatherwork. In most of the categories I have included a "make it yourself" section. Enjoy my gallery.