alfredleatherworks

I am a military veteran who spent seven years in the US Air Force as an intelligence analyst.  After leaving the USAF I used my GI Bill benefits to earn a Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing from Texas A&M University - San Antonio.

I began my leather working journey in my father's taxidermy shop where I learned about the process of tanning, and how to make things out of leathers like buckskin for the creation of wallets, pouches, bags, etc. I also learned how to do taxidermy, though I was less interested in that art. I spent about five years learning from him in his shop before he quit the business. Once I had enlisted I found a mentor in a retired USAF Master Sergeant who had taken up leatherwork years before and was running a custom saddle and saddle repair shop. He taught me about stamping, carving, and tooling, as well as how to make and repair saddles and equestrian tack. I was able to learn from him for about two years before being repeatedly sent overseas. After leaving the USAF I found another leathercrafting mentor who specializes in leather garments and quilting. I spent about three years studying the art and craft of making patterns, machine sewing, and how the proper assembly of clothing and quilts works. I am currently learning from a local leather worker who specializes in leather carving to improve my skills there, and I am constantly reading, watching videos, and practicing to hone my skills in this craft.