Hello From North Carolina

[DDJLeather]

I started working as a leather craftsman in the town of Tullahoma, TN, in 1973, along with my wife.

First, it was a hobby, then grew into a business with the establishment of our first store, Highland Handicrafts, followed by Leather 'n' Things, for which we were recognized by the Tennessee Arts Commission. During those years we became members of the Tennessee Artist's and Craftsmen's Association, and the Northeast Alabama Craftsmen's Association. We showed and sold our work at several art and craft shows and other festivals. We received several awards for our work, travelled throughout the Southeast U.S., met lots of talented new friends from all over the United States and Canada, and sold our work to people from over 20 countries. We both grew somewhat homesick, having left our Kansas City home in 1969, so we decided to return to home and family, sell our small retail shop, and start another more focused business.

In 1977, I established "The Great Plains Leather Company" in Kansas City, wholesaling handmade belts and bags to stores, mainly in Tennessee and Florida.

In 1978, I converted my leather working back to a hobby, and went to work in computing for the next 29 years, almost entirely with John Deere.

I finally return full time to my leatherwork in 2010, 3 years after retiring. I still love designing and creating new, useful, functional, and beautiful things, and seeing people enjoy them.

I opened a shop on Etsy in December 2010, www.ddjleather.etsy.com, and am working on my own new site, DDJLeather, where I'll be able to handle more items, and communicate better with the whole world of artisans and customers.

I've joined Leatherworker.net to catch up on changes in and to the leather world during my absence. I also like to share some of my old and new ideas, and to keep expanding my skills and friendships around the world.

Edited January 16, 2012 by DDJLeather

[King's X]

Welcome to the forum! I am also a hobbyist and have had many opportunities to go into business, but that is not my focus. I have learned so much on LW. Let's hope you can share some of your experiences.

[aaniishna]

Welcome! I am new here too. I also have/had an Etsy shop (LaECLECTICa) where I sold vintage and and antique jewelry as well as my artwork and bead/leather work. I am now working on my own website that will focus solely on my art and leather work. The best of luck to you.