Alex Report post Posted August 25, 2006 Hi, my name is Alex. I live in New Jersey w/ my wife and two boys. I was searching online and came across this group which looks like a great place. I've been doing leathercraft for two years. I wish I had more direction with learning new techniques. You can only learn so much from a book. I'm wondering if there are any groups/meetings/organizations in New Jersey. (Or even in the surrounding area.) I also read about the show coming up in Pittsburg on Oct. 13. Does anyone know if you have to be a member of one of the guilds to attend workshops? Or any good advice for the show would be appreciated, such as how many vendors, attendance size etc... I'm here in New Jersey and I know no one who does leathercrafting, and I just think that it sounds like a lot of fun being surrounded by other leather enthusiasts exchanging ideas and information. Thanks, Alex Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dan Hammons Report post Posted August 25, 2006 Hi Alex, This is a good place and we are glad you stayed. There are no guilds here in Utah eiathr but there is an internet leather guild that alot of us here belong to with lots of help and information. I think you would enjoy it if you are wanting to learn. The fee is only $10 a year and you will save 10 times that by not making mistakes. Alot of helpful people there as well as here Dan iilg.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johanna Report post Posted August 25, 2006 It's www.iilg.org (International Internet Leathercrafters' Guild) and they are the co-hosts for this year's IFoLG (International Federation of Leather Guilds) show. However, their main discussions are on (shudder) Yahoogroups. You can also find out more about the show at www.pittpounders.org who are the Pittsburgh co-hosts of the show. You don't have to be a member of a guild to attend, only to enter your work into the competition. If you go to the show you will be amazed and awed at the diversity of the craft, and the fellowship of the regulars. There are plenty of vendors, displays, and "shop talk" every year. If you want to get into a teaching workshop, better hurry up and register, though- the classes fill up fast and deadlines are approaching. Glad you found us, hope you enjoy the forum. Johanna Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pepin1948 Report post Posted August 25, 2006 I'm originally from Hunterdon County NJ, now living in Berks County, PA. Where are you at? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alex Report post Posted August 25, 2006 East Windsor, New Jersey in Mercer County. It's central NJ. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pepin1948 Report post Posted August 27, 2006 I'm thinking you're not really close to any leather supply stores, either, huh? Harrisburg is the closest for me, having just moved back here from DE (where I shopped at the Baltimore, MD, area store). I volunteer with 4H up in Bath, PA, but that's not even remotely close to you. Are you planning to go to the IFOLG show folks have been mentioning? It's near Pittsburgh, PA, and is really worth the trip. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alex Report post Posted August 27, 2006 No, I'm not close to any stores either. I've made the trip to Baltimore a few times, but mostly I just call in my order by phone. Yeah, I'm going to go to the show in October. I'm looking forward to it. I'm in the process of calling now to see if there is still availability in the workshops. Alex Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pepin1948 Report post Posted August 28, 2006 I'm going Saturday, hope to see you there. I'll have my toddler, Ethan, with me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Seasoned Warrior Report post Posted September 15, 2006 Hi, my name is Alex. I live in New Jersey w/ my wife and two boys. I was searching online and came across this group which looks like a great place. I've been doing leathercraft for two years. I wish I had more direction with learning new techniques. You can only learn so much from a book. I'm wondering if there are any groups/meetings/organizations in New Jersey. (Or even in the surrounding area.) I also read about the show coming up in Pittsburg on Oct. 13. Does anyone know if you have to be a member of one of the guilds to attend workshops? Or any good advice for the show would be appreciated, such as how many vendors, attendance size etc... I'm here in New Jersey and I know no one who does leathercrafting, and I just think that it sounds like a lot of fun being surrounded by other leather enthusiasts exchanging ideas and information. Thanks, Alex Greetings Alex: Actually when I used to live in the area there are two areas near you that should have a lot of leather crafts people and activity. One is the town of New Hope between Trenton and Bethlehem. The village is a re-creation of life in the 17th and 18th Century in the area and they have lot of old-time craftsment in residence: leather crafters , blacksmiths etc. I am also sure taht they have classes. The other area would be the Pennsylvania dutch country. I remember that there was an excellent harness maker in Blue Ball. Also the area around the Main Line in Philoadelphia should have some excellent leather makers becasue of all the equestrian activity. Smucker's Harness is one that comes to mind immediately: they are in Narvon that is in the area by New Hope just off the 23 and Horshoe Pike. Smuckers has leather and tools. Good luck to you Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimmy McLaughlin Report post Posted March 2, 2017 Hi Alex, I just learned that Tandy has moved to Lyndhurst NJ. It is the same person who ran the Allen Town store in PA. Her name is Kelly, very nice person. She told me that they will have classes, check the Tandy site. Jim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerseyFirefighter Report post Posted March 2, 2017 4 minutes ago, Jimmy McLaughlin said: Hi Alex, I just learned that Tandy has moved to Lyndhurst NJ. It is the same person who ran the Allen Town store in PA. Her name is Kelly, very nice person. She told me that they will have classes, check the Tandy site. Jim 11 year old thread. Got to admire dusting off some of the archives. :D Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimmy McLaughlin Report post Posted March 2, 2017 Well, they just opened, couldn't post it before they opened, could I? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerseyFirefighter Report post Posted March 3, 2017 5 hours ago, Jimmy McLaughlin said: Well, they just opened, couldn't post it before they opened, could I? You're right lol. Next time im up that way I have to stop by. Never been to a Tandy store before. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimmy McLaughlin Report post Posted March 22, 2017 I went to the one in Allen Town PA, the same women is the manager of the Lyndhurst NJ store. Her name is Kelly, very helpful . I am looking to go to a few classes. Jim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billybopp Report post Posted March 22, 2017 On 3/2/2017 at 10:11 PM, JerseyFirefighter said: You're right lol. Next time im up that way I have to stop by. Never been to a Tandy store before. I've never actually been in a Tandy store either, but have dealt with Kelly by phone when she was in Allentown. Maybe one o' these days we can arrange for us SEPA/NJ folks to meet up there. It'd be pretty cool to meet up and shoot the breeze sometime! Bill Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimmy McLaughlin Report post Posted March 22, 2017 I live in Edison, not far from Lyndhurst. When they have a class that we are interested in, I will go. Jim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
