Basic Saddle Repair Part 1 (Western Saddles)

Description

Bob Klenda

Whitney Center for the Arts – WCA 110

Thursday 05/16 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

All skill levels welcome!

Workshop Description: The focus of this workshop is to provide a solid foundation for anyone already repairing saddles and tack or contemplating doing it. Subject matter consists of the basics of business, understanding what leather to use for what, hide composition and the expected yield from a hide, how to price leather, related materials and labor. Also covered: how to cut leather, suitable tools, necessary tools, workspace, workbenches, machines needed along with tailoring your business to match your location and abilities. If time permits Bob will focus on recreating worn and lost parts and matching new to old leather.

Materials to bring: Notebook, pencils, camera, and questions; you’re welcome to bring samples of things you have questions about (even saddles).

Workshop Instructor: Bob Klenda has been carving leather since 1959 and making saddles since 1962. As past president of the CSMA, he is accustomed to teaching saddle making and leather carving. He authors the column, From My Bench to Yours. Bob is primarily self-taught and is eager to share his knowledge with others. He is a recipient of the Howard Munsell Award for promotion of the art of saddle making, is the 2010 recipient of the Al Stohlman Award for Achievement in Leathercraft, and was recognized by the Academy of Western Artists as the 2016 Saddlemaker of the Year.

Workshop Sponsors: Hermann Oak Leather Co., The Fiebing Co., Leather Machine Co., LLC, Renia USA, Ron’s Tool Co., Tandy Leather, and Klenda Custom Saddles.

CANCELATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Thursday, May 9, 2024.