Description
Bob Klenda
Whitney Center for the Arts – W 137
Saturday 05/17 1:00 pm – 5:00 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 instruction on how to accomplish the major saddle repairs and ways to go about doing the everyday things that help a leather worker do things efficiently and well. Included will be instruction of how to design replacement parts, how to match carving and stamping, definition of what is standard quality workmanship as compared to poor quality. Matching new to old leather and how to go about it, tips on operating heavy stitchers and sewing technique and successful operation of a power splitter and getting the most from a burnishing machine will round out this workshop. {Bob will be using COBRA Class 4, a COBRA Burnisher, and a COBRA Splitter; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by May 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}
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., and Klenda Custom Saddles.
CANCELLATION POLICY
• There is a $25 administration fee per cancellation.
• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.
• No refunds for workshops after Friday, May 9, 2025.