Description
Jim Linnell
Waco Convention Center – Texas North 115
Thursday 08/07 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Intermediate
Workshop Description: Part history lesson, part leather carving workshop, this workshop examines the style, technique and influence of one of the greats of the craft. F.O. Baird is certainly one of the undisputed masters. His style has probably had more influence on floral carving evolution than any other master. His books and patterns command premium prices even to this day, and are eagerly sought after by professional craftsmen. Join Jim Linnell as he explores that style and the techniques of carving under the influence of F.O. Baird.
Materials to bring: Stamping surface, stylus, swivel knife, strop, mallet, pressurized water sprayer, and medium to small floral stamping tools, including bevelers, pear shaders, veiners, cams, seeder, mules foot, larger crowner, and background texture of choice.
Workshop Instructor: The Miles City Saddlery is what did it for Jim Linnell, who has now been “retired” for 8 years after a 40-year career with Tandy. Growing up on a Montana ranch in the 1950s, he made the 100-mile round trip to Miles City once a month with his family. “It was the sounds of the shop and the smell of the leather,” he says, that really stuck with him.
Recipient of the 2002 Al Stohlman Award and long recognized as one of leathercraft’s most talented and innovative artists, the “retired” Tandyite today is more active than ever, creating incredible new art and teaching workshops around the country, the world, online and at his Elktracks Studio in Venus, Texas, just south of the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.
Starting in Billings, Montana, becoming a manager, and moving to progressively more advanced positions in regional management, Jim was entrusted with nothing less than the rehabilitation and resurrection of the Tandy Leathercraft brand when he was brought on board as the Leather Factory’s Director of Operations in 2000. A handwritten note from a coworker at the top of an investment research group’s announcement joked of the move, “Jim – No pressure! Hah!” Working in the world of leathercraft has never been a job for Jim, it has been his passion. That, indeed, brings no pressure.
Workshop Sponsors: Hermann Oak Leather Co.
CANCELLATION 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 Monday, August 4, 2025.