Erik Griffith

Waco Convention Center – Ranger 108

Wednesday 08/05 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

All skill levels welcome!

Workshop Description: Let’s have a lively roundtable discussion on what to do with the not-so-pretty side of leather, the back side! Erik will also demonstrate a few techniques for toning and firming up the back side…of leather!

Materials to bring: Note taking materials, a good attitude, and the willingness to participate in an open forum-style discussion.

Workshop Instructor: Erik began leatherworking in 2014 as a hobby, quickly developing a deep passion for the craft. What started as a personal passion grew into a desire to share my knowledge with others. Today, he teaches hands-on classes through McNeese State University. These classes are focused on traditional techniques and practical skills. He enjoys helping students of all skill levels discover the joy of working with leather and seeing them leave with the knowledge, pride, and satisfaction of something they made themselves.

Workshop Sponsors:

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 Friday, July 24, 2026.

Waco Convention Center – Ranger 110

Saturday 08/08 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

All skill levels welcome!

Workshop Description: Tentacles might sound like a niche subject, but the techniques behind them are universal. In this workshop, Swift (Swifthammer Leather) breaks down how to tool realistic tentacles with convincing depth, texture, and motion — the same methods that made his viral artwork so popular online. Students will learn how the geometry of curves, suction cups, and flowing forms applies far beyond tentacles, giving them a toolkit they can adapt to countless other designs. Whether you’re new to pushing depth or looking to expand your visual vocabulary, this class will sharpen your technical skills, while opening the door to more creative, well-rounded artwork. Swift’s non-traditional teaching style makes the process approachable, fun, and surprisingly beginner-friendly, while still offering plenty of new tricks for more advanced leatherworkers.

Materials to bring: Mallet, swivel knife, strop, slab (one MIGHT be provided if you can’t bring one), spray bottle, whatever tooling bevelers and stamps you have (for reasons you’ll find out in class, we can make most things work), modeling spoons, paper and pencil, and ballpoint styluses or modeling tools (not required, but helpful).

Workshop Instructor: Brandon Corral, known as Swift on the internet, is an award-winning leather artist. Having dedicated the past third of his life to leathercraft, Brandon has found a focus on leather tooling and has made it a staple of his career. Having taught marketing for the past two years, his focus has now expanded to also include spreading the knowledge of the subtle art of detailed tooling.

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 Friday, July 24, 2026.

Waco Convention Center – Ranger 110

Friday 08/07 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

All skill levels welcome!

Workshop Description: Celtic knots are often the first designs new leatherworkers try — but most stop at the basics. In this class, Swift (Swifthammer Leather) takes those simple patterns and shows how to bring them to life with over 10 years of developed techniques. Students will learn how to add depth, texture, and character to their knotwork, transforming flat designs into pieces that feel dynamic and three-dimensional. From subtle background treatments to bold illusions of depth, Swift’s non-traditional approach makes the process fun and easy to follow, while giving you tools you can apply to any project. Whether you’ve tooled knots before or you’re tackling them for the first time, this class will help you move beyond “beginner basics” and develop a style that’s uniquely your own.

Materials to bring: Swivel knife, strop, mallet, slab, spray bottle, and any available bevelers, modeling spoons, backgrounding stamps, and ballpoint stylus you may have.

Workshop Instructor: Brandon Corral, known as Swift on the internet, is an award-winning leather artist. Having dedicated the past third of his life to leathercraft, Brandon has found a focus on leather tooling and has made it a staple of his career. Having taught marketing for the past two years, his focus has now expanded to also include spreading the knowledge of the subtle art of detailed tooling.

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 Friday, July 24, 2026.

Waco Convention Center – Texas South 118

Tuesday 08/04 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Beginner to Intermediate

Workshop Description: Leave this class with a fully tooled rifle sling that will last generations. We will work on refining basic tooling skills to add depth and flow to your work. In addition to tooling, there are some basic construction skills to go over. Punching holes, setting rivets, and slicking edges. The best part about this project is that you can make more of them at home without any machines!

Materials to bring: Tooling stone, mallet/maul, stylus, swivel knife, spray bottle or sponge & water dish, tools for carving (checkered bevelers, vertical lined thumbprint, veiner, mules foot, flower center, backgrounder), and note taking materials. (Also bring a headlamp if desired.) If you don’t have the exact tools, that’s ok. I’d rather teach you to tool with what you have than you thinking you have to buy a bunch of stuff just for this class.

Workshop Instructor: Joe owns and operates 23+ in Pendleton, OR. He has been tooling leather since 2005. Through his YouTube channel, online courses, and in person classes, Joe specializes in helping beginning leather toolers. The ah-ha moments that students have, continues to fuel his drive to simplify the learning process.

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 Friday, July 24, 2026.

Jim Linnell

Waco Convention Center – Texas South 116

Thursday 08/06 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Advanced

Workshop Description: Stohlman said “…these patterns are prepared for those who have already had some experience in leather carving and desire something more challenging.” Oh my goodness, he wasn’t kidding! Students in this class will be challenged to carve one of Stohlman’s detailed wallet patterns. Jim will break down those details and help students understand how they are created. This class is not for a beginner.

Materials to bring: Stamping stone, additional light, magnifier, mallet, stylus, modelling spoon, swivel knife, fine hair blade, figure carving bevelers such as F890, F895, F902, F976, F898, F900, floral carving stamps such as steep angle bevelers for medium to small work, C425, C428, V461, P234, S932, S931, H907, A98 and other small background stamps of your preference, and a mules foot stamp such as U851.

Workshop Instructor: Born and raised on a ranch in eastern Montana, Jim Linnell has had leather working in his blood ever since his first visit to the Miles City Saddlery. Now, after spending the last 50+ years working with leather, those sounds and smells are still a part of his life. Through the business he started in retirement, www.elktracksstudio.com, Jim instructed over 10,000 students during the pandemic. Whether in a large group or private classes, Jim is always ready to share his passion and knowledge of leather working. He is the 2002 recipient of the Al Stohlman Award for Achievement in Leathercraft.

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 Friday, July 24, 2026.

Waco Convention Center – Lone Star 104

Wednesday 08/05 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

All skill levels welcome!

Workshop Description: More and more, leathercrafters like you are purchasing the versatile Cobra Class 26 or the heavy-duty Cobra Class 4 stitchers for your workshops. For some, this is your first leather sewing machine; for others, this may be in addition to the Class 4 (or other sewing machines). Maybe you’re not sure which machine to get. If so, this is the workshop that will answer that question!

Chris will address setting up the machines, finding “home”, tension and thread weights (and needle sizes/compatibility), and go over the accessories for each as well. He will teach you how to take care of the machines to keep them running smoothly and help them live a long and productive life. Is your machine skipping stitches? Chris has the answers. Various applications suitable for each machine will be demonstrated. Questions are encouraged and students will have the opportunity to practice with the stitchers on hand. If you have ever been stumped by your Cobra Class 4 or 26, want to know if there is even more you could be doing with these machine, or are planning on purchasing one or both, this workshop is for you.

Whether or not you already own one or both of these stitchers, this workshop will prove to be an invaluable resource for your projects if you know how to operate and troubleshoot the set-up for various projects. Saving time on these machines means fewer headaches and more productivity! This will be an evening well spent at the show! {Chris will be using COBRA Class 4 and 26 sewing machines; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by August 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

Materials to bring: Note taking materials.

Workshop Instructor: Chris “Slickbald” Andre is a professional leather artist and maker from Colorado who received the Al Stohlman Award for Achievement in Leathercraft in May of 2022. Chris works mostly in cowboy action and concealed carry gun leather while dabbling in saddles, cowboy trappings and motorcycle gear. Chris is also an active and competitive member of SASS and Cowboy Fast Draw, and is a lifetime competitive shooter. Chris authors a variety of instruction and pattern packs for gun leather and other items as well as offering workshops in holster making and carving.

Workshop Sponsors: Leather Machine Co., LLC

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 Friday, July 24, 2026.

Waco Convention Center – Texas North 113

Saturday 08/08 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Beginner

Workshop Description: Silver Creek Leather is honored to once again have the opportunity to spread the power of leathercraft to our nation’s Military Veterans. Our good friend, and your fellow Veteran, Justin Girsh, will guide the class through the basic techniques of stamping and tooling leather as you tool and assemble a field notes journal.

Materials to bring: None required; all tools and materials will be provided at no charge.

Workshop Instructor: Justin Girsh completed a tour in Iraq before returning to Texas in the early 2000’s. Curiosity drove him to cross the threshold of Maker’s Leather Supply and he felt he had finally “come home”. He and the owner, Aaron Heizer, also a veteran, established a friendship, and Justin found himself helping out around the shop on his days off. He started diving into projects and eventually, Aaron invited him to come to the Prescott show in 2020, to help him with the booth and workshops. What he really likes about leather and leather craft is putting leather in peoples’ hands who have never worked with it and introducing them to the craft.

Workshop Sponsors: Silver Creek 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 Friday, July 24, 2026.

Waco Convention Center – Texas North 113

Saturday 08/08 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Beginner

Workshop Description: Silver Creek Leather has something new in store for the youth class this year. Young students will be introduced to the basics of leather craft, while building a project from the Realeather product line. Students are guaranteed to go home with finished projects and smiles. Open to youth ages 7-16. The workshop will also include a tooling demonstration for kids by author and legendary leatherworker, Tony Laier.

Materials to bring: None required; all tools and materials will be provided at no charge.

Workshop Instructor: Justin Girsh completed a tour in Iraq before returning to Texas in the early 2000’s. Curiosity drove him to cross the threshold of Maker’s Leather Supply and he felt he had finally “come home”. He and the owner, Aaron Heizer, also a veteran, established a friendship, and Justin found himself helping out around the shop on his days off. He started diving into projects and eventually, Aaron invited him to come to the Prescott show in 2020, to help him with the booth and workshops. What he really likes about leather and leather craft is putting leather in peoples’ hands who have never worked with it and introducing them to the craft.

Workshop Sponsors: Silver Creek 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 Friday, July 24, 2026.

Waco Convention Center – Texas North 113

Tuesday 08/04 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

All skill levels welcome!

Workshop Description: Let’s draft a pattern for a pair of shotgun chaps! This class will teach you how to take measurements, and then apply measurements to make a pattern for a particular person. We will go over fit, details in fitting including types of leather and how different things like pockets affect fit. You will get a pattern to take home with you and instructions on what the class went over. Generally, Julie also gets to talk about construction order and techniques used to build chaps. Please feel free to bring chaps that you have built so we can go over them. Julie’s goal for each student is to give them a good base to go from so they can add to details and learn in an easy format and manner. Please don’t hesitate to get ahold of her if you have any questions ahead of time! jbldleatherschool@gmail.com

Materials to bring: Tape measure, cloth tape, 6 x 24″ Omni Quilters grid, pencils, eraser, notebook. (Please put your name on your grid.)

Workshop Instructor: Julie Baugher’s goal for students is to always make learning fun! Leatherwork has given her a lifetime of joy and a career that helped support her family. Because of it, she has gained many friends around the globe! Julie hopes that her open-minded, positive, and fun teaching style helps you to learn more techniques and efficient methods than you ever imagined! Don’t be surprised if she gets excited when you make a mistake; she’ll teach you how to stay calm and fix it! Always feel free to reach out and ask Julie questions if you have anything you’re curious about. Here’s to sharing her knowledge and what she’s have learned in 44 years. #useyourgifts

Workshop Sponsors:

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 Friday, July 24, 2026.

Waco Convention Center – Lone Star 104

Thursday 08/06 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

All skill levels welcome!

Workshop Description: Together with Slickbald you will learn how to design and build a sheath for a Crosswinds Forge (Shaun Woodsum) hunting knife. Each student will receive a new knife to keep, valued at $180, and for which this workshop is designed. You will learn to design a cross draw pattern from scratch and create a welted sheath stamped with a geometric design of your choosing, complete with a snapping handle wrap. {You’ll be using a COBRA Class 4 sewing machine and a COBRA MP Burnisher; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by August 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

Materials to bring: Pencil, ruler, well-sharpened round knife or similar, strop, edge bevelers, #2 and #6 push skiver (or close), camouflage stamp, dividers, edgers, geometric and border stamps (if desired), tooling stone and maul/mallet.

Workshop Instructor: Chris “Slickbald” Andre is a professional leather artist and maker from Colorado who received the Al Stohlman Award for Achievement in Leathercraft in May of 2022. Chris works mostly in cowboy action and concealed carry gun leather while dabbling in saddles, cowboy trappings and motorcycle gear. Chris is also an active and competitive member of SASS and Cowboy Fast Draw, and is a lifetime competitive shooter. Chris authors a variety of instruction and pattern packs for gun leather and other items as well as offering workshops in holster making and carving.

Workshop Sponsors: Hermann Oak Leather Co. and Leather Machine Co., LLC

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 Friday, July 24, 2026.