2024 World Leather Debut
May 17 • 18 • 19

What is the World Leather Debut?

The World Leather Debut is a special event for leather workers/artists worldwide held during the Rocky Mountain Leather Trade Show. Makers of any skill level are invited to enter their work to compete for cash prizes and awards in one or more of seventeen categories (two of which are designated for youth) and/or to receive their score sheets from the judges. A select duo of judges in each category determine 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placement and provide written constructive feedback on the sore sheets. The entries are arranged in a gallery setting for the public to tour over a three-day span during the Rocky Mountain Leather Trade Show. The Debut is an enjoyable event that can challenge and even enhance one’s perspective, skills, and self-confidence, whether it be the contestant or the public.

To enter your artwork in the World Leather Debut

• Read the Rules and Regulations located in the Debut booklet shown above.

• Complete and submit your online Registration Form(s) and pay your Registration Fee(s) using the two following links:

Online Registration Form

Registration Fee Payment

• Submit your artwork

• Contact the Leather Crafter’s Journal with any questions: info@leathercraftersjournal.com or 715-362-5393.

Things to know when you enter the World Leather Debut

1) Location of the Debut (See maps on Pages 1 and 19)

Sheridan College

Thorne-Rider Campus Center

1 Whitney Way

Sheridan, Wyoming   82801    USA

2) Dates to Know

Wednesday   April 10, 2024    Early Registration Deadline

Wednesday   May   1, 2024    Final Registration Deadline

Thursday       May 16, 2024     Check-In of Entries: Noon – 5:30 pm

Friday           May 17, 2024     World Leather Debut is OPEN: Noon – 5 pm

Saturday       May 18, 2024     World Leather Debut is OPEN: 8 am – 5 pm

Saturday       May 18, 2024     Sheridan Honors Night: 7:30 pm

Sunday         May 19, 2024     World Leather Debut is OPEN: 8 am – 11 am

Sunday         May 19, 2024    Check-Out of Entries: 11 am – 2 pm

3) Your Artwork

Decide what you want to make to enter in the World Leather Debut.

Review Section 1) General Rules (Points A through H) on Pages 4 & 5 to ensure your artwork is eligible to participate.

Review Categories on Page 10-12 to determine what categories to enter.

Make and/or finish your artwork in time for the check-in date.

4) Register your Artwork

Artwork must be registered to be eligible to participate.

Register by completing the registration form and paying registration fees.

Register by the final registration deadline of May 1^st, 2024.

Register early by April 10^th, 2024 and save $15.00 per entry.

See Section 2) Entry and Registration on Page 5 for registration details.

See Registration Guide on Page 9.

5) Makers Directory

Contestant’s information can be included in the Makers Directory. See Page 8.

6) About My Work

A brief write-up can accompany one’s artwork. See Page 8.

7) Arrival of Artwork

Artwork can be shipped or hand delivered to the World Leather Debut.

Contestants need not be present to participate.

See Section 5) Arrival and Shipping on Page 7

8) Judging

Judges and judging details can be seen on Pages 13 & 14.

9) Announcement of Winners

Artists placing 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd in each category will be announced On Friday, May 17^th on the Leather Crafter’s Journal website and facebook page.

10) Prizes & Awards

Over $14,000 in cash prizes are awarded to the artists who place 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd in their respective categories. See Section 4) Prize Money and Awards on Page 6.

11) Receipt of Judges Score Sheets

Judges Score Sheets will be available for artists to pick up at the show beginning Friday afternoon. Those not picked up will be mailed or shipped with artwork.

12) Sheridan Honors Night

Presentation of the 2024 World Leather Debut Awards, Al Stohlman Award, Ann Stohlman Youth Award & Rafflemania. Saturday, May 18, 2024, 7:30 p.m.

13) Departure of Artwork

Artwork can be picked up at the show or shipped back to the artist.

See Section 6) Departure and Return Shipping on Page 7

14) Recap of Scores

A report showing only the scores of each entry by category will be e-mailed to the artists after the show for the artist to compare their scores with their peers.

15) Cash Prize Payment

Cash Prizes will be paid within three weeks after the show.

See Section 4) Prize Money and Awards, Point D on Page 6.

16) Photos of Artwork

Photos of artwork placing 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd will be featured in the Leather Crafter’s Journal during the year following the World Leather Debut.

17) World Leather Debut Sponsors

The World Leather Debut is made possible by the generosity of forty sponsors who have provided cash donations which make up this year’s $14,375.00 in cash prizes to be awarded in the Debut. The sponsors are highlighted on Pages 14-19 for your viewing. Please express your gratitude to these sponsors the next time you interact with them.