From time to time, I offer instruction in saddlemaking. Most of these opportunities have come via the TCAA Scholarship Program and usually consist of a five day program where the student watches as a saddle comes together.
Also offered are flower-stamping classes for intermediate to advanced craftsmen. These opportunities consist of two to three days each. Roughly half of the class time is devoted to designing on paper and the other half executing designs in leather. I spend a good bit of time demonstrating design techniques as well as execution.
I believe that much of our success as craftsmen depends upon our attitudes toward the process of designing and producing great work. Students are given instructional tools that will enable them to enhance their skills of observation, utilizing a rhythm of self-critique. There is always plenty of discussion about how we might shape our minds in order to produce the kind of work that we would like to be known for. I incorporate solid design principles focusing on composition, balance, value and variety; borrowing from ideas that have been around for hundreds of years within the art world.
Please Contact me for more information on upcoming educational programs.
These educational videos are new for my website and I'd appreciate hearing what you think of this idea. If there is enough interest, I'll make more. If you'd like to drop me an email at , I'd sure like to hear your comments.
This first educational video is about the steps taken in carving a saddle fender. Click on the play button below to watch the video. Hope you like it!