Recovery Fund For Wayne Christensen
Give Forward, Team Christensen
While his medical bills loom and he continues treatment, We are asking for financial support for immediate needs. Every dollar counts!
On March 2nd, Wayne Christensen, owner of Standing Bear’s Trading Post and 2013 Al Stohlman Award recipient, was hospitalized for an infection that got into his bloodstream, caused prostate, urinary and kidney issues, keeping him hospitalized for 18 days. He was released from the hospital but still has an IV and picc line inserted for daily medications.
Wayne’s leathercraft classes, which he had been teaching 5 evenings a week, and were a major source of income, have had to be postponed until his treatments are finished. He is back in the store, but able to do very little at the moment. Wayne is a man of great pride who believes in working for everything he receives and is not one to quickly accept charity. Since Wayne owns his own small business he doesn’t qualify for financial aid… or we haven’t found the right aid for him as of yet.
While his medical bills loom, some of Wayne’s immediate needs are:
– a vehicle, not only for daily transportation but to get to his eventual off-site workshops with all of his supplies (his previous vehicle experienced multiple problems);
– funds to get him through the short run to purchase food and gasoline, pay the rent and for the leather supplies he stocks in his store, to keep the store viable.
I am writing to request that those who can and would like to, to please consider offering a donation, no matter how much, to reach a goal of $15,000.00 to help Wayne move past this overwhelming time of need.
Celebrate Leather at Standing Bear’s Trading Post’s Upcoming “Let’s Talk Leather” Fair
Reseda, California (PRWEB) July 22, 2012
Standing Bear’s Trading Post in Reseda, California is holding their first annual “Let’s Talk Leather” fair. Learn about leather crafts, see how products are made, and talk with Master Leathercrafter Wayne Christensen.
Reseda, California (PRWEB) July 22, 2012
Come and join in on the celebration of leather as Standing Bear’s Trading Post holds it’s first annual “Let’s Talk Leather” fair Sunday, July 29th, 2012 from 12PM – 5PM.
Working with leather is not a dying art to us but merely a hidden art form that should be shared with everyone. It’s a fantastic hobby to have as well. It is not just making saddles and holsters, but rather the art of Leather-work is the practice creating leather art whether functional or decorative. Like any other art form Leather-work is done by using different leathercraft techniques such as stamping, carving, tooling, molding, and painting. And more than just shoes and purses, leather can be crafted into 3D pictures, jewelry, cases, belts, covered boxes, wrapped steerhorns, and so much more.
Having the want/need to share the art of leather with others, we decided to have a Leather and Craft Fair.
“The Let’s Talk Leather” Fair is a unique collaboration between Standing Bear’s Trading Post, its Students and Customers. And since leather is our passion, We want to share that passion with you. During the fair, there will be continual unique demonstrations on carving, tooling and stamping leather. Each demonstrator will be working on his or her own individual projects throughout the day.
Master Leathercrafter Wayne Christensen will be available to answer questions in regards to the usage of leathercraft supplies and tools for anyone wanting to start their journey into the world of leather.
You will see a vast range of techniques from the past that are still being used and new innovative techniques that even today’s technology is a part of. Learn leathercrafting those tricks, tips and techniques with others.
Along with the demonstrations there will be finished items for sale, The items offered are one-of-a-kind creations from many different leathercraft artist., Shoppers will find finished leathercraft items ranging from jewelry to rifle scabbards and so much more items sure to fit different tastes and budgets.
Let’s Talk Leather… Let’s Share the love of handcrafting items from leather… See you there!
What: Let’s Talk Leather ~ Leather and Craft Fair
When: Sunday July 29th 2012 from 12PM – 5PM
Where: 7624 Tampa Avenue, On Tampa Just North of Saticoy, Dead Center Between the 101 and 118 Freeway
Info: Call 818-342-9120 or email inquiry(at)sbearstradingpost(dot)com
For information, contact Standing Bear’s Trading Post at 818-342-9120 or via email at inquiry(at)sbearstradingpost(dot)com
# # #
MORE INFORMATION ON STANDING BEAR’S TRADING POST:
Standing Bear’s Trading Post is a Leathercraft & Native American Supply store in Southern California and has been been selling leathercraft supplies and holding educational classes since 1999.
For many years now, Standing Bear’s Trading Post has had other instructors such as Bob Beard, Jeff Mosby, and Al Gould teach classes. Students are encouraged to take as many classes from other instructors as possible so they can learn new techniques.
Visit the website at: http://www.sbearstradingpost.com
MORE INFORMATION ON WAYNE CHRISTENSEN:
Wayne Christensen, known as WC, has been doing leatherwork for almost 30 years now. He started in Leathercraft when a neighbor who was moving gave him a 55-gallon drum full of scrap leather. He went to his local Leather store and bought a small beginners tool set. The manager, Don McGown was one of the most helpful people he ever met. If it had not been for all Dons help and encouragement, Wayne would have given up.
After a few years, Wayne was able to take some classes from masters like Bob Beard, Peter Main, Tony Laier and Chuck Smith. Leatherwork became his passion; he turned it into his full time business in 1990 and has never had regret.
In 1995, the new Tandy Store Manger asked him to teach the advanced leather class for the store and Wayne has been teaching ever since. In 1999, Tandy closed all their retail stores down. In order to assist leathercrafters, scouts and others to be able to purchase leather-working supplies and with the opening of Standing Bear’s Trading Post. Wayne moved his shop in and helped run the store.
He now teaches several level of classes from beginners to advance classes. WC has found teaching to be one of the most rewarding things he has ever done. His students have pushed his abilities far beyond anything he would have done on his own.
In June 2006, the owner William “Standing Bear” Kimmey passed away and the family transferred ownership of the store to WC.
WC is active in the community Wayne have been involved in over the years, include the following:
The Autry Museum invited him to instruct at their “make it and take it” for the public in ’95, ’96, & ’97.
In 1995, he did a TV show for HGTV called “What’s Your Hobby?” Even though he did leatherwork for a living not a hobby, they thought Wayne would be best for the show.
He has been a member of the International Internet Leathercrafters Guild (“IILG”) since 1996 and is a member of The Leathercraft Guild and the current Vice-president.
In 1999 Wayne was the only leather artist invited to put their work in the Fuller Museum in Brockton Mass. In an exhibit, call “Hand Crafted for Outdoor Sports”
On September 17th 2006, Wayne was presented a flag flown over the Capital by Congressman Brad Sherman’s Office in recognition for dedication and service to the youth of the community.
In February 2008, Wayne was asked to be a part of Biker Radio Magazine’s radio show entitled “The Leather Show”. During the episode, he was able to share with listeners how to work with leather in order to personalize their motorcycles.
On April 20th 2008, Wayne had the honor of being presented with the Weaver memorial Perpetual Trophy for Outstanding Service to The Leathercraft Guild, by guild president Robert Ambriz
Networking with Myspace and Facebook
I have maintained a myspace for Standing Bear’s Trading Post since November of 2005 and have recently created a myspace page for The Leathercraft Guild in Southern California which I also maintain. I have a personal myspace page, but it has only minimal pictures of my leatherwork, some leathercraft links but is more-so for networking with abuse survivors, those who self injure etc.
Same with Facebook, I created and maintain a Facebook Page for Wayne Christensen, owner of Standing Bear’s Trading Post and have also created a Fan page for The Leathercraft Guild in Southern California which I maintain along with my personal Facebook Page.
The links to these pages are:
Standing Bear’s Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=566325625
The Leathercraft Guild Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Leathercraft-Guild/28636993760
My Personal Facebook Page (Holding Onto Hope): http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1243930956
Standing Bear’s Trading Post Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/standingbears
The Leathercraft Guild Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/theleathercraftguild
Personal Myspace (Holding Onto Hope): http://www.myspace.com/holdingontohope
The pages for Standing Bear’s & The Leathercraft Guild both have an extensive list of leathercraft resources thanks to IILG member Cecil who provided us with this information.
Facebook is not as user friendly as myspace, there is not as much that can be done with facebook to personalize it without cluttering it so to speak but I believe that since there are thousands of people on these sites it is a great place to network and meet people interested in the things that you are also interested in.
Feel free to send the sites I maintain an add request if you are on facebook or myspace.
Obituary Guestbook for William “Standing Bear” Kimmey
As you may know, the owner of Standing Bear’s Trading Post – William “Standing Bear” Kimmey passed away June 11th 2006
If any of you would like to sign the legacy.com guestbook for William “Standing Bear” Kimmey, Please visit the guestbook site at:
Legacy.com William Standing Bear Kimmey Obituary Guestbook
I am sure the family would love the sharing of love and support.
I would like to thank all of you that have taken the time to send a word of condolence to the family and friends of Standing Bear. We appreciate all of you as friends and as customers of Standing Bear’s Trading Post.
Standing Bear’s Trading Post will remain open, Regular Days, Regular Hours
Personal Condolence notes may be sent to
Standing Bear’s Trading Post
7624 Tampa Avenue,
Reseda, CA. 91335
Find them on the web at www.sbearstradingpost.com
E-mail Standing Bears at inquiry@sbearstradingpost.com
In Loving Memory of William “Standing Bear” Kimmey
William Standing Bear
Kimmey
The Owner of Standing Bear’s Trading Post, Standing Bear, also known as William Kimmey or Bill Kimmey to the Southern California scouts and beading community a Spiritual Elder of the Onondaga Peoples of the Iroquois Confederacy, former owner of Standing Bear’s Habitat, passed away on Sunday June 11th at the Princeton Hospital in Minnesota.
William L. Kimmey (Standing Bear) was born March 19, 1926 in Time, Pennsylvania to the late William Ross Kimmey and Nellie Burgess.
Bill worked for 42 years as a Metro Transit Driver for Washington, Pennsylvania and San Fernando Valley, California. He was an active Volunteer of the Boy Scouts of America, member of the Order of the Arrow, was involved 65 Years with the Boy Scouts and was awarded highest honor Silver Beaver Award. He opened Standing Bear’s Trading Post ( A Leather and Native American craft supply store) on April 1st 1999 and it will remain open and running even though Standing Bear has passed.
Bill was a Member of the American Legion Princeton, Disabled American Veterans, Gene Autry Spirit of the West Riders, 17 years riding in the Rose Parade, Served in WWII in the US Army. Long time resident of Washington, Pennsylvania moved to San Fernando Valley in the early 60’s and to Dalbo, Minnesota in 2004. Bill is survived by his children: Linda Brozek, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Barry (Keri) Glenndenning, Moorpark, California; Joyce (Tim) Buchholz, Dalbo, Minnesota; Butch (Carol) Maciewski, Chanhassen, Minnsota; 16 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; sisters: Esther Burgess and Mary Ella Kimmey.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Viola (Nan) Kimmey.
Standing Bear’s Trading Post will remain open, regular days, regular hours.
Condolence notes may be sent to
Standing Bear’s Trading Post
7624 Tampa Avenue,
Reseda, CA. 91335
Photo Courtesy of Ken Lubas – www.artbeyondcontrol.com
A Little Introduction to Standing Bear’s Trading Post
Standing Bear’s Trading Post offers Leathercraft supplies and Native American Craft Supplies. You can purchase any of the leather craft supplies and other items you find in the Tandy Leather Factory, LF Tandy, & Hide crafter Leathercraft catalogs through us. We are Authorized Sales Centers Tandy Leather Factory, LF Tandy, & Hide crafter Leathercraft for as well as distributors for other major leather & Native American craft suppliers.
Leathercraft Supplies, Leather Work Supplies Standing Bear's 
You must be logged in to post a comment.