Local Leathercraft Artist and Small Business Owner Receives Worldwide Recognized Al Stohlman Award

The criterion for the Al Stohlman Award is a person whose accomplishments in leatherwork and dedication to leathercraft demonstrates continued dedication by promotion and improvement of the craft following the example of world-renowned leather artist and author Al Stohlman

Saturday evening September 28^th 2013, DoubleTree Hilton in Denver at the IFoLG banquet surrounded by his parents, a few of his many students, and many fellow leatherworkers and friends Wayne Christensen had the honor of being presented with the 2013 Al Stohlman Award for Achievement in Leathercraft by his mentor and friend Robert Beard.

Wayne got started in leatherwork over 25 years ago when a neighbor gave him a 55 gal drum full of scrap leather. He went to his local leathercraft supply store and bought a small beginners tool set. The manager, Don McGown offered his help, encouragement and assistance in this journey into leather without it Wayne would have given up.

Leather became Wayne’s passion, turning it into his full time business in 1990 and never having a days regret. Living by his motto “You only have two things, your ability & your integrity. If you compromise either one, you’ve lost the other”.

Besides teaching 5 nights a week, he offers free classes to teachers and camp counselors so they can pass on the knowledge to their students. He Is a Boy Scout Merit Badge counselor and has been vice president of The Leathercraft Guild for the past 5 years. He offered Standing Bear’s Trading Post to The Leathercraft Guild as a meeting place to further build the guild and bring others into the world of leather. For those that do not have classes or guilds in their area for instruction he has begun offering short instructional videos posted on the internet, all actions that show his enthusiasm for what has been referred to as a dying art.

With the heartfelt desire and a concern for the continuation of this great art, traits common in Al Stohlman Award recipients, Wayne sells leathercraft supplies as a small business, Standing Bear’s Trading Post Located at 7624 Tampa Avenue, Reseda, CA. 91335. He runs his business on the foundation that a business strives when it looks deeply into its customer’s eyes, not the depth of their wallets.
As a small business in a big business world, staying in business has been difficult. Wayne has stated that he will continue to do the many things listed that were a part of his receiving the Al Stohlman Award including selling leathercraft supplies and teaching people how to do leatherwork as long as he can keep the doors open and customers coming in.

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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

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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

Free Leathercraft Tutorial – Wrapped and Braided Leather Bracelets

I have uploaded a free tutorial for wrapped and braided leather bracelets and hope that it is useful to anyone who would like to create these items:
http://www.scribd.com/StandingBears/d/90550573-Leathercraft-Tutorial-Wrapped-and-Braided-Leather-Wristbands

If purchasing the supplies for this project from Standing Bear’s Trading Post mention this tutorial and take 10% off of your order.

Leathercraft Supplies and Native American Themed Craft Supplies

7624 Tampa Avenue

Reseda, CA. 91335

818-342-9120

Monday Thru Saturday 10AM to 6PM (Pacific Time)

Find them on the web at www.sbearstradingpost.com

E-mail Standing Bears at inquiry@sbearstradingpost.com

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.

Classes and Information about Standing Bear’s Trading Post and Leather by WC

Download and Share this press release:
http://mediaserver.prweb.com/pdfdownload/838064/pr.pdf

Standing Bear’s Trading Post Announces New Leather Classes with Master Leather Craftsman and Owner Wayne Christensen

Reseda, CA (PRWEB) April 9, 2008 — Standing Bear’s Trading Post announces new leather classes with Master Leather Craftsman and Owner Wayne Christensen. Starting July 1, 2008 Standing Bear’s Trading Post will begin new classes for students of all levels who want to learn or improve their leather crafting skills. Beginning classes will be held Tuesday and Thursday nights starting at 6 pm. Intermediate classes will be held on Monday nights starting a 6 pm, and Advance classes will be held Wednesday nights at 6pm.

“Classes tend to fill up rather quickly,” states student Sandi Taylor, who has been carving for 12 years and attends the advanced class.

All classes teach you stamping, carving, coloring, finishing, assembly, customizing, and personalization.

The Beginning classes, held Tuesday and Thursdays, focus on teaching you how to carve leather. By purchasing the Basic Kit for Leather Craft (priced at $60.00) the class is free for 6 months. The normal fee, if the student who has his or her own tools, is $20.00 a month. The Basic Kit includes 6 basic leather tools (beveler, camouflage tool, backgrounder, pear shader, veiner, and seeder), basic leather craft book, leather practice pieces, tracing film, swivel knife, jewelers rouge, leather strop, stylus, and mallet.

The intermediate classes, held on Monday nights, focus on larger and more exciting projects. All materials needed for this can be purchased directly from the store. This class is for those who have completed the beginner’s course or those who need a refresher. Instructor’s fee is $20.00 a month.

The Advanced Leather Craft Class, held on Wednesday nights, spends time working on intricate projects such as belts, purses, checkbooks, wallets, tool rack holder, photo albums, and more. Students pay for materials for project and the Instructors Fee is $20.00 a month

Private classes are also available but are by appointment only. These classes are one-on-one classes and are held Friday evenings starting 6:30 pm, starting at $10 an hour with a four-hour minimum.

Standing Bear’s Trading Post is located at 7624 Tampa Avenue, Reseda, CA. 91335 or can be reached by phone at 818-342-9120 or E-mail Standing Bears at inquiry@sbearstradingpost.com. You can also find them on the web at http://www.sbearstradingpost.com. The store hours are Monday through Saturday 10AM to 6PM (Pacific time).

More Information:

Standing Bear’s Trading Post is a Leathercraft and Native American supply store in Reseda, California. Carrying leather supplies for the beginning leathercraft enthusiast as well as professional leathercrafters and range from simple leather projects, to items for YMCA, Scouts and even items for civil war reentactors to American Indian arts & craft supplies and gladly ships anywhere in the United States.

The leather supplies available at Standing Bear’s Trading Post are used by and sold to leather craft hobbyists, wholesale businesses, manufactures of custom leather items, institutions and many youth organizations such as the Scouts, YMCA, churches, schools, and camps.

Standing Bear’s Trading Post is the source for YMCA Guide Programs, y-guides, Indian Guide Program, Indian Princess Program for their Suede Leather Vest Kits and other Craft Supplies for their meetings.

Their American Indian arts & craft supplies, which include leather, seed beads, bone and horn hairpipe, Native craft kits, feathers, books and other instructional material provide the Native community, Scouts, members of the Order of the Arrow and many others with Native American craft supplies.

Standing Bear’s Trading Post also has suppliers for items geared for the buckskinner, mountain men, reenactors, and those that attend the Renaissance Pleasure Faire.

Standing Bear’s Trading Post mission is to enhance their customer’s lives by bringing them unique products while providing customer service that is second to none. They are a preferred supplier for leathercrafters nationwide by being able to offer a vast selection of quality leathercraft products for retail and wholesale customers at affordable prices.

Wholesale pricing is available for those with a resale number.

Standing Bear’s Trading Post does not have any club to join in order to get wholesale pricing on orders without a resale number. However, Standing Bear’s Trading Post does offer discount pricing on bulk orders of their products to all customers.

Standing Bear’s Trading Post ships nationwide and gladly ship their products to you!

Wayne Christensen:

Wayne Christensen is the owner of Standing Bear’s Trading Post and Leather by WC as well as a master leather craftsman.

Currently nominated for 2007 Al Stohlman Award for Achievement in Leatherwork, as leather crafting has been a passion for Wayne Christensen for over 25 years. Wayne has been teaching leathercraft for the past 12 years.

Wayne has been a member of the International Internet Leathercrafters Guild (“IILG”) since 1996. Wayne is also a member of The Leathercraft Guild and the current Vice-president.

Wayne has been teaching Boy Scout merit badge courses for over nine years along with visiting many schools to demonstrate leather crafting.

In 1995 Wayne was the featured guest on a TV show for HGTV called “What’s Your Hobby?”

The Autry Museum invited Wayne to instruct at their “Make It and Take It” for the public in ’95, ’96, and ’97.

In 1999 Wayne Christensen was the only leather artist invited to put his work in the Fuller Museum in Brockton, Mass. In an exhibit call “Hand Crafted for Outdoor Sports.”

Wayne Christensen was also presented a flag flown over the Capital by Congressman Brad Sherman’s Office on September 17th 2006 in recognition of his dedication and service to the youth of the community.