My passion for leather-working began in the summer of '69. By 1972 the making of simple leather rings, wristbands and watchbands had progressed to sandal making, purses and bags, belts and shoe repair. I was developing an interest and love for the working of leather that has remained to this day.

After working shoe repair and leather for the majority of 20 years, I ventured into the world of technology, going to school and working as a programmer for 13 years. I found problem-solving and writing code both challenging and stimulating and it seemed to come naturally. However, what I later realized was that the sense of satisfaction and achievement gained by the conception, creation and completion of a project was an important piece lacking in my daily living.

Today, nearly four and a half decades from my beginnings, I have been able to return to my passion largely due to a dear friend who has generously offered me space to set up shop in his shoe repair shop. It's a fitting setting for me with the familiar machinery, bustling activity, timeless music and incense.

While my beginnings as an artisan stem from trends set in the 60's and 70's with ample supplies and selections of leather and beautifully cast solid brass and pewter belt buckles, beads, feathers, tie-dye, The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, Neil Young, Talking Heads, etc., it's a new dawn... My preferred leather for purses and bags, re-tanned yellow latigo, is no longer a staple in the leather industry. The line of analine leather dyes I became so familiar with is no longer.

I love working with re-tanned yellow latigo. It's supple, rugged, dyes to beautiful hues of rustic yellows, oranges, tans and russets, is easily maintained and ages and wears like no other leather. Latigo has some of the most interesting grains, textures and characteristics which at times seem to be begging to come out with the appropriate dye techniques. To obtain this leather, I have negotiated sample runs with the tannery to achieve the color and temper I prefer for dying, tooling and carving and general feel and wear. Through this trial and error I believe I have found what I was looking for.

While working with my traditional media, techniques and designs I am consistently working to develop designs and pieces with a more contemporary look and feel. Today, rather than expanding my product line to include belts, sandals and wrist wear, I am focusing on two lines of plant holders I started conceptualizing back in the late 70's. My hanging plant holders are constructed of 7/8 oz. re-tanned latigo. Each of the pieces are individually hand-cut, stamped or free-hand carved, hand-dyed and finished and then completed with a pleasing stitch on a harness machine. The other planter is a sconce-type holder of 3/4 oz. veg-tanned leather which I commonly free-hand carve, dye and then wet mold and shape and dry to create pleasing flowing shapes and designs. This are then hand nailed to a back using brass shoe nails. Both planters come with a deep drainage dish to prevent water damage from over watering which makes them suitable for nursery plants, or they can be filled with artificial plants. I personally think succulents and cacti make for some of the most pleasing displays. Depending on the size and shape, these planters can accommodate 3" to 6" nursery pots.

Future plans for Kaw Valley Leather Co. in it's physical location do include making custom fitted sandals and I am always doing custom ordered items so feel free to contact me. I hope you find something pleasing in my shop and thank you for your interest.