A #SmallThanks from Standing Bear's Trading Post, Leather by WC to you -...

Thank you for supporting Standing Bear's Trading Post for your leathercraft supply needs.
We appreciate you!

Beginning Leathercraft Class working on Geometric stamping, roses & oak leaves, and floral patterns at @standingbears 7724 Tampa Avenue Reseda CA 91335 818-343-9120 #LetsTalkLeather #ThinkOutsideTheBigBox #LeathercraftSupplies #leatherworkshops #LeatherworkExperience #LearnToDoLeatherwork #LeathercraftInstruction #LeathercraftClasses #leatherstamping #Leathertooling #TeachingLeatherCarving #TrustLeathercraftExperience #TrustExperience #SanFernandoValleyLeatherSupplies #SFVLeatherCraftSupply #ResedaLeatherSupply #ValleyLeather #SupportsmallBusiness #ThinkBigShopsmall #Shopmomandpop #WithoutUThereIsNoUs

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The Swiv­el Knife is one of the pri­ma­ry tools used in carv­ing leather. This leather­work tu­to­ri­al demon­strat­ed the use of a swiv­el knife in leather carv­ing, as well as Swiv­el knife tech­nique for leather­craft­s. #ThinkOutsideTheBigBox #Shopsmall #LeathercraftSupplies #LetsTalkLeather  We hope you have enjoyed this leather crafting tutorial created by WC Owner of Standing Bear's Trading Post and Leather by WC Stop in and see us 7624 Tampa Avenue, Reseda, CA. 91335, Call us at 818-342-9120 Visit our website at http://www.sbearstradingpost.com

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

The criterion for the Al Stohlman Award won by leather artist and small business owner Wayne Christensen, 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.

Download and share this press release: http://www.prweb.com/pdfdownload/11186870.pdf

 Reseda, CA. (PRWEB)

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.

 

Custom Leather and Leathercraft Classes, Standing Bear's Trading Post, L...

THINK BIG, Shop small for all of your leathercraft supply needs, trust this small business owner who has been doing leatherwork for almost 30 years to know what products will work best for your projects. (video courtesy of Mudpie Productions)

Free Leathercraft Tutorial - Wrapped and Braided Leather Wristbands

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

Introducing Standing Bear's Trading Post ~ Who We Are

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 ~ Standing Bear's & Custom Leather by WC

Wayne Christensen is the owner of Standing Bear’s Trading Post and a master leather craftsman.

Currently nominated for 2007 Al Stohlman Award for Achievement in Leatherwork, as leatherwork 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.

Leathercraft Classes at Standing Bear's Trading Post and Leather by WC

Starting July 1, 2008 Standing Bear's Trading Post announces new leather classes with Master Leather Craftsman and Owner Wayne Christensen. Learn stamping, carving, coloring, finishing, assembly, customizing, and personalization along aside a Master Leather Craftsman.

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 announces new leather classes with Master Leather Craftsman and Owner Wayne Christensen. Learn stamping, carving, coloring, finishing, assembly, customizing, and personalization along side a Master Leather Craftsman.

Reseda, CA 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 locate 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 www.sbearstradingpost.com. The store hours are Monday through Saturday 10AM to 6PM (Pacific time).

A Memorial Video For Standing Bear

Create your own video at One True Media

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.

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

Bob Beard Carving Class

Bob Beard will be holding classes at The Leather Factory in Baldwin Park, California
There are 2 different classes he is offering:

Class 1:
Friday, Aug 18th
Bob will be teaching Classic Western Leather Carving. He is teaching HIS techniques for classic western scrolls, carving filigree and embossing. You will be learning to create beatiful classic western floral cavings in the Bob's unique style, including embossing parts of the design and filigree backgrounding techniques.
The cost for the class is $100.00 per person

Class 2:
2 day class,
Saturday August 19th
Sunday August 20th
This class will cover Bob's figure carving and coloring techniques.
Attendees will be carving a desert scene along with scrollwork on a leather checkbook cover.
You will learn to emboss parts of the design as well as filigree backgrounding techniques.
The cost for the class is $175.00 per person

All leather, powders, stains, colors and finishes will be provided.
An additional materials list is available at The Leather Factory or via email at baldwinpark@leatherfactory.com

You will also have the opportunity to purchase leathercraft supplies, as well as Bob Beard tools direct. This is also a GREAT time to talk with Bob about leather carving and his tips and tricks.

Space is limited in these classes, so please RSVP to The Leather
Factory, in Baldwin Park to reserve your spot.
Call 1-800-548-6461 email baldwinpark@leatherfactory.com for for more information on the class and for class times.

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.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at the Williams-Hanson-Kaun Funeral Home, Princeton, Minnesota.
A second visitation and funeral will be held on Friday, June 16th from 6-8 PM
at Lorenzen Mortuary
19300 Sherman Way
Reseda California 91335
Phone: (818) 343-4677
with the funeral being held on Saturday, June 17th at 10:30 AM at the Lorenzen Mortuary.
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.

Standing Bear’s Trading Post will be closed Saturday June 17th as we attend his funeral service and pay our respect to this great man.
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

Casing Leather for tooling - Leather Moisture content

When casing your leather you would dampen the leather with a sponge 1st on the back (sueded - rough side) and then on the top (smooth- flesh) side.
You do the top of the leather last because if you wet the smooth side you and then lay it on your marble and the working surface has any dust etc on it, you will immediately have that dirt and dust on your clean leather surface.

After having wet the leather, let it sit until it turns a lighter tan (almost as if the leather is blushing) and feels cool to the touch.


On thinner leathers you can just wet the top because it does not take too much for the leather to absorb the water into the internal layers of the leather.

For backgrounding, the leather should be a little dryer than for normal stamping and tooling leather moisture content.
If you are having difficulty getting your background smooth and even without tool marks when using a leather backgrounder such as the A104 your leather is probably too wet.

When you have to stop carving or tooling on a leather project you are working on, put your project in a zip lock or other seal-able plastic bag and put it in your refrigerator.
This lessens the danger of the leather mildewing as well as keeping the leather moist so it won't completely dry out.

Leather Craft Supplies in Southern California

If you are looking for leathercraft and Native american Craft supplies in the LA area or in Southern California, you can find them at Standing Bear's Trading Post.
We are located at 7624 Tampa Avenue in Reseda, California.
The store is on Tampa, just North of Saticoy...dead center between the 101 and 118 freeways.

For driving directions to Standing Bear's visit:
http://www.sbearstradingpost.com/Location.html

Visit http://www.sbearstradingpost.com/SBTP_Map.gif for a photo of the location map.

The Leathercraft Guild

The Leathercraft Guild is a leather guild designed for leathercrafters and others who are interested in beautiful leatherwork and the art of leather craft.

Join Our Leather Craft Discussion Forum

The Leathercraft Guild was founded in 1949 as a non-profit organization. From the beginning, it was a success and has grown steadily in popularity since its inception. Through the years many of the all-time greats in the field of leathercraft and leather design have been associated with The Leathercraft Guild Al Stohlman, Joey Smith, Lou Roth, Lad Haverty, Cliff Ketchem, Al Shelton, Christine Stanley, Ken Griffen and Robert Beard.
The public is invited free to view member's displays and demonstrations of the leathercraft artistry at our monthly meetings.

The Leathercraft Guild meets the third Sunday of each month
at 1:00pm

We currently have 2 meeting places:
The Garvey Center 9108 Garvey Avenue Rosemead, CA. 91770
Standing Bear's Trading Post 7624 Tampa Avenue Reseda, CA. 91335

Current Meeting Schedule:
Sunday, June 11, 2006 - Standing Bear's Trading Post
Sunday, July 16, 2006 - The Garvey Center

For more information on meeting dates and locations visit:
The Leathercraft Guild www.theleathercraftguild.com