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ABOUT PRAIRIE
STATES LEATHER GUILD
WHAT
IS PSLG:
Prairie States Leather Guild is a non-profit, non-political,
non-religious organization established in 1955 for the purpose of
giving leather crafters and leather artisans an opportunity to get
together to show their skills in leather craft and art, to learn new
techniques or rediscover lost or old techniques, and to socialize.
Prairie States Leather Guild welcomes all leather crafters and leather
artisans, regardless of what type of leatherwork they do.
Prairie States Leather Guild is a member of the International Federation of
Leather
Guilds (IFoLG),
and the Midwest Federation of Leather Guilds (MFoLG), and is chartered
by the State of Illinois as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Each month, members of our guild receive a newsletter. Our guild also
maintains a library
of patterns, books, and related resource materials,
which is available to our membership.
The objective of the Prairie States Leather Guild is to foster and
promote interest in the art of leathercrafting by aiding and assisting
our members in the improvement of their skills through a continual
process of teaching, learning, and sharing. We strive to bring before
our membership outstanding craftspersons in the field of leathercraft.
One way the Prairie States Leather Guild works to accomplish our goal
is through the annual MFoLG spring JAMBOREE.
WHEN
AND WHERE:
The PSLG meets on the second Sunday of each month except May (Mother’s
Day) at:
Our meetings are always open to the public, and the general meeting
starts at 1:30 P.M.
We have an annual picnic each summer, and a Christmas party
at our December meeting. Which gives our membership and their families
an opportunity to socialize and share some good times.
At each meeting, we strive to offer a short class in some aspect of our
craft in addition to sharing current projects and experiences with
other crafters. There are decades of cumulative experience in our guild
ready and willing to help our members grow and improve in the art of
leathercraft.
WHAT
WILL I LEARN?:
The techniques used by our members vary from the traditional
(reminiscent of nineteenth century saddle makers) to quite avant-garde
and modern. PSLG members work at all levels of skill in our craft, and
many are extremely accomplished artists. Collectively, we produce a
wide range of items ranging from practical items such as purses,
wallets, footwear, and horse tack, to jewelry, clothing, and object
d’art.
Normally, the person leading the demonstration at one of our monthly
meetings will choose the project for that month. Usually this person
has a high level of experience in that particular subject. Yet again,
it may be an entirely new technique chosen to expand their skills.
This means that you will see “hands-on” techniques in:
- case making
- holster construction
- chap making
- embossing
- basic tooling techniques
- belt making
- lacing
- tool care
- and many other leathercrafting skills.
The type of leathercrafting you will be drawn to is entirely up to you.
Not all our members are fans of traditional western floral carving, and
there is always someone on hand to offer advice and a voice of
experience, no matter what your preference in leather.
The PSLG is made up of members working at all skill levels from
beginner to Master. No matter what your interest or level of ability
you are welcome and will learn as a member of the PSLG. As long as you
can think and communicate, you have something to contribute. Many
situations that stump the most experienced person, are often readily
solved by the fresh perspective of a new crafter who is not “set in
their ways”
BENEFITS
OF BEING A PSLG MEMBER:
One of the primary benefits of joining the guild is the opportunity to
meet and talk with other leatherworkers in our area, at our monthly
meetings. It is a chance to share ideas and get advice and suggestions,
or perhaps a new idea or technique you wouldn’t have thought of without
a different perspective.
If you are not able to make the meetings, the guild publishes a monthly
newsletter (click
here for an
archive of past PSLG newsletters)
that will provide information about upcoming events and current guild
news. We are also creating an internet site which will offer an
opportunity to stay connected, and share with other guild members
on-line.
PSLG maintains a library
of reference materials (books, videos, DVDs)
related to many aspects of the leather craft. As a member of the PSLG
you will have access to these materials, videos are loaned to
our
members on a monthly basis.
Each March, PSLG members participate in an annual guild project
“competition”. This is a project, which is chosen by the guild and is
made by all members who choose to have their work critiqued. In this
way, PSLG members are able to work toward advancing their skill level
within the guild.
PSLG is a member of the International
Federation of Leather Guilds (IfoLG). This means that as a member,
you are eligible to enter your work into competitions sanctioned by the
IfoLG.
PSLG also participates in the Midwest Federation of Leather Guilds
(MFoLG) Jamboree each year. This gives our members another opportunity
to sharpen their skills.
HOW DO I JOIN?:
Check our Membership
Area for information about Membership in the PSLG.
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