Lost Trade (Don Gonzales)

Pedro Pedrini is a renowned saddle maker and a member of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association.  He is originally from France and in this episode we visit about his journey into becoming a master in the art of custom saddle making.

You can find out more about Pedro on his website at Pedrini Saddle Company or on social media. The TCA also has information about him on their website.  

Barry King is one of the most well known leather stamping tool makers in our industry.  If you tool leather, then you for sure have seen his tools and may own a fair amount of them.  Barry is a very interesting guy and makes some fantastic stamping tools that I use every day.

Be sure to visit his website at www.barrykingtools.com or even better, stop by his booth at the next leather show and check out some of his tools.

This episode of Lost Trade is a visit with one of the most well known custom stamping tool makers in the leather industry.  

Robert Beard is known around the world for his completely hand crafted stamping tools.  We had the honor of sitting down with him and hearing just a glimpse of his amazing life and adventures through his leathercraft journey.

We did this interview before we went to the Rocky Mountain Leather Trade Show in Sheridan, WY.  For this reason, there is some talk during the interview of the "upcoming show" and obviously that has already occured.  

I truly enjoyed this interview and the oppurtunity to visit with such an icon in our industry.

In this episode, we visit with Julie Baugher about how she got started in leather craft and how she became one of the most well known educators for chaps and leggins in the industry.  Along with teaching and mentoring many folks getting into the leather industry, she is also an accomplished saddle maker.  Julie attends many leather trade shows and shares her knowledge about leather craft in her very popular classes.  

We had a great time visiting with her on the podcast and learning her story!

In this episode we visit with a Silversmith from Wingate, TX named Baru Forell.  I really enjoyed talking with her and hearing her story and her future goals as she begins building bits.

Baru is an avid horseman and a fantastic silver engraver.  After you listen to her interview, be sure to visit www.forellranch.com to see some of her beautiful silver work.

You can also follow her on Facebook and instagram as well.

This episode is an interview cowboy chuckwagon cook Kent Rollins.  

Kent has an amazing YouTube channel where he shows how to prepare some of the traditional cow camp meals, grandma's meat loaf, or even his version of the Big Mac.  My family and I love tuning into his channel every week to see what he is up to and what he's cooking.

You can find information about his videos, recipes, and other great things he offers at his website, www.kentrollins.com

I really enjoyed interviewing this artist and craftsman.  Scott Slusher is a fantastic photographer who's passion is photographing cowboys and the western lifestyle.  Hear how this freelance photographer brings a special type of craftsmanship into a world of studio lighting, memory cards, and technology.

Be sure to follow Scott's instagram feed as well as check out his website www.scottslusherphotography.com

We are visiting with Matt Wanner who is a saddle maker out of Utah.  Matt works for Burns Saddlery in Salina, UT.  He is a man of many hats with Burns.  He not only builds fantastic custom saddles for himself and Burns, but he also manages and trains many of the amazing craftsmen that work there creating pieces for the store.  

Matt is also a lead instructor for the leather craft education side of Burns Saddlery through their online course program called Illum.  He has worked to develop saddle making courses as well as other educational material that helps those interested in getting into the saddle making and/or leather working trade.

You can find Matt on Instagram as well as the Illume Connect website.

In this episode, we had the great opportunity to visit with Chuck Stormes and hear his story through an almost 60 year career as a saddle maker.

Chuck is not only a renowned master saddle maker, but he is also one of the founding members of the TCAA or the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association.

Give this episode a listen and if you aren't familiar with his work, visit the TCAA website to see some of the pieces he has created for their annual show.

In this episode, I sit down and visit with Tanner Claridge who owns and operates Claridge Leather in Montana.  

I really enjoyed talking with him about how he got into LeatherCraft, his business, and his super interesting day job.  

Give this episode a listen and be sure to follow Tanner on Instagram and YouTube.

Scott Reed is a knife maker from Oklahoma who makes the "Cowboy Switchblade."  I found him through a friend that told me about his knives and I'm so glad I did.  Scott is a very interesting guy to visit with and I truly enjoyed interviewing him for this episode.  Along with his knife work, Scott also makes his own sheaths for all his knives and as a leatherworker myself I appreciate that.

Be sure to check him out on Facebook and Instagram and see some of the unique knives that he makes for working cowboys and knife collectors.  If you are interested in visiting with him about a knife, reach out to him and he can fix you up.

In this episode, we take a look at the fur market with Kris Pope.  Kris is a professional trapper and educator as well as a leather craftsman.  

I enjoyed visiting with him about the ins and outs of the fur market and how it led him into the world of Leathercraft.  As I am a leather craftsman who is getting into wanting to use more fur, we had a lot to visit about.

www.coyotetrappingschool.com

You can also follow him on Instagram as well as his podcast and YouTube channel by the same name.

In this episode we visit with Scot Sommerlatte, he builds spurs, jewelry, and belt buckles as well as does custom engraving on knives and guns.  

Scot and I have been good friends for a long time and have collaborated on many jobs together over the years.  

Be sure to follow Scot on social media and check out his website at www.ssoriginals.com

In this episode, we visit with wildlife biologist and photographer Wyman Meinzer.  His story starts out with him self funding a scientific study of the Coyote, living in a half dugout in the middle of thousands of acres, trapping/hunting then becoming the Official State Photographer of Texas.

Being known for his accomplishments and long career as a successful wildlife photographer, his personal story on developing his craft and passion for the subject matter is truly amazing.

Wyman lives in Benjamin, TX where he was born and raised.  He still spends his days calling in coyotes and other wildlife working to capture photos of these amazing wild creatures.  

Be sure to follow him on Facebook and Instagram to see his daily posts of interesing photos and story.  You can also purchase one of his many books that he has published on his website at www.wymanmeinzer.com

This interview is with Jeana Andreatta with Tumbling J Mohair Tack in Weatherford, TX.  I had a great time visiting with her about the world of mohair and mohair gear.  

If you would like to check out her work, look her up on Facebook and instagram by searching for "Tumbling J Mohair Tack"

Her website should be done around Thanksgiving.

David is a Traditional Sign Writer originally from ranching country in California and now resides in Waco, TX.

I really enjoyed this interview and I think you will as well.  

Be sure to check out David's Instagram page to see some of his amazing work.  Just search "Lucky B Design"

In this episode we are visiting with Trent Johnson who owns and operates Greeley Hat Works in Greeley, CO.

I really enjoyed getting to visit with Trent about his path to business in the hat industry.  I think you will really enjoy his story and mindset on business in the western industry.

In this episode, we visit with Zephan Parker who owns and operates Parker Boot Company in Downtown Houston, TX.

Zephan and his team of craftsman build custom cowboy boots using the knowledge and skills he as spent his career gathering.

To learn more about Parker Book Company, visit his website at ParkerBootCompany.com

In this episode, we visit with Wilson Capron with Capron Bits and Spurs in Christoval, TX.

Wilson explains the difference between a silversmith and bit/spur maker as well as diving into his ideas on pricing, customer relations, and workshop critters.

To learn more about Wilson Capron and his work, visit his website at https://wilsoncapron.com

In this episode we visit with Rod Nikkel who had a 20 year career of building some of the finest handmade saddle trees on the market.

Listen to Rod's story and how he got into the business of trees.  His website is a powerful resource for all of us saddle makers out there for tree information and saddle fitting.

Although he is retired from saddle tree making, he and his wife continue to maintain their website to keep the quality saddle fitting information out there for us all to benefit from.

www.rodnikkel.com

www.westernsaddlefit.com

Paul Van Dyke is an award winning saddle maker from Sheridan, WY.  In this episode, we visit with him about his love for quality gear and quality horses.  Through his history and travels, he has crafted a career that allows him to enjoy both on a daily basis.  Paul divides his time making quality horses, quality saddles, as well as teaching other craftsmen the skill of saddle making.  

Visit his website, Vandykesaddlery.com, to see some of the fine craftsmanship that he creates as well as learn more about his Saddle Making Courses that he offers during the year.  If you have been wanting to learn the art of saddle making, this would be an amazing course to take.

If you are interested in learning leather craft, then Jim is a figure that you have to follow and attend some of his classes.  

Jim puts out fantastic content on his instagram and Facebook page as well as his website elktracksstudio.com

This episode is an interview with Parker who owns Stock and Barrel in Ogden, UT.  

If you are YouTube a lot searching for leather craft videos, then you have almost certainly watched some of Parker's videos.  He has a large following on YouTube as well as social media and produces great content. 

I really enjoyed sitting down and talking shop with him and think you will as well.

Search for Stock and Barrel on social media and YouTube, or visit his website at www.stockandbarrelco.com

In this episode, we visit with Keith Seidel who owns Seidel's Saddlery in downtown Cody, Wyoming.

Keith has a long history in the custom saddle industry and we we enjoyed getting the oppurtunity to hear his story on our show. 

Be sure to visit his website www.seidelsaddlery.com or check him out on Instagram and Facebook.

In this episode we hear from Jeremiah Watt on saddle making, bit making, hardware design, and how he uses a bicycle to tour the world and our different cultures.  

Jeremiah is a big name in the western gear industry and many know and admire his work... both his craftsmanship and business skills.

If you are not familiar with Jeremiah Watt, visit his website www.ranch2arena.com to see all the products he creates... you can even follow his Cycling Blog to see all of his traveling adventures.

You can also find him on FaceBook and Instagram.

Christopher Andre is the owner of Slickbald Customs where he creates holsters and amazing tooled pieces in the leather craft industry.  

In this interview, we here how he got started in leather work as well as how he got involved in competitive shooting sports.  This brought together his love for shooting and holster making for a perfect match.

You can see his work on instagram and can also find him teaching tooling classes at various leather trade shows during the year.

This episode is an interview with Bruce Cheaney from Gainsville, TX.

Bruce is a well known saddle maker who also makes bits and spurs.  Bruce also has a large youtube channel where he shares a lot of content for other craftsmen to benefit from.

Visit his website, www.brucecheaney.com, as well as his social media on instagram and facebook.

In this episode of Lost Trade, we interview Dusty Smith with WYO Custom Saddles and Trees in Buffalo, WY.

Dusty is a custom saddle maker as well as a highly skilled custom saddle tree maker.  We visit with him about his journey into the trade of saddle tree building as an accomplished saddle maker.  

If you want to get in touch with Dusty or to see some of his work, visit his website at www.wyosaddlesandtrees.com

In this episode, I sit down with Dana and Tracy Eklund to visit about their business Big Sky Mohair Cinches.  We talk about how they got into the world of mohair and tying cinches, how they grew the business, and what their plans are for the business in the future.

I had a lot of fun interviewing these two and I think you will find this conversation fun and interesting!

Visit  bigskymohaircinches.com

Or find them on Instagram and Facebook to see the wonderful work that these two ladies create!

In this episode we visit with Shaun Woodsum who owns and operates Cross Winds Forge in Arizona.  After a long career as a farrier, Shaun made a change and put his blacksmith skills to work designing and making knives.  His main focus now is leather craft knives.  As a leather crafter himself, he is focused on creating knives that are not only sharp but also work specifically for leather craftsmen.

Be sure to visit his website at www.crosswindsforge.com as well as on Instagram to see some of the beautiful knives that he creates in his shop.

In this episode, we interview Odin Clack with Odin Leather Goods.  We visit about how he got started, all about his business, and how he handled opening a new Retail location during the Covid 19 Pandemic.

Odin creates beautiful uptown leather goods that have a clean and classy style that is both eye catching and stylish.  

Follow Odin and his business on Instagram @odinleather where he posts fantastic photography of his work and retail displays.  His website is www.odinleathergoods.com

In this episode we visit with Aaron Heizer who is the owner/operator of Maker's Leather Supply in Waco, TX.  

If you do leatherwork and you do not know about Maker's, then you are going to want to listen to the episode and check out their website.  

In this episode, we visit with Bob Park about how he got started tooling leather and becoming one of the most well known floral designers in the industry.  For many of us that tool leather, we have known of Bob and his teachings as well as read his book on the subject.

I really enjoyed hearing his story and learning more about his life in the military in the Special Forces.  He is an interesting craftsman and creates some of the most beautiful floral patterns in our industry today.  

Joe Meling is a leather craftsman based out of Pendleton, OR who specializes in teaching floral carving and leather craft.  He and his wife are the owners and operators of 23+ where folks from all over come to improve their skills and goals in leather work.

You can find Joe and all the information about his social media, products, and resources by visiting his website at www.twentythreeplus.com

In this episode, we visit with a good friend of mine Scott Catalena. Scott is with Catalena Hatters in Bryan, TX.  

Catalena Hatters is a 2nd generation custom hat shop that makes custom felt hats in all shapes and styles.  Check out this episode to hear about the hat business and how felt hats are made and restored.

To learn more about Catalena Hatters or to see about ordering your next custom felt hat, visit their website at www.catalenahatters.com

In this episode, we visit with Doug Hansen who owns and operates Hansen Wheel and Wagon Shop in Letcher, SD.

His shop builds and restores wagons of all shapes and styles.  The amount of research and history that he and his team possess is astonishing.  I really enjoyed visiting with him and learning about how he started his shop.

Be sure to follow him on Instagram and visit their website at www.hansenwheel.com

This interview is with a great friend and fellow craftsman Jeff Payne.  Jeff is a bit and spur maker from Glen Rose, TX.  He has been equipping horses and cowboys with his bits and spurs for over 30 years.  

Hear how he got started in this business and how he operates a business in 2021 still using the "handshake" relationship with his customers.

www.paynebitsandspurs.com

Way back in episode #3 we sat down with Odin to hear his story.  This was one of our most popular episodes.  Since then he has been super busy growing his business and we thought it would be great to get an update on where OLG is today.

Visit his website odinleathergoods.com

And be sure to follow him on instagram and facebook.

Our first boot maker is on the podcast and its Dustin Lauw from Salado, TX with Duck's Heritage Custom Boots.

Listen to see how a fourth generation leather worker niched down his craft and focused on mastering the skill of making custom cowboy boots.

To see some of Dustin's work, search for him on Facebook and Instagram.

This episode is an interview with Nicole Morgenthau who is a photographer who's passion is taking portraits.  Her favorite subjects are the folks who are experiencing the West like the trappers and settlers that lived in and explored the wild west of the 1800's.  

Based in Salt Lake City, UT she travels to rendezvous held in many states to capture amazing photos of people doing what they love in period dress in gorgeous landscapes.  She also makes turquoise jewelry that she shows on Instagram on her page called "Sandstone Sky Jewelery."

You can find her on Instagram and see a lot of her work as well as find her Instagram for the jewelry that she makes.  

In this episode, we visit with Sarah Garvey with Western Skies Handmade.

Sarah creates beautiful handbags with a very unique design and style.  We hear how she got started in leatherwork as well as how she operates her business.

Be sure to follow her on Instagram or visit her wesite

westernskieshandmade.com

In this episode, we visit with William James Brown with William James Leather.

I met Willy shortly after moving to Moulton in 2020.  We quickly became friends and I was excited that we could finally have him on the podcast to hear his story and thoughts on social media in our industry.

Follow him on Instagram and visit his website at www.williamjamesleather.com

This episode is an interview with Justin Walker with Rockin Out Silver.  Justin is a custom silversmith and engraver that took his knowledge of silver work and created a business that brings aspects of the manufacturing world together in order to offer quality pieces on a large scale.

Check out his website for jewelry, hardware, and conchos to help maximize your profits for your retail or leathergoods business.

www.RockinOutSilver.com

Troy Flaharty is a bit and spur maker based out of Hico, TX.

A high end bit and spur maker with an amazing talent for silver engraving, Troy also produces a line of Barrel Horse bits used by competitors from all over the country.  

Check him out on facebook and instagram or visit his website at flahartybitsspurs.com

In this episode we interview Nancy Martiny who owns and operates Martiny Saddle Co. in Idaho.

I loved this interview and getting to know Nancy.  She has a really cool story and tells us all about working with Dale Harwood and her history as a saddle maker.

Be sure to visit her website at martinysaddle.com to see some of her amazing work.  Her tooling as well as her eye for design are amazing.  You can also find her on Facebook.

In this episode, we sit down with a man that I have known online for almost a decade and only we only just met in person at the Heart of Texas Leather Show in Waco in 2023.  

His name is Todd Broussard and he is the owner/operator of T-Pop Leather Shop in Louisiana.

Todd is a rodeo cowboy, farrier and leather craftsman that has found his passion in building rodeo chaps and saddles.  His style and attention to detail are unique and spot on.  

His story is not only interesting, but also inspiring to all of us that have always worked for ourselves or for those wanting to take the oppurtunity to work for yourself.  

You can see Todd's work and connect with him on Instagram and Facebook by searching for T-Pop Leather Shop.

In this episode, we had the oppurtunity to visit with Gary Dunshee who owns and operates Big Bend Saddlery in Alpine, TX.

His business has a lot of history as one of the oldest big shops in Texas and I couldn't wait to hear his story.  

You can find them on Instagram, Facebook, and their website.

www.bigbendsaddlery.com

In this episode we visit with Lisa Sorrell who is a very talented boot maker from Guthrie, OK.

On top of being an award winning boot maker, Lisa is also an author along with operating a supply business for other bookmakers in the industry.  

Here how she got started, her bookmaking theory and her business thoughts on juggling her many interests.

customboots.net

sorrellnotionsandfindings.com

This interview is with Ben Geisler who is a US Army Vet and saddle maker who owns Aspen Saddlery.  

I had a great time visiting with Ben about his route to becoming a custom saddle maker of fine Wade Saddles.  We also talked about the challenges of starting a business while moving frequently due to his wife's military career all while they raise their son and try to balance it all to achieve their goals.

Check out Ben Geisler on Instagram or visit his website at www.aspensaddlery.com

Bruce is a Veterinarian and Leather Craftsman that found his true passion in refurbishing and preserving the tools of history.

Many of you already know Bruce and may have purchased some tools from him already. If you don't know about him, be sure to visit his website www.brucejohnsonleather.com

Check out some of his tools and give him a call, I am sure he can find the tools you need in your shop. 

Douglas is an award winning saddle maker with a long career building saddles and leathergoods.  He is also an accomplished horsehair craftsman.  He is well known for his horse hair hitching and horse hair rope making for mecates.

Be sure to check him out on Facebook and instagram.

In this episode we visit with Nevada Watt.  She is a silver smith and jewelry maker living and working on her husband's family ranch in South Eastern Oregon. 

She has a new website that helps to teach cowboy gear trade skills to those wanting to learn.  beamaker.school

You can also see her work at nevadawatt.com and Instagram.

This is our very first podcast episode.  Our goal here is to give a short introduction of who we are and what our goals are with this show.  

This show will be ever evolving and we look forward to having you along the journey with us.  Be sure to subscribe to this weekly show.

Jason Thigpen is a wood worker and leather worker with many other skills including being a master auto technician.

He is the owner and operator of Texas Heritage where he creates beautiful and useful resources for all types of craftsmen.

You can find him on Instagram and Facebook as well as his website at www.txheritage.net

In this episode, we visit with Nick and Leanne who own and operate Hemlock and Hyde Leather Goods.

This husband and wife team create beautiful designer bags, leather accessories and even custom felt hats.  I really enjoyed visiting with them and hearing their story as well as their ideas on the business.

You can follow them on Instagram, tiktok, or visit their website at hemlockandhyde.com

This episode is an interview with Chuck Dorsett from Weaver Leather.  Chuck does fantastic leather craft videos on YouTube and offers great instruction.  His videos are high energy and very informative.  

Check out his videos on the Weaver Leather YouTube channel.

In this episode we have a visit with Nigel Armitage who is a bespoke maker of 30 years from England.  

You may already be aware of Nigel's work and if you aren't you will become a big fan of his.  He has a great YouTube Channel and does an amazing job passing on his knowledge of the craft.

Enjoy this episode and visit his website at ArmitageLeather.com 

You can also see him on Instagram, Facebook, and Vimeo.