ABOUT WC
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Hello, My name is Wayne Christensen,
I am the owner of Standing Bear\'s Trading Post and Leather by WC,
I’ve been doing leatherwork for 40 years.
I got my start in Leathercraft when a neighbor who was moving gave me a 55 gal drum full of scrap leather.
I went to my local Tandy Leather store and bought a small beginners tool set.
The manager, Don McGown was one of the most helpful people I’ve ever met.
If it wasn’t for all his help and encouragement I would have given up.
After a few years I was able to take some classes from masters like Bob Beard, Peter Main, Tony Laier and Chuck Smith.
Leatherwork became my passion, I turned it into my full time business in 1990 and have never had a days regret.
In 1995 the new Tandy Leather Mgr. ask me to teach the advanced leather class for him.
I’ve been teaching others to do leatherwork ever since.
Most of the leather items I make have a western flair,
but I\'ve also crafted items for bikers and rock musicians.
All my work is hand-carved and hand-tooled leather.
Every custom piece is meticulously hand-sewn using waxed thread for superior durability.
My business motto is simple:
"You only have two things,
your ability & your integrity.
If you compromise either one,
you\'ve lost the other."
When I provide a finish date, the job will be done on time,
and I prioritize existing orders over new ones by not putting custom leather orders in front of ones already in the book.
I\'ve had the privilege of working on TV shows and motion pictures.
Some of the TV shows where my leatherwork was used are:
"Guns of Paradise," "Quantum Leap,"
"Martian Law" (a pilot for a new show that never aired,
"Diagnosis Murder", "Jello Shot" & "Sliders".
Movies that I carved and tooled custom leather pieces for include:
"Heat", "Indian in the Cupboard", "Streets of Larado", "Just Friends", "Lightning Jack", "Kill Bill 2", & "The Magnificent 7" remake.
PROUD MOMENTS:
One of my proudest moments came in 1999 when I was the only leather artist invited to put their work in
"The Fuller Museum of Art" an a part of an exhibit called “Hand Crafted for Outdoor Sports”
Other Moments that are special to me include:
The Autry Museum inviting me to instruct at their “make it and take it” for the public in ’95, ’96, & ’97.
In 1995 I also did a TV show for HGTV called “What’s Your Hobby?” Even though I did leatherwork for a living not a hobby, they thought I’d be best for the show.
Being a member of International Internet Leathercrafters Guild ("IILG") from 1996 until the leather guild was disbanded
On September 17th 2006 I 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, I was asked to be a part of Biker Radio Magazine’s radio show entitled “The Leather Show”.
During the episode I was able to share with listeners how to work with leather in order to personalize their motorcycles.
Being a member and current president of The Leathercraft Guild and hosting the meetings in my leathercraft supply store for over 17 years.
On April 20th 2008, I had the honor of being presented with the Weaver Memorial Perpetual Trophy
for Outstanding Service to The Leathercraft Guild, by former guild president Robert Ambriz
September 28th 2013, I was presented with the Al Stohlman Award for Achievement in Leathercraft.
Getting into leatherwork has changed my life for the better.
Leatherwork isn\'t what I do, It\'s Who I AM!
If you have custom leather needs,
Feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Follow me on Facebook
For leather working classes and leathercraft supply information,
please contact Standing Bear\'s Trading Post directly at [email protected].
There are no prices listed for any of my pieces;
all my work is by custom order.
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