Tabla de contenidos para June 2025 en Illume

Dear Friends, As I read through this month’s issue, three themes rose to the surface again and again: Jesus Christ, Don Gonzales, and the importance of relationships. What’s beautiful is how naturally those three go together—and how close they are to my heart. At the core of our mission at Illume is a simple yet powerful statement: We elevate and unite the leather community through authentic re-lationships and narrative, unique learning experiences, and indus-try events. Everything we do—everything any of us does—happens in and through relationships. Think about it. We were each born into this world in relationship, immediately connected to our mothers. From that first moment, the human experience unfolds through connection. Families, friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, mentors—even strangers—play a role in shaping who we are. We feel love,…

LEATHER AS A BYPRODUCT OF MEAT AND DAIRY INDUSTRIES: SUPPORTING SUSTAINABILITY AND REDUCING WASTE With Earth Day just behind us, it’s important to remember to celebrate it all year long. And not just celebrate, but make actions towards creating a more sustainable planet. Fostering a consistent commitment to the environment and sustainability is critical and Earth Day serves as a key moment to raise awareness about environmental issues. The challenges facing our planet such as climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss require ongoing action and responsibility. By making Earth Day values a part of everyday life, individuals, communities and organizations can collectively contribute to reduce waste, conserve natural resources and protect ecosystems. How Can the Leather Industry Do Its Part? The leather industry can play an important role here. It’s…

Dusty Smith was raised on a ranch in southwestern Wyoming, near Evanston. It was only natural that he fell into a career as a cowboy. Dusty’s mother had a job and sometimes she couldn’t pick him up after school. Eight-year-old Dusty would go stay at a family friend’s house until his mom picked him up. It was there that he was introduced to the world of Tandy Leather and also to what would be his other career. The lady he stayed with did basic leather work, like wallets and purses, as a hobby and she kept Dusty busy working on some of the kits. “And then I went to 4-H and I continued on with leathercraft as much as I could,” remembers Dusty. Dusty went to college at the University…

“Joey uses the best leather you can get, and the price is better than everyone else's…And you have me dressing them, and inspecting them and, as you know, Grandma always knows best.”—Tina Beil, Joey’s grandmother, explained why horse people should buy Wenger company reins You don't have to interview very many folks running independent leathercraft businesses before some basic facts become abundantly apparent. Number one, they're some of the hardest working people on the planet. Number two, family is the foundation on which many, if not most, of these businesses are built and the whole family often plays a role. And if you could look all that up in a dictionary, you might see a picture of Joey Wenger and family of East Berlin, Pennsylvania. His Wenger Leather Works includes…

B. CRAWFORD B. Crawford has written, co-written or ghost-written more than three dozen books over the last thirty years, including Border Radio: Quacks, Yodelers, Pitchmen, Psychics and Other Amazing Broadcasters of the American Airwaves (Univ. of Texas Press: 2002) which he co-wrote with fellow Illume writer Gene Fowler. Crawford is interested in all things authentic and mind-bending. He currently lives in a small town in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, where he writes, swims, rides his bike, and drinks tequila. GENE FOWLER A writer and performer based in Texas, Gene Fowler has written for Cowboys & Indians, Ox-ford American, San Francisco Chronicle, True West, and many other publications. His books include Maverick, Border Radio, Crazy Water, and Metro Music. ANGIE SHAW Angie Shaw is an experienced stitcher for Burns Boots in Salina…

Elevate your designs with our stunning Embossed Leather Collec-tions! Each month, we introduce a fresh color or pattern, perfect for adding texture to your projects. Introducing our new Jumbo Croc Sierra Collection. Ideal for crafts, home accessories, fashion acces-sory manufacturing, interior design, and upholstery. Contact us today to explore the latest additions! Call: 972-635-3055 Email: info@texasleathergoods.com Visit: 1224 Capital Drive Carrollton, TX 75006…

WANTED NEW SUBSCRIBERS WANTED. Now is the time to renew and see what you have been missing! Give us a call at (435) 565-6052, e-mail: savannah@burns1876.com or visit www.illumeconnect.com. GREAT OPPORTUNITY. Burns 1876 is now hiring saddlemakers, bootmakers, silversmiths, hat makers, and leather craftsman/woman in their manufacturing facilities in Salina, Utah. In-house training provided. Please send your resume and a cover letter to careers@burns1876.com. AMISH CRAFTSMAN LOOKING FOR A WHOLESALE OUTLET. I specialize in dog training products and dog muzzles. I can custom make products to your specs. Jonathan Borntreger, 19563 CTY HWY MM, Wilton, WI. 54670 WANTED • Standard Rivet Spot Setter with Hoppers (stand-up or sit-down model).• Dye Sets for Standard Rivet Spot Setter• Landis 6-inch Crank Splitter. Must be in working condition and available for shipping. Contact…

Since 1907, Angelus Brand has been a cornerstone in leather care and customiza-tion. Originating as a small family business, this American-made brand has evolved from a shoe polish company into the go-to paint for fashion customization: everything from luxury handbags, luxury cars, performance props and custom shoes worn by celebrities and performers. Today, it’s a globally-rec-ognized brand synonymous with quality, precision and creativity. That’s why it’s excited to share information about its re-cent acquisition – PECARD – an exclusive manufacturer of leather care products. At Angelus, it’s not just about selling art and restoration supplies – it’s about providing artists, hobbyists and professionals the tools they need to bring their visions to life. Its range of premium paints, dyes and finishes has been a game-changer in the custom sneaker and…

If you’ve ever made boots for someone who requested a different heel height than your go-to style, you may have noticed something didn’t quite sit right — literally. One often-overlooked factor in how a boot sits on the last is the side seam, or what’s sometimes called the “side draft.” It’s a subtle but important cut that affects whether your boot leans forward, backward, or stays level. Let’s break it down with a visual example using the same last and heel height as a baseline, and then see what happens when the heel height changes. You’ll see how that simple side seam cut can make all the difference — and how to adjust it to get the right fit, every time. Trimming the side seam or “cutting the side draft”…

“With all the turmoil in my life, I went back to what I loved to do – art.”—Seth Holbert Sometimes, great pain inspires great art. Seth Holbert’s life was changed by a tragic accident. He hit bottom. Then he bounced back, with leather in his hands. “With all the turmoil in my life, I went back to what I loved to do – art. By keeping my hands and mind busy, I soon healed and now I share God’s talent through me with others by creating leather works.” Based in Fredericksburg, Texas, Seth Holbert’s company, Blackwater Leather, specializes in making custom leather center consoles and headrests for the interiors of stylish cars and pickup trucks. Seth believes in hard work. His attention to detail is constant and he is…