I began creating beautiful leather items for sale and for my own enjoyment in the fall of 1995. I had my first sale in January 1996. I have come a long way. I looked back at my first work and saw how far I had come. I have created the That’s Leather Jewelry Line. I am a highly and specifically trained artesean. I have been trained by masters in this craft. I bring my experience and incredible training to you with my unique jewelry and products.
Paul Burnett taught me the leather feather. His wife, Karen, who is continuing the business, taught me the leaves and flowers.
When I was 17, an incredible artist, Betty Myers, taught a portrait class which took my work from line drawing to realism. This has been an asset in doing the leather art.
Now, I’m looking forward to adding photography and photo editing including creating overlays and backgrounds for photo editing from the many pictures I have taken over the years.
The constant learning keeps my mind young!
This is a light weight, realistic looking, affordable alternative to real feathers from eagles, hawks, etc which are illegal to own. Some feathers such as from song birds are illegal to own in some states, each state having their own laws.
Each and every beautifully hand made, realistic looking feather jewelry piece is made from leather. This jewelry is an affordable durable alternative to jewelry made from real feather
I make my “quill caps” from sterling silver tubing and earring wires from Argentium which give the sleek, elegant look to my earrings. I use a high quality nickel silver pin backs which I modify to conform to the shape of my pins. For my barrettes I use a 1-piece French style barrette back made in France.
I make most everything from raw materials including the findings with the exception of the pin and barrette backs. the pin backs are high quality nickle silver. The barrette backs are one-piece stainless steel made in France. You will wear your individualized and custom pieces proudly.
Many of the feathers I make are from Paul Burnett’s instructions. From what he taught me, I have been able to create many new ones. His wife taught me how to make the leather leaves. My Aspen leaves are from Paul’s impression. Some of my Maple leaves are made from the die cut leaves I purchase from Mrs. Burnett and then sculpture. Some I create myself from real leaves. They showed me how to make leather flowers and then I expanded that aspect of my leather work by making patterns from real flowers. His wife, Karen, remains a special friend and business associate.