John Page

John, having been around leather most of his life, is a self-taught leather crafter. He was born in the mountains of western North Carolina, but raised in Buford Georgia. Until the early 1970's, Buford was the "leather capitol of the world". A large portion of the population was employed by Bona Allen Incorporated. They had a huge leather facility spread over the town. "Going thru town you could smell the different leather processes, some good and some bad, but some of the finest leather work was created in these leather shops." John's first job as an adult was in a shoe and boot factory near the town. In 1996, John and his wife Patti, also an artist, returned to the mountains of North Carolina. John now produces fine hand made leather items.
     John does all the work by hand besides preserving the leather. He cuts, bevels, dyes, and patterns (when needed) by hand. Even the sewing machine is hand operated. The only electric powered machine in the leather shop is used for burnishing, or sealing, the edges of the leather, a tedious process done one item at a time. John’s devotion to detail and quality of product has sustained him through the years. His uniquely designed journals, baskets, and bowls have been greatly appreciated by his many collectors.