Members-at-Large — Final Newsletter Report

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CSCL Members-at-Large — Final Newsletter Report, May 2026

In the span of 75 years, Members-At-Large (M.A.L.) viably sustained CSCL standards, even long into retirement.

The ‘writer’ volunteered as M.A.L. Appointee (2012-23), and Executive Council Secretary (2021-23), and viewed videoconference technology as a gamechanger. After her 70^(th) Anniversary M.A.L. Annual Report of an additional 25% attrition, Lauren served as ‘Backup Secretary’ preparing the minutes of virtual-held meetings. Below she brushes the surface, bearing pointedly on her past M.A.L. NEWS email blast readers.

Dorothy (freelance arts reporter) spearheaded more than 50 successful OVSA nominations, a leather exhibition and new Editorial columns when she and David were tasked with increasing M.A.L. representation. Lauren followed with 5 summers of CSCL Larmour Library Review, grateful to hand over the reins to Doug (Kingston, Ontario) who fulfilled his 2-year Executive term ending in 2025.

When the Woodstock Branch disbanded in 2010, the M.A.L. roster rose to over 20 and an unofficial London Leather Guild (LLG) was founded. Meetings were held at the home of Dorothy and David. Marion (CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT, Fall, 2019) and Dorothy co-founded the Annual’s LONDON JEWELLERY AWARD. Loreen, the first Woodstock VP in1967, is the benefactor of the CSCL Teaching in Leathercraft Fund.

CSCL Sustaining Member, Sea Leather Wear, in Calgary, Alberta, sponsored the CSCL for decades, and donated shipments of the company’s Canadian tanned fish leather. Their sueded, glazed, salmon and carp skins inspired the 73^(rd) Annual LEATHERCRAFT MADE OF FISH SKINS AWARD.

David, FCSCL, is an international crafter with a mathematics background. While serving CSCL nationally and locally this award-winning leathercrafter estimated in 2010 that he had made over 400 of his leather boxes since he began retailing in 1990. “In the early 1950’s my parents signed me up at a booth at The Western Fair in London, Ontario for 10 weekly leathercraft lessons at the YWCA . . . I now assume that the London Branch was providing the lessons. If that is the case and if I had known to join CSCL I could have been a member for over 70 years!”

Charter Members were highly influential at CSCL workshops and Betsy, FCSCL, recounts their attention to fine tooling when she became a member in 1983. The camaraderie included travels to judge U.S.-held leather guild events. Earning her Fellows in 1990, she never looked back: Annual Convention host, Editor and award-winning leatherworker along with demonstrations through her Hamilton Branch roots (The LEATHERCRAFTERS JOURNAL, Volume I, No. 4, page 52).

The 2008 Annual Convention display featured the work of four Junior Members. Many milestones were met by these students. Darren, Norland Branch, got his start here with his Gloves and Belt entries. In 2010 Joanna, LLG, won the CRAFT ONTARIO AWARD for her sculpture and the next year Julia’s leaf picture garnered a SALON RIBBON.

From his studio in New Brunswick, Julien equates his story of endurance on adventures in harsh climates to furthering his leathercraft career. He handcrafts custom dog collars, watch bands and more. Speaking from experience running his own leathercraft website, wagramleather.com, Julien explained SEO (Search Engine Optimization) during the Executive Council Meeting’s ‘Guest Spot’ in February 2022 via Zoom. He was awarded two CRAFTSMAN RIBBON’s and the BETTY HEACOCK MEMORIAL AWARD FOR BEST NOVICE at the 2022 CSCL Virtual Leatherwork Annual Competition.

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Nancy, FCSCL, is a Woodstock-area artist who has enjoyed success producing fine leather products for retail. She learned to shape, mould, carve and tool leather through her membership to CSCL in 1987. Her work earned her honours and awards often for belts, buckles and cases. Members extoll her willingness to take on administrative duties and to offer rides to meetings: a fair judge and patient instructor. At the 72^(nd) Virtual AGM she received well-deserved recognition with a CSCL Honorary Life Membership (CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT, M-J-J-A, 2022).

World traveller and publisher of a Scandinavian Leather Journal, Alf lives and works in Norway. He supports CSCL and participated online where his Winter Hat, outerwear unique to Arctic climates, was entered in the CSCL 72^(nd) Virtual Annual Leatherwork Competition. His writing credits include: A Study of the Pompadour Bag (CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT, S-O-N-D, 2022). For his matchstick holder entry in 2023, Alf had obtained leather remarkably preserved for 200 years, salvaged from the shipwrecked Metta Catharina off the coast of England.

Professional Artist and Honorary M.A.L., Peter, lives and works in the U.S. He is a renowned graphic artist and author, publishing leathercraft books on carving styles with colour guidance. During a visit to Canada as the 2012 Annual Convention Guest Speaker, his making of a ‘plug embossing’ horse head that could be used as an appliqué was well attended (CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT, Spring 2012).

Madeleine began leathercrafting at night school, intrigued by the change in texture of her first carved work. Her Woodstock Branch successfully hosted CSCL’s big anniversaries and she initiated the commemorative CSCL Leather Quilt in 1990. A multi-term Editor, she steered the 2005 origin story of the CSCL website. Madeleine was awarded a CSCL Honorary Life Membership (CANADIAN LEATHERCRAFT, Summer 2016).

Carol, FCSCL, is world-renowned as a quilter, with exhibitions and awards. She often guided her Continuing Education leathercraft course students to CSCL where she was heavily relied on for jurying while dedicated to the Woodstock Branch for its duration (1967-2010). Nominated by Dorothy (Director), Carol was honoured to receive the QUEEN ELIZABETH II’S DIAMOND JUBILEE MEDAL with ceremony in 2012 and recognized for her exceptional volunteer achievements with the GOVERNOR GENERAL’S CARING CANADIAN AWARD.

Respectfully submitted for all of the M.A.L. who enthusiastically gave back – the anvil never cools when the heart is warm.