Bea Austin

The Society's newsletter ran a column, "Who's Who in Leathercraft", profiling one member at a time. This is the profile of Bea Austin, printed in Summer 1980 and transcribed here from the original.

Bea Austin of Hamilton Branch is our newest Fellow, receiving her certificate at the 1980 Annual Meeting in Belleville.

A leathercrafter for 33 years, Bea started her craft in 1947, joining the C.S.C.L. group in 1956. Her teachers included Mrs. Whetstone, Nora Huyck, Don McKinnon, Bob Muma, and Fred Longten. In more recent years she has taught in Community Programmes, and has given private instructions in the craft at her own home.

During her 24 years with the C.S.C.L., she has served on the Hamilton Branch Executive, as well as on the Executive Council of the C.S.C.L. for many years.

Salon and Craftsman ribbons at International and Annual meetings have been amongst the awards Bea has gained at many exhibitions throughout the years, and in 1978 she was awarded the coveted Best Craftsman award. She has also exhibited in the C.S.C.L. Biennial shows.

In June 1977, Bea contributed a fine article to Canadian Leathercraft, on the making of a moulded purse, constructed without any stitching or lacing. Moulding and laminating leather is her specialty, and we congratulate this especially talented new "Fellow".

From the "Who's Who in Leathercraft" column in Canadian Leathercraft, Summer 1980, written by Helen Wheaton.