Illume Connect

Illume Connect A Leather Retailers' and Manufacturers' Journal The Leather Retailers and Manufactures Journal.

01/15/2025

💡 Want to connect with customers AND boost sales? Share your process!

People love seeing the behind-the-scenes magic that goes into your craft. Here’s why:

✔️ Build Trust: Showing your craftsmanship proves your products are worth the investment.

✔️ Stand Out: Your process is unique—share it to highlight what sets you apart!

✔️ Create Connection: Let customers see the time, care, and skill you pour into every piece.

🎥 Not sure where to start? Take a quick video of your tools, your workspace, or even a step in your project. Add a caption about what you're working on and why you love it.

👉 Pro Tip: Don't forget to tag your post with to reach more leather-loving fans.

Let your audience fall in love with the story behind your craft—and keep them coming back for more.

What’s one behind-the-scenes detail about your leatherwork you could share today? Drop it below! 👇

01/15/2025

Want your leather projects to look chef’s kiss without dropping $$$ on fancy tools?

Let me introduce you to your new best friend: Wing Dividers. Yup, that little gadget you probably overlooked is about to give your leather edges the glow-up they deserve.

🛠️ Pro Tip: Sand down the tips just a little. Instead of cutting your leather, they’ll glide smoothly, leaving a clean, soft groove. Keep going over it as the leather dries, and BAM—hello, pro-level finish.

Why blow cash on overpriced tools when this $10 trick makes your work look like it belongs in a high-end shop? 😎

🔖 Save this tip for your next project and follow for more leathercraft hacks that make you look like a total pro.

Leather + Tattoos = Pure Magic.  Spotted in the latest Illume Magazine: the Leather Tattooling™ Machine by Dennis Forres...
01/14/2025

Leather + Tattoos = Pure Magic.

Spotted in the latest Illume Magazine: the Leather Tattooling™ Machine by Dennis Forrester of and trust us, this is no ordinary tool.

This game-changer lets you tattool intricate designs onto leather with the kind of precision you didn’t think was possible. Go bold and tattool entire projects, or mix it up with traditional carving and stamping for designs that stop people in their tracks.

📖 Want more cool finds like this? The latest Illume Magazine is packed with next-level tools, artisan insights, and all the creative inspo you need.

Ready to give your leathercraft an edge (literally)?

🔗 Grab your own Leather Tattooling™ Machine at weaverleathersupply.com and don’t forget to subscribe to Illume Magazine for more discoveries like this!

P.S. Wonder how we always know about the latest and greatest in leathercraft? 😉 Illume Magazine is your backstage pass to the tools, trends, and tips every leathercrafter needs to know. Don’t miss out!





01/11/2025

Ever thought leather was just… leather? Think again. 🐂

This is a masterclass in what to look for—and what to avoid—when working with hides. From spotting unhealed scars to rolling a hide for structure, these little nuggets are the difference between rookie mistakes and pro-level results.

👀 Watch to the end for the tip that even seasoned leathercrafters need to hear. Trust me, it’s worth it.

And the best part? This is just a sneak peek of what you’ll get inside Learn with Illume. With over 140+ tutorials, exclusive tips, and patterns galore, it’s like having a leathercraft guru right in your workshop.

🔗 Link in bio to join now and start your best leathercrafting year yet!

https://go.illumeconnect.com/

01/11/2025

Meet Patricia Ruff: From Learn with Illume Member to Leathercraft Champion 🏆

Patricia didn’t just enter the Northwestern Leather Masters Championship—she dominated, walking away with not one, not two, but THREE prizes! 🙌

Her secret? A little talent, a lot of dedication, and the all-in-one support of Learn with Illume.

Here’s why Patricia loves Illume:

✨ Learn at your own pace with structured chapters and clear guidance.

✨ Never guess again—get tool + material lists and projects tailored to your skill level.

✨ Patterns made easy: Print tap-offs, floral tooling designs, and bag templates.

✨ Stay inspired: New patterns drop all the time.

And when life gets busy? Patricia loves that you can pause your subscription and jump back in when you're ready to level up your craft.

Ready to take your leathercrafting skills to the winner’s circle? Join the Illume family today. 🛠️ Link in bio!

https://go.illumeconnect.com/

01/10/2025

When you snag a pattern for a few bucks, here’s what you’re actually getting:

✨ Hours of trial and error saved.

✨ A shortcut to pro-level results.

✨ Someone else’s years of “why isn’t this working?” moments turned into “ta-da!”

But what if you could go beyond just buying patterns and actually learn to draft your own? 👀

Inside Learn with Illume, you’ll find not only tons of ready-to-go patterns but also expert-led courses that teach you the how and why of patterning.

This isn’t just crafting—it’s leveling up your skills, your confidence, and your creations.

💥 Ready to make your patterns (and your leathercraft) unforgettable? Join now and get instant access! 🎯

https://go.illumeconnect.com/

01/09/2025

Undervaluing your work? You’re not alone—but it stops here.

Aaron Heizer of Makers Leather Supply knows the struggle all too well: spending $150 on materials and countless hours creating a masterpiece, only to hear someone suggest selling it for $60. (Um, no thanks.)

Here’s the truth: Your work deserves better, and so do you. It’s time to know your worth, price like a pro, and own your value.

🎉 And here’s the game-changer: When you join Learn with Illume, you’ll get access to our brand-new bonus Profit, Pricing & Perseverance: The Ultimate Business Playbook.

What’s inside? Oh, just the ultimate step-by-step guide to: 💸 Mastering your cash flow

📈 Pricing your products for actual profit (no $60 sob stories here)

❤️ Building customer loyalty that keeps them coming back

This isn’t just a playbook; it’s a roadmap to turning your leathercraft passion into a thriving business. Your craft deserves to shine—and your wallet will thank you.

👀 Ready to make it happen? Join Learn with Illume today and take the first step toward the leathercraft business of your dreams.

✨ Link in bio to dive in! ✨

https://go.illumeconnect.com/

01/07/2025

What’s your practice routine?

If it involves aimlessly hacking away at scraps, it’s time for an upgrade. Our experts say:

⭐️Cut with purpose.

⭐️Practice the skills you’ll actually use (corners, edges, details).

⭐️Treat every piece like it’s a masterpiece in the making.

This isn’t just good advice—it’s how you become a pro. And it’s exactly what Learn with Illume teaches you, course after course.

🎯 Want tips like this delivered straight to your workshop? Join the membership leathercrafters can’t stop raving about. Link in bio!

https://go.illumeconnect.com/

01/03/2025

Did you know your local auto parts store might be hiding your new favorite leathercraft tool? 👀

Those auto body sanding blocks? They’re not just for cars—they’re perfect for leather sheaths too! With grits ranging into the thousands, these little gems give your leather the smooth, polished edges it deserves.

Stop struggling with uneven sanding and step into pro territory. Try this hack and thank us later!

🛠️ Got a go-to tool hack of your own? Drop it below—we love hearing your secrets!

📅 New year, new goals, new opportunities! Before you dive into 2025, let’s make sure you’re set up to sell like a pro. H...
01/02/2025

📅 New year, new goals, new opportunities! Before you dive into 2025, let’s make sure you’re set up to sell like a pro. Here are 4 quick checks every leathercrafter needs to make:

1️⃣ Stock your supplies – Running out of leather mid-project? Nightmare. 🫠 Check your inventory now!

2️⃣ Update your product photos – Good photos sell. GREAT photos? They seal the deal. 📸

3️⃣ Audit your pricing – Your time, materials, and talent matter. Make sure your prices do them justice! 💰

4️⃣ Promote, promote, promote – Show up and show off. Behind-the-scenes, customer love, and sneak peeks = buyer magnet. 🧲

Set yourself up for success with these tips, and if you’re ready to take your leathercraft biz to the next level, join Learn with Illume. 💡

👉 Swipe through for all the tips and check the link in bio to start thriving in 2025!

01/01/2025

💡 We’re curious, leather lovers: What’s your leathercraft vibe?

Whether you’re stitching for fun or building an empire, we want to know—what role does leathercraft play in your life?

Drop your vote below! 👇

Poll Options:

1️⃣ Hobbyist—It’s my creative escape!

2️⃣ Side Hustler—Selling a few pieces here and there.

3️⃣ Leather Boss—Running a full-blown business.

4️⃣ Dreamer—Hoping to start selling soon!

P.S. Feel free to tell us more about your leathercraft journey in the comments. We love hearing your stories! 💬

12/31/2024

Ever had a project ruined by a tear at a sharp corner? 😱 Don’t let it happen again! This quick tip is a total game-changer: adding a small stop hole or end punch at the apex of your 90-degree cuts.

✨ Why it works:

✔️ Stops tearing in its tracks

✔️ Gives you a clean, professional finish

✔️ Makes cutting those tricky tips a breeze

Watch this clip and save it for later—you’ll thank yourself when your next project goes smoothly.

Got a go-to leatherworking hack? Drop it below and share the wisdom! 👇

12/27/2024

Raise your hand if you’ve ever had to redo a stitch because you turned too fast. 🙋‍♀️

We’ve all been there—flying through a project, feeling like a stitching superhero, only to realize we’ve missed a crucial step and bam...the dreaded skipped stitch.

Here’s Ty’s game-changing tip:

✅ Let your needle start back up before you turn your material.

Why? Because that little bobbin loop needs time to lock down your stitch, making it solid and perfect—no do-overs required.

✨ Want more wisdom like this? The rest of Ty Skiver’s bootmaking course just dropped in the Learn with Illume membership today! Dive into his no-nonsense, expert guidance and take your bootmaking game to the next level.

👉 Share this with your fellow stitchers (they’ll thank you). And tell us: What’s the stitch mistake that drives you up the wall?

12/26/2024

You know that saying, “Start where you are with what you have”? That’s exactly what Ty Skiver did when he dove into bootmaking back in the ‘90s. 🥾

Here’s the thing: Ty didn’t have a fully equipped shop or top-tier tools. He started with what he could find (hello, Walmart knives 🛠) and a ruler. His workshop? Sometimes just a table.

What made the difference?

1️⃣ A part-time job at a local boot repair shop.

2️⃣ A whole lot of grit, curiosity, and creativity.

Ty’s story is proof that you don’t need the fanciest tools or setups to begin your craft. You just need to start.

👉 Feeling inspired? Tag someone who needs to hear this! And if you’re ready to take your leathercrafting dreams to the next level, check out Ty’s bootmaking course in the Illume Membership.

✨ New Year, New You (Leathercraft Goals)! 🛠 Forget resolutions like “eat more kale” or “stop doomscrolling”—this year, i...
12/23/2024

✨ New Year, New You (Leathercraft Goals)! 🛠

Forget resolutions like “eat more kale” or “stop doomscrolling”—this year, it’s all about upgrading your craft. Whether it’s finally mastering that tricky stitching technique or creating a project so jaw-dropping even your cat will be impressed, 2025 is your year to shine in leatherwork.

So grab your tools, dust off that dream project, and let’s make some magic (and maybe a few scraps on the floor).

👉 Save this post as your crafty compass for the year ahead. And share it with that one friend who keeps saying, “I really want to try leathercraft one day…” 👀

12/20/2024

Skiving leather? If you’re just pushing straight, you might as well try slicing a tomato by smashing your knife on it. 🍅 Spoiler: It’s not gonna end well.

Here’s the deal: Skiving is all about the angle. Once you set that blade just right, it’s smooth sailing (or slicing) from there.

Watch the clips to see exactly what I mean—and save this post so you don’t forget. Because no one wants choppy edges.

Oh, and heads up: Mark’s skiving course just dropped in Learn with Illume today! If you’re ready to sharpen your skills and get buttery-smooth results, now’s the time to dive in.

Got a skiving tip of your own? Drop it below! 👇

12/19/2024

The Shocking Truth About Today’s Leather Quality 👀

Remember when leather was chef’s kiss perfection? Turns out, it’s not the tanneries messing with us—it’s the cows. 🐄 Yep, faster-growing cattle and modern farming are changing the game, and not in a good way. Think: weaker hides, fewer range marks, and a whole lot less character.

So, what does this mean for your leathercraft? Watch the video and let Mark break it down—rawhide secrets, the Jersey cow connection, and why the best leather is practically a thing of the past.

📹 Hit play and find out what no one’s telling you about your hides!

➡️ Follow us for more leathercraft tips and insider knowledge. Got a leather-loving friend? Share this with them—they need to know, too

🎄 3 FREE Patterns for Last-Minute Leather Gifts 🎄 Swipe ➡️ for quick-to-make, oh-so-giftable leather projects: 🎁 Gift Ca...
12/18/2024

🎄 3 FREE Patterns for Last-Minute Leather Gifts 🎄

Swipe ➡️ for quick-to-make, oh-so-giftable leather projects:

🎁 Gift Card Holder – The fanciest way to say, “I panicked and got you a gift card.”

🔑 Leather Keychain – Stylish, practical, and perfect for everyone on your list.

📦 Leather Valet Tray – So they’ll never lose their keys (or their mind) again.

✨ Checkout our YouTube channel for step-by-step tutorials for all three.

https://www.youtube.com/

Because nothing says “I’m thoughtful and talented” like handmade leather. 🎁

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