Founded in the 1960s, the Illinois Valley Leather Guild has grown into a welcoming, creative community where leathercraft enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels come together to learn, create, and share their passion for the craft. With members ranging from 4 to 87 years old, our guild proves that leatherworking is truly a lifelong art—open to curious beginners and seasoned artisans alike.
At the heart of our guild is hands-on learning. Whether it’s tooling leather, stitching by hand, dyeing hides, or building a project from start to finish, our members thrive in an environment built on creativity and shared knowledge. Every meeting is an opportunity to develop new skills, try new techniques, and get inspired by the work of others.
As a proud member of the International Federation of Leather Guilds (IFoLG), the Illinois Valley Leather Guild is connected to a global network of leathercraft enthusiasts and experts. This affiliation opens the door to international workshops, seminars, conferences, and educational resources that help our members grow both artistically and technically. It also allows our guild to gain international exposure through exhibitions, cultural exchanges, and competitions.
What makes IFoLG competitions special is their inclusive spirit. They welcome all skill levels and focus on creativity, personal expression, and growth—not just winning. Each entry becomes part of a worldwide celebration of leathercraft artistry, and our members are encouraged to participate, learn, and showcase their unique style.
We meet on the third Saturday of each month at 3:00 PM at Mabuhay Leather Craft Store in Northwoods Mall, Peoria, Illinois. Our meetings include demonstrations, mini-workshops, project sharing, and plenty of time to connect with fellow makers. Visitors and new members are always welcome—whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience behind you.
Beyond meetings, our guild stays active through workshops, exhibitions, blog updates, news, and community events. From instructor-led sessions and competitions to exhibitor showcases and gallery features, there’s always something happening in our creative space.
If you’re passionate about leathercraft—or simply curious to learn—we invite you to join us. At the Illinois Valley Leather Guild, you won’t just learn how to work with leather… you’ll become part of a community that celebrates tradition, creativity, and connection.