One of the most inspiring things about the Illinois Valley Leather Guild is how our members grow—not just in skill, but in confidence and creativity. Founded in the 1960s, our guild has always been a place where beginners and experienced artisans come together to share knowledge, ideas, and a love for leathercraft.
At any meeting, you’ll see a wide range of projects in progress: first-time tooling attempts, carefully stitched wallets, carved belts, detailed bags, and artistic pieces made for exhibitions and competitions. Our members range in age from 4 to 87, and each person brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re picking up a swivel knife for the first time or refining advanced techniques, there’s always someone ready to help and encourage you.
Hands-on learning is at the heart of what we do. Our workshops and demonstrations focus on real projects—cutting, tooling, stitching, dyeing, and finishing leather step by step. These sessions aren’t just about technique; they’re about building confidence and discovering your own creative style.
As part of the International Federation of Leather Guilds (IFoLG), our members also connect to the global leathercraft community. Through IFoLG, we gain access to international workshops, conferences, exhibitions, and competitions that celebrate creativity and personal growth at every level. It’s exciting to see our local work become part of a worldwide tradition of craftsmanship.
We meet on the third Saturday of every month at 3:00 PM at Mabuhay Leather Craft Store in Northwoods Mall, Peoria, Illinois, and visitors are always welcome. Whether you’re curious about leathercraft or ready to take your skills to the next level, the Illinois Valley Leather Guild is a place where you can learn, create, and belong.
If you’ve ever thought about working with leather, there’s no better time to start. Come join us—and let your journey from beginner to artisan begin.