The art of leathercraft has been a part of Jerry Schott’s life for 75 years and to him it’s became more than just a hobby — it’s had a generational impact. You see, this leather work began as a simple art class in junior high school and now has transpired into a love, passion, and something that Schott, 88, who is from Fort Collins, Colo., has been able to pass down to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Not long after discovering his love of working with leather, Schott decided he needed to figure out a way to pay for tools so that he could continue perfecting his new craft. He began delivering newspapers to save up for the tools he knew would be valuable in creating leather pieces.
In his formative years leathercraft allowed Schott to be creative with his hands and gave him an outlet to create after he worked his 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. job. It also allowed him to bless others with a gift that was handmade and thoughtful. After marrying his wife Donna, over 55 years ago, money was tight — as it is for many newlyweds. Despite this, Jerry was able to utilize his skillset to make belts and billfolds for his whole family, that were low-cost and special. And much to his excitement, those same gifts are still in the family today, and look like new, thanks to a maker who was intentional in making them the right way — not cutting corners…