Tom Grusendorf Leather and Wood Crafts

Where it all started

I was introduced to the rudiments of woodwork at my mother's knee when I was about five years old. She had a broken wrist many years before that had never healed properly, so I got to do the sawing and some of the hammering for her. Her father was a very capable carpenter so we had some great instruction. He built everything, from hip roofed barns and houses to grandfather clocks.

My dad (farmer, mechanic, welder) was always busy with the farm or service station/garage, trying to eke out a living. So many of the home repairs, renovations, shelving and other stuff fell to Mom and me to do. Dad would help as available on the larger projects. Mom and Dad were continuously building and renovating throughout most of their lives. After I was married, I learned more about woodworking from my father-in-law, another great carpenter.

I started leather work when I was in grade 9. My grandfather had given me an old saddle for my horse. It was in very poor condition so I decided I wanted to fix it up. I decided to take leatherwork in Shop and learn leather carving and tooling so I could fix it up.

The school I attended bused us to a neighbouring school 20 miles away for Shop (and Home Economics for the girls) on Friday afternoons. On my first day of Shop, I found that there was no choice of projects or subjects. First we learned drafting. Then we would draft the construction drawings for a night table. Finally we would build and finish the night table.

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