Al Stohlman (1919-1998)

Early Life & Artistic Roots

Al Stohlman was born August 15, 1919, in Olive, California, where he developed an early love of drawing and Western themes, inspired by cattle drives and ranch life nearby. He originally aspired to illustrate Western novels but found his true medium in leather.

World War II & First Contact with Leather

In 1941, Stohlman joined the U.S. Army’s 46th Engineer Regiment and served for 40 months in New Guinea. There, he witnessed locals crafting decorative leather and, with improvised tools, began experimenting himself. This marked the start of his lifelong connection to the craft.

Post‑War Apprenticeship & Early Career

Following discharge, he settled near Laguna Canyon, California. He supported himself by tooling plain saddles purchased at auction and selling them with carved Western imagery. A turning point came when he met Guy Lauderbach of Schaff Leather Company and apprenticed under him beginning in 1947. Within years, Stohlman moved from carving to full saddle making and design.

Work with Craftool & Freelance Innovation

In the early 1950s, a carving of a palomino caught the attention of Craftool Company owner Dick McGahan. This led to a two-year position in Los Angeles, designing carving tools and creating educational materials such as How to Carve Leather and Figure Carving. Later, he became a freelance designer, producing influential materials and patterns through Tandy Leather while residing at a quiet ranch near Hemet, California.

Partnership with Ann Stohlman

Al married Ann McDonald in 1963. In 1969, the couple moved to Cache Creek, British Columbia, where they spent the next 29 years collaborating extensively. Al focused on carving and illustration while Ann developed instructions and managed production for their numerous publications. Although this article centers on Al, their joint legacy and influential partnership deserve their own detailed exploration.

Publications & Instructional Legacy

Stohlman authored or co‑authored well over 40 books and patterns. These included Belts Galore, The Art of Making Leather Cases, Figures in Leather, Leathercraft Tools, and the multi‑volume Stohlman Encyclopedia of Saddle Making. His illustrative style and step-by-step clarity made complex techniques accessible to thousands of hobbyists and professionals alike.

Style & Technique

Al emphasized realism and accurate detail. “It takes ideas... a scene must be authentic in detail, so it takes time. Lots of time.” His work helped formalize figure carving and Western floral tooling. He also designed or influenced many tools still in use across the industry today.

Legacy & Recognition

In 1983, the Al Stohlman Award for Achievement in Leathercraft was established to honor individuals whose body of work and dedication follow Al’s example. Al Stohlman passed away on March 6, 1998. Ann followed in 2004. Their legacy lives on at the Tandy Leather Museum & Gallery in Fort Worth, Texas, where an entire wing displays original carvings, doodle pages, patterns, and instructional manuscripts from the Stohlman collection.

Video & Media Highlights

In this video, George Hurst visits Al and Ann at their Canadian ranch. Al recounts his early experiments carving leather in New Guinea using pocketknives and makeshift tools. He illustrates how those humble beginnings shaped his philosophy toward craft and design. The footage captures both the creative process and personal humility.

Bibliography

Books by Al Stohlman

  • Stohlman, Al. How to Carve Leather. Craftool Company.
  • Stohlman, Al. Figure Carving. Craftool Company.
  • Stohlman, Al. Leathercraft Tools: How to Use Them, How to Sharpen Them. Tandy Leather.
  • Stohlman, Al. The Art of Making Leather Cases (Volumes 1–3). Tandy Leather.
  • Stohlman, Al. Belts Galore. Tandy Leather.
  • Stohlman, Al. Figures in Leather. Tandy Leather.
  • Stohlman, Al. The Stohlman Encyclopedia of Saddle Making (Volumes 1–3). Tandy Leather.

Further Resources & Recommended Reading

  • Tandy Leather Museum & Gallery (Fort Worth, TX) – Online and in-person exhibitions featuring the Stohlman Collection
  • Al & Ann Stohlman Award Foundation – Information on award recipients and criteria (including historical archives)
  • Elktracks Studio: Leaders in Leathercraft — Al Stohlman – Biography and reflections from later artisans on his impact
  • Leatherworker.net forum posts – Commentary and recollections from crafters reflecting on how the Stohlmans influenced their work

Sources


Article by: Michael Magnus