Annie Libertini is an American leather artist and educator best known for her expressive leather masks, leather flowers, and custom artistic commissions. Her work has been widely recognized for using leather as a storytelling material, particularly in mask making, where character, emotion, and narrative are central to the finished piece. Through decades of creative work, teaching, and product design, Libertini has helped expand how leatherworkers think about what the material can do beyond traditional functional projects.

In 2023, she received the Al Stohlman Award in recognition of her contributions to leathercraft education and her role in broadening the creative possibilities of the craft.

Early life and education

Annie Libertini came to leathercraft with a background with a fine arts background in painting. Before focusing extensively on leather, she developed skills in drawing, form, and visual storytelling, which later informed how she approached leatherwork at the bench.

When she began working with leather, Libertini was drawn to the material’s ability to be shaped, carved, dyed, and formed while remaining durable and expressive. Instead of focusing primarily on utilitarian goods such as belts or bags, she explored how leather could be built up, molded, and detailed to create dimensional forms. This early experimentation laid the foundation for the mask work and decorative projects that would later define much of her career.

Career

Mask making and narrative leatherwork

Libertini is especially known for her leather masks, which have become a defining part of her body of work. These pieces are often character-driven, drawing on themes of identity, performance, and transformation. Her masks are designed not only as decorative objects but as wearable pieces intended to convey personality and emotion.

Her mask work has been commissioned by private collectors and created for use in film, television, and themed productions, where leather’s durability and visual depth make it well suited for performance environments. Media coverage over more than a decade has highlighted both the technical skill involved in her masks and the imaginative storytelling behind them, reinforcing her reputation beyond leathercraft circles alone.

Creative commissions and applied art

In addition to masks, Libertini is well known for her leather flowers and other decorative leather elements, which are frequently incorporated into custom commissions. Much of her professional work is commission-based, allowing her to collaborate closely with clients on pieces that require adaptation, problem-solving, and a high level of customization.

These projects often demand nontraditional approaches to patterning, shaping, and finishing, particularly when leather is used for visual impact rather than everyday wear. Libertini’s ability to adapt leatherworking techniques to unusual forms has made her a sought-after artist for one-of-a-kind pieces and creative applications.

Teaching and education

Teaching has long been a central part of Libertini’s career. She has taught leathercraft classes for many years, covering subjects such as mask making, leather flowers, carving, shaping, and creative design. Her classes are known for encouraging students to explore leather beyond standard project patterns and to think critically about how form, thickness, and construction affect the final result.

Libertini has taught online courses for Michaels, bringing leathercraft instruction to a broad audience that may not otherwise encounter the craft. She has also taught extensively at leather trade shows and industry events, including workshops offered through Leather Crafters Journal. These classes often attract students interested in pushing their creative boundaries while still learning solid, repeatable techniques.

Her teaching style is widely described as encouraging and practical, helping leatherworkers feel comfortable experimenting while maintaining control over their work.

Product design and industry collaboration

Libertini has also worked with manufacturers to develop leathercraft products intended for wider retail distribution. She designed several leathercraft kits and products for Realeather, which were sold through big-box craft stores. These products introduced many beginners to creative leather projects, often serving as an accessible entry point into carving and decorative leatherwork.

This aspect of her work reflects her ability to translate complex ideas into approachable formats, making creative leatherwork more accessible without stripping away its expressive potential.

Teaching philosophy and impact

At the heart of Libertini’s teaching philosophy is the belief that leathercraft should invite curiosity and creative risk. She encourages students to try unfamiliar approaches, experiment with form, and allow their work to evolve through the process rather than aiming for perfection from the outset.

Many leatherworkers credit Libertini with helping them feel confident exploring masks, flowers, and other decorative projects that fall outside traditional leather goods. Her influence is often seen less in direct imitation and more in the freedom students feel to adapt techniques and pursue personal creative directions.

Service and leadership

Libertini’s leadership within the leathercraft community is expressed primarily through education and example. By consistently producing imaginative work and sharing her methods openly, she has helped broaden the range of styles and projects considered part of mainstream leathercraft.

Her presence at trade shows, workshops, and online platforms has played a meaningful role in making artistic leatherwork more visible and approachable to everyday leatherworkers.

Personal life

Libertini keeps her personal life largely private, choosing to focus public attention on her artwork and teaching. Within the leathercraft community, she is widely regarded as generous with her knowledge, supportive of students, and deeply committed to creative exploration.

Frequently asked questions

What is Annie Libertini best known for in leathercraft?
She is best known for leather masks, leather flowers, and custom artistic commissions that emphasize storytelling and expression.

Does Annie Libertini teach leathercraft classes?
Yes. She teaches both in-person and online classes, including courses for Michaels and workshops at leather trade shows.

Has Annie Libertini designed products for retail stores?
Yes. She designed leathercraft kits and products for Realeather that were sold in big-box craft stores.

What kind of work does Annie Libertini create?
Her work includes custom commissions, leather masks, leather flowers, pieces for film and television, and teaching-focused demonstration projects.

Why did Annie Libertini receive the Al Stohlman Award?
She received the award for her contributions to leathercraft education and for expanding creative possibilities within the craft.

External links

• Annie Libertini official website

• Recorded workshops and educational platforms

Sources for this article:

• Elktracks Studio artist profile and Al Stohlman Award materials

• Spokesman-Review feature articles on Annie Libertini

• Artist statements, portfolio materials, and instructional workshops

Written By: Michael Magnus
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