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Apologies for the Hiatus

Apologies for the Hiatus

Apologies for the hiatus, dear listeners! We’re back with a bang, ready to explore the enchanting realm of Dragon Cat Leather. I’m Philip, your host, and we’re about to unravel the artistry, innovation, and captivating stories behind our one-of-a-kind leather creations. Let the crafting adventures begin anew, where creativity meets craftsmanship! Today we dive into the magical world of Dragon Cat Leather. As passionate leather artisans, we bring you the artistry, innovation, and stories behind our unique creations.

The inception of Dragon Cat Leather is rooted in Jeannette’s inspiring journey, a narrative of transformation through the pursuit of passion. Having spent years in a taxing corporate career, clocking exhaustive 60-hour weeks, she reached a point of burnout and discontent. This pivotal moment led Jeannette to reclaim control over her time and rediscover genuine happiness. Fueled by a longstanding passion for design, she embarked on a profound shift, delving into the intricate art of designing, patterning, and crafting leather accessories. Beyond a mere career change, this transformation became a soulful rediscovery of purpose. Jeannette’s decision to create meaningful items with a story to share became her guiding principle. Reflecting on her high school aspirations, where the dream of owning a business and showcasing her creations at a Renaissance Festival took root, Jeannette found profound inspiration. Her connection with Renaissance Fairs, spanning back to the mid to late nineties, served as a wellspring for her creative spirit. Attending these fairs with friends from high school, she not only discovered joy in the craft but also realized the immense satisfaction of sharing her expertise with others. 

Jeannette’s willingness to impart knowledge extends beyond showcasing her expertise; it’s a genuine desire to inspire and empower those intrigued by the artistry she wholeheartedly embraces. Her journey is an ode to resilience, self-discovery, and the profound fulfillment derived from pursuing one’s true passion. The story of Dragon Cat Leather is more than crafting; it’s a testament to the transformative power of creativity and the joy found in the pursuit of meaningful endeavors.

Philip, from a young age, harbored a dream of working for himself. This aspiration came to fruition after spending a successful 25 years in the retail sector, working for one of the largest companies in the country. Throughout this extensive career, Philip acquired a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of retail, delving into the nuances and inner workings of the industry. Now, he is channeling that wealth of knowledge and experience into the realm of Dragon Cat Leather.

Step into the enchanting world of Dragon Cat Leather, where our journey transcends the ordinary and unfolds as a captivating tapestry of artistry and innovation. We don’t just consider ourselves artisans; we are enchanters, weaving dreams into the very fabric of leather. Our craft is more than a skill; it’s a sacred space where authenticity intertwines seamlessly with innovation. In the delicate dance between tradition and modernity, Dragon Cat Leather stands at the forefront. Whether we delve into the timeless intricacies of traditional patterns, paying homage to the roots of craftsmanship, or push the boundaries with cutting-edge modern designs, our commitment remains unwavering—to craft a mesmerizing palette that gracefully transcends the ordinary spectrum. Yet, our mission goes beyond the creation of goods. We embark on a quest to forge more than just leather items; we create magical artifacts. Each piece carries within it a captivating tale, waiting to be unraveled.

Dragon Cat Leather isn’t merely a brand; it’s a portal beckoning you into a world where the artistry of leather extends beyond mere craftsmanship, entering the realm of storytelling. Join us as we journey deeper into the enchanting tapestry of our creations. Here, every piece isn’t just an item; it’s a chapter in a magical saga waiting to unfold. Allow yourself to be captivated by the intricate threads of our craft, where each stitch tells a story, and every detail holds the key to unlocking the magic within. Welcome to Dragon Cat Leather, where every creation is an invitation to step into a realm where dreams and craftsmanship intertwine in a dance of enchantment.

Embark on a fascinating journey into the heart of Dragon Cat Leather’s dyeing process, a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation that sets our creations apart. While we explore a wide array of typical colors, what truly elevates our goods to unparalleled heights are the custom dyes we meticulously craft. Each piece we forge becomes a canvas for our boundless imagination, resulting in one-of-a-kind treasures that not only catch the eye but also tell a unique story. Now, let’s delve into the realm of innovation with a groundbreaking technique we proudly pioneered—the mesmerizing watercolor technique. This cutting-edge approach takes center stage in our embossed bracelets, adding an entirely new dimension to our creations. Picture the enchanting fusion of intricate patterns seamlessly intertwined with the fluid beauty of watercolors—a sensory feast that transcends traditional craftsmanship.

We redefine the concept of imperfections. Far from being flaws, they are the unique signatures of character that breathe life into our creations. Every brand mark, bug bite, and natural marking on the leather is not only embraced but celebrated. It’s a testament to our philosophy of turning imperfections into distinctive features that impart charm and individuality to every piece we craft. Join us in celebrating the artistry that goes beyond conventional leathercraft. At Dragon Cat Leather, each creation is not just an item; it’s a testament to the marriage of tradition and innovation, a journey into the extraordinary where every nuance is a brushstroke on the canvas of leather dreams.

One of the most exciting aspects for us is the opportunity to create customized products right in front of our customers at shows. From cutting out a pattern to hammering and stitching, we craft made-to-order items while the soon-to-be owner watches. It’s an immersive experience that adds a personal touch to every piece. Take our belts, for example. We don’t just provide a product; we involve you in the creation process. You get to decide how many holes to punch, ensuring a perfect fit. It’s about empowering individuals to shape their accessories to suit their unique style.

And finally, beyond the leather, beyond the creations, we are always eager to share our knowledge of the craft with anyone interested. It’s not just about making beautiful items; it’s about fostering a community of leather enthusiasts.

Thank you for joining us on this enchanting journey into the world of Dragon Cat Leather. Stay tuned for more episodes where we unravel the stories, techniques, and inspirations behind our creations. Don’t forget to subscribe and explore the magic with us.

Join the journey! Every two weeks, we will a new blog and podcast. Stay connected with us! Follow/like/subscribe on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, TikTok, YouTube, and our Podcast. Your engagement matters – like, retweet, comment, and share our content.

Embark on this creative odyssey with us, fellow adventurers! Until next time, may your imagination soar and your dreams be as boundless as the realms we explore. Stay enchanted, and join us soon for more magical tales. Signing off with whimsy and wonder!

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Texas Renaissance Festival Part Two

Hi to all of our supporters, this is update 2 of us at the Texas Renaissance Festival. Our booth number is F18 in the Florence Market by the Wedding Chapels. We have a new logo made by Jace Rowan. 

The Texas Renaissance Festival started in 1974. The TRF was founded in 1974 by brothers, George and David Coulam, on an abandoned strip mining site in what is now Todd Mission, Texas. At the time, it spanned fifteen acres, with three stages featuring small improv theatre groups, and merchants selling their goods on blankets. The opening year saw a turn-out of 33,000. As of 2017, the festival sits on 55 acres of land, and offers over 200 acres of camping facilities to patrons. The festival regularly draws over half a million guests annually, making it the largest Renaissance festival in the country by attendance. 

TRF is open every weekend  from October 8 to November 27 plus Black Friday. Every weekend is themed. Azure went fly home before opening weekend.The plan is for Azure to make stuff and send it to me. The first three weekends were hot and humid. The themed weekends were Octoberfest, 1001 Dream, and Pirates.  It was great to see patrons dressed up in their garb. I stay at the campsite Thursday to Monday and live at a motel during the week.

If you are one of the many folks that asked about custom orders, please fill out the form on the contact us page. Also, if you saw something in our booth not listed on the website, please fill out the form on the contact page. 

Thanks again for coming out and seeing us. Keep up to date on shows and festivals by visiting the events page. Also, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Tik Tok, and Youtube or by clicking on the following  link tree

And, once you’re there, don’t forget to “like our posts”, “retweet our tweets”, provide comments, and “share” content.

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Texas Renaissance Festival Part One

Hi to all of our supporters, it has been a while posting on our blog. Some good news, we found a van, bought a historic correct tent and we got into the Texas Renaissance Festival.

The Texas Renaissance Festival started in 1974. The TRF was founded in 1974 by brothers, George and David Coulam, on an abandoned strip mining site in what is now Todd Mission, Texas. At the time, it spanned fifteen acres, with three stages featuring small improv theatre groups, and merchants selling their goods on blankets. The opening year saw a turn-out of 33,000. As of 2017, the festival sits on 55 acres of land, and offers over 200 acres of camping facilities to patrons. The festival regularly draws over half a million guests annually, making it the largest Renaissance festival in the country by attendance. 

Setup for us started on September 30 at  Texas Renaissance Festival , the next day was a dry run for TRF. It was the first time we set up with our tent from Oakenfoot. On dry run day, the booth had to be ready and we dressed in our renaissance garb. TRF is open every weekend  from October 8 to November 27 plus Black Friday. Every weekend is themed . 

If you are one of the many folks that asked about custom orders, please fill out the form on the contact us page. Also, if you saw something in our booth not listed on the website, please fill out the form on the contact page. 

Thanks again for coming out and seeing us. Keep up to date on shows and festivals by visiting the events page. Also, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Tik Tok, and Youtube or by clicking on the following  link tree

And, once you’re there, don’t forget to “like our posts”, “retweet our tweets”, provide comments, and “share” content.

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2021 Holiday Shipping Deadlines

Ship Before The Cutoff Times To Be Safe.

In our experience, holiday shipping seasons tend to get crazier every year, with package volume only increasing as online shopping continues to gain footing. All the major shipping carriers are bracing for an enormous volume surge, and even if you ship by these deadlines, there’s a chance USPS or UPS may still not deliver your package on time. So, if you’re shipping with USPS or UPS, we suggest shipping your packages before the cutoff dates we listed above if you want to make sure your package arrives on or before December 25th. With all the carriers expecting record-breaking holiday volume like in 2020, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

USPS Holiday Deadlines

Regarding Priority Mail Express service, please note this disclaimer from USPS:

Not a guarantee, unless otherwise noted. Dates are for estimated delivery before Dec. 25. Actual delivery date may vary depending on origin, destination, Post Office acceptance date and time, and other conditions. Some restrictions apply. For Priority Mail Express shipments mailed Dec. 22 through Dec. 25, the money-back guarantee applies only if the shipment was not delivered, or delivery was not attempted, within two business days.

Continental United States

  • First Class Package: Ship by December 17th
  • Priority Mail: Ship by December 18th
  • Priority Mail Express: Ship by December 23rd
  • Media Mail & Parcel Select Ground: Ship by December 15th

Alaska

The following dates apply to mail and packages traveling to/from Alaska and the Continental United States:

  • First-Class Mail: December 18th
  • Priority Mail: December 18th
  • Priority Mail Express: December 21st
  • Retail/Parcel Select Ground: December 2nd

Hawaii

The following dates apply to mail and packages traveling to/from Alaska and the mainland (contiguous United States):

  • First-Class Mail: December 17th
  • Priority Mail: December 17th
  • Priority Mail Express: December 21st
  • Retail/Parcel Select Ground: N/A

Deadlines for Shipping to Military Addresses (APO/FPO/DPO)

The following are the deadlines for shipping to and from military addresses, listed out by military zip code. Note that Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL) and Space Available Mail (SAM) are no longer available this year.

AE ZIPs 090-092

  • First Class Mail (letters and cards): December 9th
  • Priority Mail: December 9th
  • Priority Mail Express Military Service: December 16th
  • Retail/Parcel Select Ground: November 6th

AE ZIP 093

  • First Class Mail (letters and cards): December 9th
  • Priority Mail: December 9th
  • Priority Mail Express Military Service: N/A
  • Retail/Parcel Select Ground: November 6th

AE ZIPs 094-099

  • First Class Mail (letters and cards): December 9th
  • Priority Mail: December 9th
  • Priority Mail Express Military Service: December 16th
  • Retail/Parcel Select Ground: November 6th

AE ZIP 340

  • First Class Mail (letters and cards): December 9th
  • Priority Mail: December 9th
  • Priority Mail Express Military Service: December 16th
  • Retail/Parcel Select Ground: November 6th

AE ZIPs 962-966

  • First Class Mail (letters and cards): December 9th
  • Priority Mail: December 9th
  • Priority Mail Express Military Service: December 16th
  • Retail/Parcel Select Ground: November 6th

International Packages

Africa/Central & South America

  • First Class Package International: November 29th
  • Priority Mail International: November 29th
  • Priority Mail Express International: December 6th
  • Global Express Guaranteed: December 20th

Asia/Pacific Rim/Australia/New Zealand/Middle East

  • First Class Package International: December 6th
  • Priority Mail International: December 6th
  • Priority Mail Express International: December 13th
  • Global Express Guaranteed: December 20th

Canada/Mexico

  • First Class Package International: December 6th
  • Priority Mail International: December 6th
  • Priority Mail Express International: December 13th
  • Global Express Guaranteed: December 22nd

Caribbean/Europe

  • First Class Package International: December 6th
  • Priority Mail International: December 6th
  • Priority Mail Express International: December 13th
  • Global Express Guaranteed: December 21st

UPS Holiday Deadlines (for arrival on or before December 24)

Domestic Shipments

  • 3 Day Select: December 21st
  • 2nd Day Air (including 2nd Day Air AM): December 22nd
  • Next Day Air (including Next Day Air Early & Next Day Air Saver): December 23rd
  • Ground: UPS hasn’t provided a specific cutoff date for Ground shipments

Shipments to Canada

  • Worldwide Expedited: December 21st
  • Worldwide Express: December 23rd
  • Standard: Check https://ups.com/ctc for details

Shipments to Mexico

  • Worldwide Expedited: December 21st
  • Worldwide Express: December 22nd
  • Standard: Check https://ups.com/ctc for details

Shipments to the rest of the world

If you are one of the many folks that asked about custom orders, please fill out the form on the contact us page. Also, if you saw something in our booth not listed on the website, please fill out the form on the contact page. Thanks again for coming out and seeing us. Keep up to date on shows and festivals by visiting the events page. Also, follow  us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Tik Tok, and Youtube.

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Upcoming Events

Hi to all of our supporters. In October, we will be at the Tennessee Medieval Faire and Tsubasacon.  If you haven’t already read any of our blogs, here is a little background history about Tsubasacon

 Tsubasacon is a three-day anime convention held on a weekend during the fall.  Tsubasacon is also the first anime convention to be held in West Virginia. The convention’s name is a blend of the words tsubasa (Japanese for wings) and convention.  Tsubasacon started as the brainchild of Charleston, West Virginia resident Jeffrey Mace who was originally interested in beginning a statewide anime club. The decision to abandon a state anime club in favor of an actual anime convention was made after considering that the logistics and participation of periodic club meetings would be less successful as opposed to one large annual gathering. The Charleston Anime and Manga Society, Inc. was established soon afterward in order to take care of the business aspects of the convention. On February 16, 2004, The Charleston Anime and Manga Society, Inc. made the announcement that  Tsubasacon, West Virginia’s first ever anime convention, would be taking place later that year in Charleston.

 We’re still searching for a 15 passenger van to put everything in it.  We started a Ko-fi Page! Ko-fi helps creators get support from fans of our work. Please support or follow our page! https://ko-fi.com/dragoncatleather . We set up a goal of $5000 to buy a van.

Setup for the Tsubasacon will be on Thursday. It will be a  good mix of vendors featuring some great talent at the convention. 

If you are one of the many folks that asked about custom orders, please fill out the form on the contact us page. Also, if you saw something in our booth not listed on the website, please fill out the form on the contact page. Thanks again for coming out and seeing us. Keep up to date on shows and festivals by visiting the events page. Also, follow  us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Tik Tok, and Youtube

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Upcoming Events

Hi to all of our supporters. In October, we will be at the Tennessee Medieval Faire and Tsubasacon.  If you haven’t already read any of our blogs, here is a little background history about the Tennessee Medieval Faire. The second blog posted today will be about Tsubasacon.

 Tennessee Medieval Faire is a medieval costumed outdoor festival to run the first 3 weekends in October. The Tennessee Medieval Faire is in their 6th season. The faire is owned and operated by Darkhorse Entertainment, LLC, is owned and operated by Lars Paulson and Barrie Blankenship Paulson. Lars has a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts and 40 years of experience in the entertainment industry, including being general manager of several large festivals. Barrie has a Master’s of Science in Consumer Economics, 30 years of experience in entrepreneurial businesses; and she toured professionally as a comedy/stunt performer, choreographer, and director.  There is a pirate costumed outdoor festival to run the last 2 weekends in May, plus Memorial Day.

 We went very simple again. We decided on bringing belts, purses, wallets, cord keepers, growler carriers, wine bottle carriers, bracelets and a few journals. We got all our products into one large bin but still needed two vehicles for the setup. We’re still searching for a 15 passenger van to put everything in it.  We started a Ko-fi Page! Ko-fi helps creators get support from fans of our work. Please support or follow our page! https://ko-fi.com/dragoncatleather . We set up a goal of $5000 to buy a van.

Setup for theTennessee Medieval Faire will be on Friday . There were about 45 plus vendors at the faire . It will be a  good mix of vendors featuring some great talent at the fair.If you are one of the many folks that asked about custom orders, please fill out the form on the contact us page. Also, if you saw something in our booth not listed on the website, please fill out the form on the contact page. Thanks again for coming out and seeing us. Keep up to date on shows and festivals by visiting the events page. Also, follow  us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Tik Tok, and Youtube.

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August 25, 2021

Hi to all of our supporters. We have been in the shop working on new products for the website. We have some exciting news for all of you. As of today, we will be carrying Mickey’s Dice Bag on our website. We have been taking them to just events and or selling them as part of a combo set.  We have been posting some of the pictures on Instagram and Facebook. We should have them all up sometime this week. 

Also, we purchased a ring light to help with videos and taking pictures. We bought a Bower 12″ RGB Ring Light Studio Kit from Walmart. Finally, we can take photos of the collapsible dice cup and tray and upload new product listings on the website. We are working on a lot of new and exciting products that will be revealed over the coming weeks.

Also, we have been taking videos with an ApeMan A66 action camera for our YouTube Channel. So, we are making instructional videos, tips and tricks videos, and “highlight reels” from our event. We are learning how to edit with our new software from DaVinci Resolve. We will be putting more videos on our YouTube channel every Friday. 

If you don’t already “Like”, “Subscribe”, or “Follow” us… you should! It’s a great way to stay up-to-date with new merchandise, about upcoming events, tips and tricks on leather work.

We’re still searching for a 15 passenger van to put everything in it.  We started a Ko-fi Page! Ko-fi helps creators get support from fans of our work. Please support or follow our page! https://ko-fi.com/dragoncatleather . We set up a goal of $5000 to buy a van.

We will be back at it again at Tsubasacon in October from 1pm to 11pm on Friday, 9am to 7pm (Saturday), and 9am to 4pm (Sunday).   

 If you are one of the many folks that asked about custom orders, please fill out the form on the contact us page. Also, if you saw something in our booth not listed on the website, please fill out the form on the contact page. Thanks again for coming out and seeing us. Keep up to date on shows and festivals by visiting the events page. Also, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Tik Tok, and Youtube.

And, once you’re there, don’t forget to “like our posts”, “retweet our tweets”, provide comments, and “share” content.

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August 18, 2021

Hi to all of our supporters. It has been a hot minute since we posted on our blog. We have been in the shop working on new bracelets for the website. These bracelets are exclusives for the website and won’t be sold at shows. We have been posting some of the pictures on Instagram and Facebook. We should have them up sometime this week. We are working on a lot of new and exciting products that will be revealed over the coming weeks.

Also, we have been taking videos with an ApeMan A66 action camera for our YouTube Channel. So, we are making instructional videos , tips and tricks videos, and “highlight reels” from our event. We are learning how to edit with our new software from DaVinci Resolve. We will be putting more videos on our YouTube Channel every Friday. If you don’t already “Like”, “Subscribe”, or “Follow” us… you should! It’s a great way to stay up-to-date with new merchandise, about upcoming events, tips and tricks on leather work.

We’re still searching for a 15 passenger van to put everything in it.  We started a Ko-fi Page! Ko-fi helps creators get support from fans of our work. Please support or follow our page! https://ko-fi.com/dragoncatleather . We set up a goal of $5000 to buy a van.

We will be back at it again at Tsubasacon in October from 1pm to 11pm on Friday, 9am to 7pm (saturday), and 9am to 4pm(sunday).   

 If you are one of the many folks that asked about custom orders, please fill out the form on the contact us page. Also, if you saw something in our booth not listed on the website, please fill out the form on the contact page. Thanks again for coming out and seeing us. Keep up to date on shows and festivals by visiting the events page. Also, follow  us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Tik Tok, and Youtube. And, once you’re there, don’t forget to “like our posts”, “retweet our tweets”, provide comments, and “share” content.

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Weekly Update February 18, 2019

We have confirmation for two upcoming events, The Magical Market and The Viking Fest. The Magical Market is a first year event that will feature fantastical items from magical and intergalactic realms, superheroes and villains, or otherworldly creatures such as elves, fairies, wizards, gnomes, etc. The Magical Market is being held at Goshen High School in Goshen, Ohio. The Viking Fest is an annual festival in Whitestown, Indiana. The second year event will have the Vikings invading Whitestown once again for a fun and educational festival including a Viking Village, fight reenactments, live music, and more. The Viking Fest is being held at Anson Acres in Whitestown, Indiana.

Our schedule of events will be slowly filling up the calendar, once we get more acceptance letters. This week, we took time to increase stock levels on bracelets, journals and low on hand products. Azure made embossed bracelets with a new color scheme. She is also tooling more journals for the upcoming year. She put some final touches on a custom coin purse that will be sent out this week. Captain did a bunch of dragon scale bracelets. The dye job on the bracelets is one of a kind. He mixed dyes to achieve the unique custom color for this project.

If you are one of the many folks that asked about custom orders, please fill out the form on the contact us page. Also, if you saw something in our booth not listed on the website, please fill out the form on the contact page.  Thanks again for coming out and seeing us. Keep up to date on shows and festivals by visiting the events page. Also, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram

Thanks again for joining us ! – Azure Dragon Works and Captain Bob’s Emporium

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Weekly Update February 11, 2019

It has been a long time for weekly updates. We just updated our website with the downtime in January. We added more products to the site, earrings, purses, journals, key chains, and many more. We are currently setting up this year’s show schedule. Some more exciting news, we have a schedule for posts for our website:

Monday Wednesday Friday
Weekly Update Product Review Show Review

If you are one of the many folks that asked about custom orders, please fill out the form on the contact us page. Also, if you saw something in our booth not listed on the website, please fill out the form on the contact page.  Thanks again for coming out and seeing us. Keep up to date on shows and festivals by visiting the events page. Also, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram.

Thanks again for joining us ! – Azure Dragon Works and Captain Bob’s Emporium