The above image depicts April Kelsey, self-described Desert Rat and leather artisan. Also shown is a cat, who isn’t supposed to be in the workshop but comes in anyway.
When asked to describe herself, April has always had a little trouble. Growing up in the northernmost edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, surrounded by cacti, jackrabbits, and rattlesnakes, April decided that if she did claim a label, it would have to be “Desert Rat.”
Now living and working in the Piney Woods region of East Texas, April struggles to relate to southerners who complain about the lack of fall color. At least there are trees?
April is a part-time leather worker, part-time writer, and full-time parent to two adventurous kids and an excessive number of cats (also, partner to a loving husband who keeps bringing home more cats). She’s equipped with a degree in Digital Writing and a passion for creating things with her own two hands (the more unique tools involved, the better!).
Though she has had a love of leather goods and artwork since childhood, April started actually working with leather in 2019 with a little Tandy kit and a two hour lesson from a local leathercrafter. Fast forward to today, she has spent countless hours punching holes, cutting hides, burnishing edges, and creating long-lasting leather goods for everyday use.