Toledo Leathercraft Co. Keeps Centuries-Old Craft Alive

Family-owned shop teaches leather-working skills to new generation

Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:19pm

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Keith Oliver first learned leather-working as a Boy Scout, earning a merit badge before apprenticing under a mentor at Renaissance fairs. Years later, he's making a living from it, operating Toledo Leathercraft Co. with family friend Jamie McDermott. The shop repairs worn leather goods and teaches leather-working classes to kids and adults, continuing a centuries-old craft.

Why it matters

As many traditional crafts and skills face decline, Toledo Leathercraft Co. is working to keep leather-working alive and pass it on to the next generation. The shop fills a gap in the region for leather repair and custom work, while also fostering a hands-on creative community around this historic material.

The details

Inside the Toledo Leathercraft Co. workshop, hides, carving tools, and half-finished pieces line the benches as Oliver and his small team repair decades-old leather goods. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, McDermott and Oliver guide kids and adults through classes, where participants can craft their own leather projects. Visitors to the shop, located at 307 S. Detroit Ave., are often greeted by shop pups Tater and Chaos.

  • Oliver first learned leather-working as a Boy Scout.
  • Oliver later apprenticed under a mentor at Renaissance fairs.
  • Oliver and McDermott opened Toledo Leathercraft Co. in 2021.

The players

Keith Oliver

The owner of Toledo Leathercraft Co. who first learned leather-working as a Boy Scout and later apprenticed under a mentor at Renaissance fairs.

Jamie McDermott

Oliver's family friend who co-owns Toledo Leathercraft Co. and teaches leather-working classes with him.

Tater and Chaos

The shop pups that greet visitors to Toledo Leathercraft Co.

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What they’re saying

“From purses and belts to motorcycle gear, the shop continues a centuries-old craft.”

— Keith Oliver, Owner, Toledo Leathercraft Co.

The takeaway

In an era when many traditional crafts are fading, Toledo Leathercraft Co. is working to keep leather-working alive and pass the skill on to new generations. By offering repair services, custom work, and hands-on classes, the shop is fostering a community around this historic material and ensuring the centuries-old craft continues.