Wyoming's Mozart Of Saddlemaking Crafts Stunning Leather Art

John L. Blair's one-of-a-kind saddles, purses and more can cost tens of thousands of dollars, as he listens to classical music and lets his imagination flow.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:44pm

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a single leather saddle repeated in a grid pattern, rendered in a bold, neon color palette that transforms the everyday cowboy craft into a modern, conceptual work of pop art.A vibrant, pop art-inspired celebration of the timeless artistry and craftsmanship behind Wyoming's iconic leather saddles.Douglas Today

John L. Blair, a master saddlemaker in Shell, Wyoming, commands over $45,000 for a single saddle, $15,000 for a leather bowl, and $8,500 for a custom purse. He works to the sounds of Mozart, finding inspiration in the classical composer's music as he crafts stunning leather pieces that are both functional and artistic. Blair, a second-generation Wyoming leatherworker, has been honing his craft for over 45 years, creating everything from saddles for working cowboys to intricate leather floors and vases.

Why it matters

Blair's story highlights the enduring artistry and craftsmanship found in Wyoming's leather goods tradition. As big-box stores and mass production have taken over much of the retail landscape, Blair has remained committed to his unique, one-of-a-kind approach, creating heirloom-quality pieces that are highly sought after by customers ranging from local ranchers to celebrities. His dedication to his craft and willingness to innovate with leather showcase the continued vitality of traditional skills and the value placed on handmade, functional art in Wyoming communities.

The details

Blair's process involves carefully selecting the right pieces of leather, whether cow hide, ostrich, or kangaroo, and then using specialized tools and techniques like skiving to shape and texture the material. He may spend months on a single custom purse or bowl, meticulously carving intricate designs and incorporating silver accents. Blair's shop is filled with hundreds of tools he's collected over the decades, each one a unique instrument he uses to coax the leather into his desired forms. He finds that listening to Mozart's music helps him enter a meditative, creative state as he works.

  • Blair started learning leatherworking from his father and a master saddlemaker named Tony Holmes in Cheyenne over 45 years ago.
  • Blair opened his own leatherworking shop in Cheyenne before eventually moving to the more remote town of Shell, Wyoming.
  • In 2020, Blair was invited to showcase his work at the White House's 'Made in America Showcase' during the Trump administration.
  • Blair was also invited to be part of a trade delegation from Douglas, Wyoming, to Osaka, Japan, to display his leather art.

The players

John L. Blair

A master saddlemaker and leatherworker in Shell, Wyoming, who has been crafting one-of-a-kind leather goods for over 45 years.

Tony Holmes

A renowned saddlemaker in Cheyenne, Wyoming, who taught Blair the intricacies of leatherworking and saddlemaking over a two-year apprenticeship.

Slim Pickens

A late rodeo performer and character actor who commissioned a custom elkhorn riding saddle from Blair.

Ernie Marsh

A fellow artisan who collaborates with Blair, creating silver accents and embellishments for some of Blair's leather pieces.

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What they’re saying

“Once you get going … you'll get into kind of a trance. And you'll be sitting there tapping on those tools, and it'll be making a rhythm, and you'll be lost.”

— John L. Blair, Master Saddlemaker

“You decide at some point that you need to do different things. Things where you have to go beyond the realm of most people's imagination.”

— John L. Blair, Master Saddlemaker

“Patience is the most important thing. It's not your ability. It's your patience.”

— John L. Blair, Master Saddlemaker

What’s next

Blair is currently working on a custom $8,500 purse for a Nevada rancher, a project that will take him several more months to complete. The intricate piece features multiple leathers, including cherry red kangaroo hide and ostrich, as well as carved floral designs.

The takeaway

John L. Blair's lifelong dedication to the art of leatherworking, from humble beginnings to creating world-class, heirloom-quality saddles, purses, and other leather goods, demonstrates the enduring value of traditional craftsmanship and the power of passion to elevate everyday objects into stunning works of functional art. His story inspires appreciation for the skill, patience, and creativity required to master a craft like saddlemaking in the modern era.