Meet Jim Linnell, Founder of Elktracks Studio

Jim Linnell is a master leather craftsman who has dedicated much of his life to the promotion of leather working as an art form. The mission of Elktracks Studio is to advance and preserve the art of leathercraft.

What is Elktracks Studio?

Elktracks Studio is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the leatherworking industry through leathercraft classes, interviews, and the sharing of leather history.

Elktracks' founder Jim Linnell has spent the last 55 years developing his passion for artistry of leathercraft.  After retiring from nearly 40 years with Tandy Leather, Linnell teamed up with friend and collaborator Michael Magnus to create an online learning platform dedicated to the diverse art of leatherworking.

Over the last 5 years, Elktracks Studio has become an online destination for students and instructors alike. We have been able to assemble a roster of award-winning instructors from across the world to share their expertise, techniques, and tips for success in carving, coloring, business, braiding, and so much more. We've also been able to aquire the library of videos from George Hurst's Hide Crafter Leather, digitizing and preserving a significant collection of workshops from historically important artisans.

Testimonials

Jim is an awesome teacher! He is patient with his students and thorough in explaining difficult concepts to grasp.

Clint Manning

Top of the line craftsman & top of the line man. I don't know how he does it time after time.

Arthur Parramoure

Jim is so excited to share his erudition of leather with all of his students. Thank you Jim! I can't wait to take another class.

Dian Allred Sierra