Lot 15: William D. Smith Tribute Bag by: Shelly Gier

All projects recently came to a halt so that I could complete this in time for the CLF live auction submissions.

As previously posted, Bill Smith was a HUGE influence in my leather journey. He taught me all he knew and would generously continue with advice, saying, “We won’t be around forever, and SOMEONE has to take this knowledge to continue the trade.” If I had a question, he never hesitated to help.

I decided to add a donation to the auction in the same giving spirit as Bill had. I am not aware of a touchmark that he used, but his signature style made his bags stand out. He used “x” stitches when top stitching (“That way folks know it isn’t done on a machine,” he explained). His specific patterns were another signature. He bonded 2 layers together when constructing the pieces so that hemp or leather was backed by more fabric or leather, making the inside as beautiful as the outside. He used black forged buckles, strong webbing, and heart-shaped designs on the straps. Wherever possible, Bill would use the character of the leather or colors to his advantage. Stitching was extremely important to him, and he sewed with only one needle to achieve his impeccable stitches. His welts were folded (rolled). And all seams were saddle stitched (no running stitches allowed). The results were “Bill Smith Bags,” and anyone lucky enough to own one was then a proud member of the “Bill Smith Bag Club”, as he often said with a grin.

I personally own several of his pouches and used his Kentucky Haversack design to create my own version of it by incorporating all of his techniques as he instructed me to.

I have never used his patterns or “x” stitches for making bags because I always held him in high regard and knew those were HIS.

I hope he knew how much he influenced me. Here’s my “Bill Smith tribute bag”.