Crafted to last
Les Craig shows a headpiece made by Cindy.
Cool Tool Leather Works creates leather creations and sells at renaissance fairs throughout the Midwest.
By Rich Wicks | Guthrie Center Times, Sept. 2025
Some years ago, Les Craig of Casey decided to tinker around trying to create items from leather for his own use. As he gained experience and skill, he realized this could become more than a hobby. Eventually, Craig took the plunge, and he now makes his living crafting leather attire.
“This is what I do now, after 30-some years as a house painter,” Craig said.
As Craig began making and selling his leather creations, he found that renaissance fairs were the ideal market. He now attends renaissance fairs throughout the Midwest.
“My wife and I make leather goods for renaissance festivals and fairs. We run anywhere from Wisconsin to Arkansas to Nebraska to Indiana. We haven’t made it into Ohio yet, but we’re thinking about it,” Craig said. “Starting in September, I’ve got five weekends in a row, so I’m in a rush right now to get everything together and made.”
Craig also participates in local events when he can, such as the Greenfield renaissance fair that was held earlier this summer.
Craig named his company Cool Tool Leather Works. He recalled how he first realized there was a demand for his products.
“I started dabbling in it about five years ago, then we went to Sleepy Hollow two years ago and we found that there was a niche for us. Nobody else does quite what Cool Tool does,” Craig said. “Cool Tool is an artisan shop. Everything we sell is done by us. We don’t buy anything other than the hardware.”
To meet the demand, Craig’s wife, Cindy, has joined him in creating items to sell.
“My wife works three days a week at Casey’s and then four days a week doing this. She makes pouches and cloaks and a few other accessories,” Craig said. “I make armor and spaulders and wrist guards and stuff.”
Craig admitted he never considered himself artistic, at least not in the traditional sense.
“I’m not an artist. I’m a leather artist, and I can tool, but when it comes to drawing, give it up. My stick people even look bad,” Craig said. “So, we make a stencil, and then I’ll cut everything in and tool it out.”
Craig recalled what was the most difficult part, as a beginner, in learning to create leather gear.
“Learning to control the swivel knife; sometimes it doesn’t work so well,” he said.
Craig said that he could continue showing his gear at renaissance fairs throughout the year if he chose to travel further during the winter months. But, for now at least, he travels less during the winter, which gives a chance to build up his inventory.
Looking to the future, the couple plans to continue making what they enjoy and will adjust as the market demands. Cool Tool items can be seen on the company’s Facebook page.
“For now, we plan to just keep on keeping on,” Craig said.
One thing Craig does not plan to change is the focus on quality.
“Cool Tool is totally into our craftsmanship and our quality. That’s what we emphasize the most. We get a lot of compliments. It’s nice to hear from people who have been all across the Midwest, and they tell us that our stuff is among the top,” he said. “My stuff is going to last. If you take care of it, you’ll be handing it down to grandchildren. Leather will hang around for you as long as you take care of it.” n
Les Craig shows a piece of leather armor.
Spaulders are beautiful yet tough.
Cool Tool’s logo in leather.
Les Craig shows a piece in progress.
