Meet James Mrjenovich

James Mrjenovich is a skilled artisan and hands-on instructor with a passion for teaching traditional craftsmanship to the next generation. With over 12 years of experience in leatherworking and 5 years of experience in wood whittling, James brings both technical expertise and patience to every class.
 
His leatherworking experience includes tooling, carving, stamping, dyeing, finishing, and creating functional handmade items. Through his instruction, students learn foundational skills while building confidence through creating projects they can proudly use and display.
 
In wood whittling, James teaches safe knife handling, carving techniques, wood grain awareness, and project development in a fun and encouraging environment. His goal is to help students develop creativity, problem-solving skills, patience, and fine motor coordination while learning a timeless craft.
 
James enjoys helping students discover that they are capable of creating something extraordinary with their own hands. His classes focus on building both practical skills and confidence, giving young makers an opportunity to slow down, learn traditional artisan techniques, and experience the satisfaction of completing a handcrafted project from start to finish.