Rudy Tell, Leatherworker

Rudy Tell has been making leather goods, particularly bags, for almost 30 years out of his studio in Cosby, Tennessee. The bags are constructed from the finest full grain domestic naked cowhide leather, with scars or even brands hidden under a pocket to utilize the leather. The finest parts of the hide are used in the flaps and fronts.  Adjoining parts are matched for color and grain.

  • Media:
    Fiber, Leather
  • Phone:
    423-487-2192
  • Email:
    rudytell (at) bell south (.) net

Rudy Tell

Rudy Tell and Susan Loviner have been making leather goods, particularly bags, for almost 30 years in their Cosby, Tennessee studio. During that time they have participated in some 700 craft fairs around the country and sell their bags in many fine craft shops in the southern Appalachian region.

Their bags are constructed from the finest full grain domestic naked cowhide leather that is available. They often hide some scars or even brands under a pocket or in a inside pocket to utilize the leather but they also take pains to use the finest parts of the hide in the flaps and fronts and match adjoining parts for color as well as grain. “This is, after all, the hide of a cow,” comments Tell, adding “I guess I’ve worked with about every material. I believe there is honesty in working with my hands.”

Rudy is maintains professional membership with the Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild, Piedmont Craftsmen, The Southern Highland Craft Guild and The American Craft Council.