Meet Tim,

owner & teacher,

Alden’s School of Leather Trades

A Tradition is Born

A 22-year-old cowboy made his first saddle at a cow camp in Tulelake, California in 1935. The cowboy’s name was Wil Dean and, unbeknownst to him, he would begin a family legacy by opening a leather shop. Over the years, his great nephew, Dana Alden, wife Janie and son Tim would gain their first exposure to leather in his shop. Unknown to them they would eventually Inherit Wil’s shop.

As a young boy Tim and his brothers started working in his folks shop, R6 Leather Products at age nine in Rogue River, OR. Initially, Tim thought he might join the family business but along the way, he discovered a knack for custom boots and a love for teaching others quality leather crafting. To this day Tim still looks up to his Great Great Uncle and studies his work, admiring him as a craftsman.

Tim continues his family legacy by offering a variety of classes and products in his historic shop on the main thoroughfare of Burns, Oregon. He is always armed with a motivational quote, a cup of coffee, and infectious positivity. When Tim’s not at the shop, you can find him with his wife, Michelle, their dogs (aka the shop greeters), or horseback whenever he can.

Tim hopes to meet you at a class soon!