Leather Chinks, Koa Chess Sets, Weathervanes

Terry & Austin Lankford ♦ Bill McMahon ♦ Don Felix

LEATHER CHINKS, KOA CHESS SETS, WEATHERVANES | Host Jill Wagner travels the country on a quest to find talented craftsmen who still make incredible items by hand. In Franklin, Tennessee Jill meets Terry and Austin Lankford. This leather working, father son team show her the hand crafted leather chinks they’ve been making for legends like Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash since 1970. In Volcano, Hawaii, next to the most active volcano in Hawaii, Jill visits Bill McMahon. He’s one of the only craftsmen in the world who hand-turns Koa wood chess sets. Next, Jill heads to Seabrook, New Hampshire, to shape copper with weathervane maker, Don Felix.

PHOTOS ♦ ARTISANS

LEATHER CHINKS | Terry & Austin Lankford

The leather chinks trend was started by the buckaroos out west. They needed something to protect their legs from brushy trails, cold weather, and unruly livestock. Although Terry… Read more

MEET TERRY & AUSTIN | PHOTOS

KOA CHESS SETS | Bill McMahon

Hidden on a mountain in Volcano, Hawaii, live Bill McMahon and his wife. The retired teacher still coaches cross-country, but he can usually be found on his deck turning… Read more

MEET BILL | PHOTOS

WEATHERVANES | Don Felix

You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows. All you need is a weathervane. In the coastal town of Seabrook, New Hampshire, Don Felix has… Read more