I first became aware of multi-talented Tony Allen Bernier and his work when he posted his promo video about his tooling by color technique shown in the gallery below in a leatherwork group I’m in.
I thought it was an interesting video. And even made a mental note to check it out again if I was ever looking for tutorials on coloring leather. Then didn’t give it much more thought. Frankly, while I remembered the video, I forgot who produced it.
The Second Time
The second time I took note of Tony and his work was when he posted his absolutely incredible Liquid Multiverse carving which was used as the July/Aug 2018 of the Leather Crafter’s and Saddlers Journal.
This time I was absolutely blown away by the quality of the work in the carving and coloring. Once more, I made a mental note of who made it.
Unfortunately, my life was in compete and utter chaos at the time. So, once more, I forgot who did it.
I could vividly recall the carving. And the utterly fantastic use of color. But yet again, a few short weeks later I had no clue who had done it.
Fourth Time’s the Charm
I’ll never forget who Tony is again. For I have since become very aware of him. And enjoy our interactions in my own and other leatherwork Facebook groups.
What turned the tide was when I was helping Doris Marlene prepare the promotional materials for the 2019 Leathercrafter’s Reunion.
Tony was one of the instructors. So I was finally able to put a face with the name. And what a face it is on the poster.
But what cemented the connection was the suit of leather armor he posted in several of the groups and which is the featured image in this post.
I followed Tony’s work in progress posts from start to finish. And am still in awe of the finished suit of armor.
It was this fourth connection with him and his work which guaranteed I’d never again forget who Tony was.
Like what you’re seeing? Click here to help us keep the lights on.
The Narrows Diorama
As incredible as all of these things are, to me, Tony’s current master piece is “The Narrows” diorama he produced during the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020.
Ever the imp, Tony teased us by posting work in progress pics in the Facebook leatherwork groups.
One was a pic of two pieces which were barely visible … even when you zoomed in on the page. Our assigned task was to guess what they were (fish). Then to identify the species.
Tony eventually told us what they were. And what species they were. But I can’t remember just now.
If you look VERY carefully, you might see them in the video.
When I showed the video to an Austrian friend, he was so enthralled he told me to shut up and let him watch it when I tried to explain who Tony is.
Marcus never tells anyone to shut up.
EVER.
Not unless what he is doing at the time is extremely important to him.
So, I shut up and let him watch the video.
What Next?
I called the diorama Tony’s “current master piece” because I’ve learned that no matter how great I think a project is, he will eventually do one that is even better.
Can’t wait to see what you do next, Tony.
Whatever it is, I’m sure I’ll be totally blown away by it … again.
I usually am.
GALLERY OF TONY ALLEN BERNIER’S WORK
Like what you’re seeing? Click here to help us keep the lights on.
