Local leather shop wins honors, ribbons at tradeshow

Belinda Neely and Norm Vickerman of Crown King Custom Leatherworks recently returned from a week at the Rocky Mountain Leather Show in Sheridan Wyo., where they won prizes for their leather entries.

“We are pleased that for the second year in a row, Crown King Customs was awarded Best in Category and Runner Up with Leather Clothing entries,” stated Neely, “receiving a blue and a white ribbon from The World Leather Debut.” This trade show, sponsored by The Leather Crafter Journal, is the same show that was held in Wickenburg in March of this year, but on a much larger scale. Leather workers and saddle makers from around the world attend.

“This year the rules changed, so we had to do our entries a little differently,” she went on to explain. “All entries had to be done by one person, and we usually work on things as a team. The tough decision was made as to which one of us was going to make which entry.” 

They chose two designs to make. The first design was a purple deerskin leather motorcycle jacket and matching pants with silver accents. They designed the items around the sterling silver conchos and exotic leather insets.

The jacket had all the usual designs of Crown King Custom motorcycle wear -- action shoulders, zipper sleeves, shorter front with a longer back that is needed for motorcycle riding. The pants were cut on a jean style with fringe and silver conchos to match the jacket. Both were fully lined.

“And of course we had to put our special design bag that we do for all types of riding to finish off the outfit,” Neely explained.

The second entry was a turquoise-blue suede top and skirt with a belt and matching handbag. This outfit has over 500 hand-set metal spots on it and a large buckle made with matching metal spots and conchos on the belt. The outfit is a wrap skirt with Mexican lacing on the front; it has a flowing bottom with layers of leather with metal spots. The top also has a flow to it with oversized sleeves that have spots and fringes. This is a one-of-a-kind outfit.

Both winning entries on display at Crown King Custom's shop.

“Drop by to see them, and we will let you guess who made which outfit,” Neely grinned.

Leather shop opens downtown

By Art Pulis, Sun Business Advocate

Crown King Customs, LLC has opened its custom leather shop at 162 E. Wickenburg Way behind the Mecca Restaurant.

In the fall of 2004 Norm Vickerman and Belinda Neely met in Crown King, Ariz., and decided to form a business where they could produce the highest quality leather products that would be American made from American hides.

Each item is hand made to specifications and fit that is custom to the individual. Their line includes chaps, jackets, vests, skirts, saddlebags, and almost anything that can be made of leather. Because they have the dual interests of both horses and motorcycles, the shop has a wide variety of both biker and western leather goods.

Vickerman has a background in construction in the Phoenix area and also has spent considerable time in business in Crown King. He has been an avid motorcyclist all of his life having had his first bike at the tender age of 6.

Neely shares the interest of motorcycles but also is a horse lover. She has 28 years of leather work experience having had her own company making custom motorcycle clothing including racing suits and motorcycle police officers' jackets. She also had ties to Nashville where she created custom leather outfits for country music celebrities.

Vickerman and Neely decided to move to Wickenburg and open a shop after experiencing great success as booth winners at Gold Rush Days.

“Wickenburg is a perfect place for us,” said Neely. “We have a horse, an RV, and motorcycles. Here we can live at Horspitality and ride the horse out of the back gate into the wilderness or ride the bikes out the front gate onto the blacktop for some of the best riding in the state.”

In addition to clothing, the shop features decorative items for the home and individual. Neely also does alterations and repairs.

Crown King Customs is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. This Thanksgiving weekend it is having a grand opening celebration.