2026 Novice Handbag Competition

Novice Handbag Competition

Novice class is for leathercrafters who have been working in the industry, either as a hobbyist or full-time artisan, for less than 5 years.

Each leathercrafter may enter up to three handbags (entry fee required for each entry). The handbag must be made during the current calendar year (2025) and be in "new" condition.

Entries must meet our definition of a handbag: purse or other carrier to be worn on the body or carried in the hand by a man or woman, with or without a strap, and designed to carry/hold personal articles or money. Briefcases are an acceptable entry.

Collaborations of two makers is acceptable.

Handbags made during a training or in a school environment are not allowed.

Handbags can be for sale during the competition. Contestants are responsible for all sales.

• Pendleton Leather Show will not take any sales commission.

Two judges will independently and separately score each entry based on a universal score sheet. All contestants will receive their score sheets via email after the show.

Handbags must be at the ROY RALEY ROOM by 5pm Wednesday, November 4th for judging and will remain on display until 5pm Saturday, November 7th.

Check-in for Handbag entries will be Wednesday, November 4th from 9am-5pm. 

If shipping your Handbag entry, please ship to:

• Pendleton Convention Center, 1601 Westgate, Pendleton, OR 97801

Please note: If your competition entry does not arrive by end of day Wednesday, November 4th, it will not be eligible for judging.

If you will not be present to pick up your entry on Saturday, November 7th at 5pm, please include a RETURN SHIPPING LABEL and any special instructions.