ArtCords is family owned and operated. The ArtCords business consists of Darin and Elaine Alexander only. Other family and folks who have caught the vision are also becoming dedicated to maintaining traditional techniques and quality craftsmanship on their own. All part of a growing variety of cowboy used and interior designer approved collectibles in the form of tack and/or home decor.
We are pleased to reccomend
Pop Wagner as one of the most able to travel and share the details of cinch making which began with his first class from Mr. Alexander in Cody, Wyoming in 2006. Educational demonstration inquiries for venues in 2010 can be directed to him for basic cinch making and Mr. Alexander for advanced presentations. Potential venues thus far include trade shows, saddle makers meetings, schools, and museums to name a few... Please check our site often for times and locations to be posted upon confirmation.
Dealer orders and custom projects continue to be filled from the ArtCords studio and office near the Northwest corner of Arkansas. Not to be confused with a manufacturer four hours south which Mr. Alexander had taught employees for and has continued to use Darin's name on their promotional materials in-spite of the letter on November 1st of 2006 presented to Mr. Alexander entitled "Closure of Business Relationship" which also retracted promised royalties. If you have been under the impression that Darin was still connected with them, you have legal grounds to file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection (contact details below). The Federal Trade Commission has advised us that individuals who have been misled, in the aforementioned manner or any other way, contact them since the situation constitutes unfair and misleading marketing practices which are a violation of consumer rights.
We also encourage the public to become familiar with consumer protections provided in the"Wool Products Labeling Act." The requirements for use of the word "mohair" in association with a product provide that the "label must reflect the true fiber content of the item." Violations of this are intentionally being committed to take advantage of the consumer who is unaware. You have rights as a consumer, and unless you excercise those rights, lessons from the economic crisis may be for naught.
Identity Theft, Manufacturers, Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices
Federal Trade Commission
Consumer Response Center
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580
Phone: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
TTY: 1-866-653-4261
Online complaint form
Due to the marketing blrubs creating confusion in today's advertising, we feel most comfortable recomending those who we have ongoing business relationships with. There are a growing number of dealers who have discovered that manufacturers have been "fleecing" them by mis-labeling products. We are continually adding such dealers to our Authorized Dealer list when they sign-on and place orders with us on a reasonably regular basis. Since Darin is personally making the cinches, and in some cases overseeing or also making the cord, we are truly making custom cinches and encourage folks to keep this in mind. Darin's craftsmanship is an investment that is valued by collectors and working cowboys, not only for the artistic expression and traditional nature, but also the commitment to "get it as right as possible" which at times requires backing up and doing something over to ensure the most comfort for the least distract of the horse or mule.
Darin has also been nurturing and collaberating with independent cinch makers in various parts of the United States and Australia in an effort to increase the availability of top quality cinches of REAL mohair. Feel free to inquire about ways you can support this grass roots movement.
For those of you who will be in the vicinity of NW Arkansas, please contact Darin Alexander at your earliest convenience for a possible tour and/or cinch making class/tutoring.
Toll free in the USA:
1-866-872-2673(Call soon to reserve a place on the Calendar)
The items found on this site have been largely inspired by years spent growing up along the Rocky Mountains. Experiencing the cowboy life of his great uncle's ranch in Wyoming helped solidify the pursuit of this distinctly western style of fiber art.
In 1986 Darin Alexander began making saddle cinches in Caldwell, Idaho for the company Bork of Pendleton, as part of a work/study program in high school. (And no, I did not learn directly from Herb as the Arkansas manufacutrer boasted, even though I repeatedly emphasised that I worked for folks in Idaho who had an arrangement to use the Bork business name.) The opportunity to work either on campus or in local businesses served as a way for students to help pay for private education. During his senior year, the young Alexander engineered a new color-edged woven design.
Many individuals have assisted in the development of ArtCords, through shared observations and thoughtful advice. A spectrum of crafts-folk have inspired the high standard of workmanship you will find throughout this site. In addition , Mr. Alexander enjoys sharing discoveries with others through demonstrations and presentations.
A variety of venues across the United States, have included:
- World of Log Homes show at the
Eastern States Exposition
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"...a three fold cord is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12
ArtCords.com Copyright © 2000 - 2010 by ArtCords, LLC/Darin Alexander
an Cinch Maker & Fiber Arts Educator all rights reserved
page revised 01/17/10
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