I’m in the process of updating our online course, “Refining Your Technique.” At Fine Leatherworking, we adhere to the practice of continuous improvement. For example, I update the content to incorporate new questions and insights when we run an in-person course. Our courses are not static, and I always want to improve their quality. If […]
Moving Beyond the Basics
Last week, in my post on Getting Lost in Translation, I wrote about how you can use leatherworking to unplug and practice being present. When you can focus, you’ll notice more nuance in your practice. You can better master the basics, which later enables you to do more advanced techniques. For example, the process of […]
Getting Lost in Translation
Recently, I was traveling in Japan and struggling with the language. I lived in Japan for two years and have visited numerous times. Sadly, I don’t practice Japanese very much day-to-day, so my first few days back in the country were tough. Once I got there, a flood of words started returning to me. All […]
The Small Details: Threading Your Needles for Sewing Leather
Threading your needles for hand-sewing leather is a simple technique that shows how paying attention to the details pays off. Properly set needles make it easier to sew and help you speed through your leathercraft project. Learn about threading your needles in this short video.
Bund Strap: Remaking an old Watch Band
A customer found an old Paul Frank watch and wanted the band remade. The watch still worked; however, the band was ragged and worn out. He envisioned a new band reminiscent of the old band with superior looks and quality. This was a fun exploratory project where I could replace and refine the old strap. […]
Advice on Craft From a Living National Treasure
Preface: I wrote this newsletter article ten years ago(!) and have revisited the same question a few times since. Why do leatherworking? Are you after a particular style of wallet or bag? You could feasibly buy one in a store, but you don’t. Something inside compels you to strike out and make the thing yourself. […]
An Old Custom Shoe Shop Perseveres
A while back, a reader shared this New York Times article about a football shoemaker in Mexico. It’s a great, though somewhat bittersweet, story about how a custom cleat maker started his business and how it continues. It reminds me that starting a small business is sometimes about capturing a moment or an opportunity when […]
Elegance Can Be Simple
Often, people come to me asking for advanced techniques, but they haven’t mastered the basics. They want to know how to build a briefcase or install the hardware on a doctor’s bag. When I ask to see their most recent work, it’s clear that they are not yet proficient in the basics. I was (am) […]
Details on a Leather Valet Tray
I wanted to make a valet tray, refine the details, and make it my own. I’ve seen others do them stitched together or use snaps so that they can lay flat. While I like the utility, I don’t see myself having stacks of trays that I want to store away when I’m not using them. […]
Not All Leathercraft Projects Are Flat
Not all leatherworking projects are flat. Most are not. I consider flat projects to be mats, journal covers, card cases, wallets, and belts. Yes, they have components requiring true three-dimensional consideration, but they are relatively simple or involve only one project detail. For example, how does the middle of a wallet fold so that you […]