Back in March I wrote a post highlighting small accessory making. Practicing on smaller details is a key component to making finer leather goods. When you can get every little thing right on a small accessory, you’re more likely to do the same when you make bigger things likes handbags and luggage. When we published […]
Videos: Making Alfred Dunhill and Ferragamo Cases
Watching established companies make their wares is a great source of inspiration and a glimpse into traditional techniques and methods. Making a Traditional Double Document Case Alfred Dunhill posted this video showcasing their Double Document Case which includes a peek into how it is made. The brushing throughout the video reminds me to work clean […]
Practice Finer Details with Key Accessories (Updated)
I love discovering short projects that can be completed within a day. As a new parent it’s hard to devote time to leatherworking, so I try to maintain my skills in any way possible and in any amount that I can. When I found this article by Caitlin and Manda from The Merrythought, it inspired […]
More Readers’ Leatherworking Spaces
A while back we posted on examples on how to set up your leatherworking space to work cleaner, faster and easier. Many of our readers sent us examples of their workspaces which inspired even more of you to show your examples. Below are a few more highlights of what we’ve collected. I’m still impressed with […]
Pinterest Highlights – Shrunken Calf
There are so many amazing leather goods out there made from Shrunken Calf. It’s why we decided to team with the tannery that makes these hides to be their official US partner. While the more famous examples are often shown, we’ve collected a few lesser known works from around the world that are also striking. […]
Our Readers’ Leathercraft Workspaces
Last week I wrote about mise en place and workspaces. Many of you emailed back some amazing workspace photos. Here are a few of the highlights: Alan P. Andy F. Chris S. Metallicsunburst Benzethonium Balsamountain Asdem Everyone works differently and has different styles. When looking at someone’s space, it’s a peek into how […]
Right Place, Right Tool, Righteously Good Leather Work
It used to be that whenever I was in the middle of a project, I would lose track of a tool. It could be a knife, a pricking iron, or sometimes even my awl. I would look up from my workbench to see chaos. Pieces of leather would be everywhere; my tools would be sitting […]
Pinterest Highlights – Vintage Bespoke Luggage and Shoes
One of the ways that we keep up with what’s going on in leather goods design is through Pinterest. Over the years we’ve accumulated more than 13,000 pins ranging from the bespoke luggage of “Out of Africa” author Karen Blixen to infographics on the anatomy of a Birken Bag (both below). Inspiration for your next […]
The Challenges And Rewards Of Starting A Leather Shoe Business
Many of you reading this blog dream of starting your own business in leatherworking or are working hard to grow your existing one. Today I want to introduce you to a husband and wife team who are doing exactly that: Josh and Jules of Love Jules Leather. They started in Whistler, British Columbia but have since […]
What To Look For When Sharpening A Knife
(this is the second article in a mini-series on sharpening, view part one here) In the last post, I wrote about how to add sharpening to your leatherworking practice and how to transition from using disposable blades to sharpenable knives. If you’ve decided to take the plunge and practice this skill, congratulations! You will be learning a […]