I'm Dom, I've had an interest in leather goods for many years, I think it started when I was on holiday in Ibiza when I was around 17, there was a small shop called the Sandal Shop just at the entrance to the old town, it was full of beautifully made bags, belts, wallets etc., behind the counter was a chap stitching by hand, I can remember thinking what a nice way to make a living that would be - and I have thought it ever since, all while involving myself in various less pleasant ways of making a living!
To give some background, I thought I would give an example of my involvement in leather goods as a buyer, designer, and maker, I think that all of these experiences have contributed to shaping how I see leather craft, and where I hope to position myself within it.
Buyer - I like wristwatches, at times in the past to an unhealthy degree, I used to collect them. What I also used to like to an unhealthy degree was buying straps for them, and the process of selecting the leather, the stitching, the lining... Below are two of my favourite straps, they were both made by Atelier du Bracelet Parisien, they are 'special tannings' Alligator in the same colour, one with round scales and the other square. I liked how they punched different shaped holes depending on the shape of the scales.
Designer - Some years ago I decided to go back to university as a mature student to study furniture and product design, one of the projects that we were set was to design a bag, there were a number of constraints and requirements, most of which I ignored. The bag I came up with had an innovative if not entirely successful method of closure. I turned the aluminium parts and made a punch for the hole/slot, I didn't do the leather bits. Sketches and photos of the finished bags below.
Maker - As is usually the case with me, I think about doing something a very very long time before I actually do it. I learned the basics of leatherwork on a weekend course at Tanner Bates around 3 years ago, I loved it, but with family, work, and general procrastination I hadn't picked up a knife or awl since. I had though become a master at watching youtube videos on leather craft having invested the required 10,000 hours, so when the time came I felt well equipped to attempt this, my first piece, a filofax cover for my daughter.
It is hand cut and stitched. I think I pulled the stitching too tight like I was doing up a pair of football boots. My daughter likes it and that's the main thing.
The hand is from a logo I did to indicate that it is hand made, I wanted to try a 'one line' logo to see how it would work being stitched, it may have been better if my awl work and stitching were better, and if it had a longer thumb!
Sorry to waffle on, I hope to learn lots and contribute whatever I can.
And if I can get to the stage where I can make my own goods to my own designs, in my own workshop, with my own little shop out front - in Ibiza - that would be lovely.
Thanks for having me, Dom.
@dominicreeves Excellent introduction Dominic! Thank you for joining and sharing with us here.
I like your bad design, with the flap undone it definitely has a cheeky character to it! š
Hello :)
That hand stiched hand is really good. I love it. The idea behind is really smart yet so simple.
Also, i can belive this folio was your first venture in leathercraft, impressive!