Barrel proof leather

Another page recently posted this reel as their own. It got a lot of views, so I figure I should ride the coat tails of their success and repost it myself. This is a neat backpack that I made almost 2 years ago to resemble workwear overalls. It’s made with some stunning Italian vegetable tanned leather. Designed and constructed in the Sonoran desert by me.

God luck and good speed
-Liam

Stitch sideways. This is the way.

Long wallet T pockets get love, too. A good sharp knife and a smooth flat surface make a big difference.

This is the only part of making a wallet that I like. Maybe I’ll just keep a stash of pre skived T-pockets in a drawer to speed up my wallet making process when I muster up the self loathing to start one.

God luck and good speed
-Liam

It’s out of focus, but it sounds good. That’s good enough for me today.

Beveling edges on this stunning Italian vegetable tanned leather really gives me a reason to get out of bed in the morning.

God luck and good speed
-Liam

Western AF

Industrial walking foot sewing machines are ideal for leather work like this. While roller foot machines are certainly better for more detailed work and shoe making, a machine like this one is perfect for me. Would I like to have a roller foot or walking foot post bed machine, and even another flat bed? Absolutely. Would I trade any of those for what I have now? Not a chance.

God luck and good speed
-Liam

New (old) camera = new (new) strap. These are the rules. I didn’t write the rules. I simply abide by them. These rules at least. The rules of leather craft.

Split rings appear to be the attachment of choice for things like this, but I didn’t have any. I did have a 3/8” swivel snap, so that will do the trick for now. Follow along for all of my custom Fujifilm recipes. Just kidding. Don’t do that. I don’t have any.

God luck and good speed
-Liam

I love this red Buttero leather. If you’ve ever worked with products from the Walpier tannery you already know. These struck through Italian leathers often cost more per square foot than some of the American tanneries, but the yield is so much better. A lot less waste with these.

God luck and good speed
-Liam

This is my favorite leather for a few reasons.
- it’s absolutely stunning
- it’s the perfect temper for the work I do.
- the folks who make it are absolutely lovely.
- it’s named after my home town.
- cuts and skives like a dream!

This is art. Tucson from the italpel tannery in Tuscany.

The skiving knife is from WUTA. It’s surprisingly effective for how inexpensive it was. You just have to sharpen it A LOT. Thanks for watching!

God luck and good speed.
-Liam

Thriving through skiving. The way to thrive while skiving is super sharp kniving. Sharp knives save lives.

Beautiful Buttero leather on its way to becoming a cross body bag. We measure, we cut, we sew. It’s a simple life, but it’s a good life.

God luck and good speed
-Liam