Through the years I have created and sold many leather bags that can be found all over the country and various places in the world. It feels good to know and think about that.
I think out of all the products I have designed including pouches, wallets, belts and the like, my favorite creations to make are bags. Sometimes though, a customer will approach me about a new project. If it’s a particularly busy time of the year during the market and show season I usually ask them to delay it to the off season. These sort of projects usually require a lot more time invested to create a pattern, which involves the complications of size and fit, type of leather and more. With shows being cancelled and the market volume a little lighter I currently have more time than usual. In early spring I planned and sketched a new line of cross body slouch purses based on a customer’s request and a photo showing the basic concept or style. They are now a new part of my 2020 collection. Like everything I make they are created from my own original design.
Enter a new customer, a carpenter. A few weeks ago I was a visiting vendor at the Nampa Farmers Market. He asked if I could make a custom piece, a small belt pouch for his carpenter’s laser. He had been looking for something of high quality for some time and found one handmade in Australia by a well-known leather worker there. The price was reasonable but it sounded like shipping would cost almost as much as the pouch. I asked him if he had his current pouch with him. It was similar to a Leatherman pouch but with different dimensions. A well-worn case that needed replacement.
Yes I can make one.
I took measurements as he still needed the laser for working. We agreed on a price. I told him I would make it out of a beautiful hide of black English Bridle leather. Small as it is it would be built to last and withstand heavy use.
The gentleman came to pick up the pouch yesterday at the 34th Street Farmers Market, the sister market to the Capital City Public Market. With excitement he brought his new carpenter duty belt that he had special ordered for his profession. The laser fit perfectly in the case and immediately was incorporated on the belt as well as a smaller pouch he purchased for his utility knife. I would not even try and guess the purpose of all of the necessary gadgets, rulers, markers, special hammer, etc… he needs to help lay concrete for commercial properties. He told me he climbs up and down buildings wearing this tool belt that was extremely heavy. We also talked about the oiled leather bags he uses to hold equipment.
Part of being a leather artisan is offering unique handmade usable creations. But it is also communicating and meeting interesting people from all walks of life. I learned a little about concrete carpenters and a profession that I knew nothing about. I also made a small belt pouch that will serve its function for years to come.