steveb leatherworks: the blather

As I have mentioned in posts past, making a set of leather goods is a kind of special affair, most folks buy one piece at a time, so getting the chance to do a few pieces for one person at one time is cool – i enjoy tying a belt and wallet together with a theme..and i enjoy adapting an idea from one item to the other, its a fun challenge. Making gifts is also rewarding, nice to know your in on something that is going to be memorable. This job had both of these hallmarks – very cool.

A tight basket weave throughout the fin wallet was set off by my usual marine grade stainless chain, nickel plated grommet and partnered up with a nice chain keeper that attaches to the belt. This “keeper” is now a standard feature  on all of my chain wallets and really adds a bit more zing. For those who like clasps for their wallet chains, they are still available. Both wallet and belt are stitched (by arm power) with a bright white 277 thread. The inside of the wallet is set off by a nice red to brown fade. The belt is lined with pig, the wallet is lined with cowhide.

Now here is a small factoid that you didn’t know. Many of the wallets I make that are lined with a cowhide are lined with leather that comes from Langlitz Leather in the rainy PNW. I made friends with their shop manager and owner some years back and I haggled for a monster box of pieces, too small for their usages, but perfect for mine. This is top shelf leather, really really good stuff – and in some ways, I think it is good karma to: not be wasteful in the ways we use an animal and to use as much of it as we can and secondly,  in using leather that comes from one of the (if not the most, next to Vanson) most respected custom motorcycle leatherwear shops in the USA, is just plain cool and laden with positive juju. If your in the know, you know Langlitz.

Anyway, back to the show…..Mrs. Dennis contacted me about this set for Mr. Dennis, we figured out an overall look that Mr.Dennis would find fitting. Details addressed, a few short weeks later, Ms. Dennis took delivery of the goods. Upon getting the package as a holiday gift, this was Mr. Dennis’s note to the entire design and production team at steveb leatherworks, llc, inc., co, esq, pzq:

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Steve,  I got my present the other day from L**, “Black Belt/Wallet” and have to say you did a terrific job.  I appreciate the work and time that you put into this and it definitely shows your attention to detail.  I wear it with pride and have been showing it off to everyone. Thank you for your superb work and enjoy the holidays.  Dennis
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Well, this made my day (as well as the entire team)  as you could well imagine. You have to know that it doesn’t get any better than this for an artisan. Thanks for the kind words Dennis and thanks for the business!

So, take a look at the basket weave stamping on this wallet, if you would. One of the reasons I put such large image files up on my site is so you can really see just what kind of detail goes into my work. I don’t hide anything and am not afraid to show my work in the clearest way possible.