steveb leatherworks: the blather

It is not too often that I start a project without a clear idea of the “desired end-state”. Usually with customer work, I attend to the details in a number of emails or conversations that drill down into the  specific colors, design and hardware they’d like me to use. I don’t ever cut leather until […]

Alot of my customers carry a briefcase or over-the-shoulder/sling/ messenger/ computer bag. Usually they are some sort of heavy duty ballistic nylon – like my favorite (and pricey) brand of choice – Tumi. All of these type bags come with a standard issue shoulder strap – pretty ugly. Since I am always looking for ways […]

As if you havent figured it out by now, I like my words. I like words in general, but i especially like my words…lol. I always carry a journal with me, to capture thoughts, take notes when i am in a meeting and in general, to make me look smarter than I am. For many years […]

One of the rules of taking care of your tools is to use them correctly. Screwdrivers should’nt be used to pry or be pounded on with hammers (unless they are someone else’s), ratchets are not breaker bars, knife blades are not screwdrivers, etc, etc. In the leathercraft world we dont use metal hammers very often, […]

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Reaching back in the archive here for a little discourse on a special *surprise birthday* wallet with a meaningful, personal piece of art showcased front and center. My customer Brandi was a girlfriend of the gent who had this art as a tattoo. Mind you this was a small tattoo, and a very old tattoo..and […]

Some years back i was given a scrap of alligator to play with. I don’t work with hides or skins much, so put it aside, knowing that one day when i had some idle time, I’d get to some experimenting and see what I could do with it. Time passed, and lo and behold, I […]

blue suede paisley.. Found some really different and exceedingly expensive leather suitable for lining wallets. Both pieces are a matte finish suede and sport cool paisley/ bandanna. type prints. Both colors are outstanding, both prints are really something different. I was only able to find a small piece of each, so this is sure to be […]

This customer had a favorite scrimshaw blade he carried every day. Being a folder type of knife, some sort of pouch style sheath was appropriate. Being a daily carry knife, required I use a strong, tight to the body style – so it wouldn’t get hung up or snag on stuff. I decided to use […]

Big Mark wanted a special Fin. I am not going to argue with anyone whose first name is Big. A little 408 area code action seemed a good theme in his mind, I bundled this idea up with a sweet tribal flame treatment and together we made this a distinctive beauty. Red matte finish upholstery […]

No big complicated  deal from a leather-work perspective, pocket wallets are simply handy as hell. Honestly, the utility, simplicity and sheer usability of these little stinkers has me engaged. I have been considering refinements, but after playing with a few designs,i find the original is still the best. Lets you carry your bills, license, a […]

Tough as nails finding brass or copper “anything” these days. The colors aren’t in favor by the fashion world which drives alot of the demand for manufacturing and so…if WalM*rt isnt buying it, folks aint making it. Bummer. Makes sourcing stuff like cool chain, clasps, jump rings, snaps, etc – tough. I used to find alot […]

At steveb worldwide global llc inc co. we pride ourselves on unleashing a veritable torrent of innovation on our unsuspecting friends, neighbors and yes – our customers. Here at the training centre (notice the affected  “e”) we like to think of it as cruel and unusual..but really it is neither. It is actually a positive […]

Utility..let me ponder Utility – one of the key guiding principles behind the design of my work. Stuff has to work well first and foremost. You wont find leaherwork that is uncomfortable or unusable coming from my shop, no sir, sacrificing style for utility or comfort aint gonna happen. You might need to break a […]