A Little History of Handbags and Purses

Life of a Maker

For a long time I’ve been working on handbag and purse designs. They have almost exclusively been custom orders for people but recently I’ve made one design (a cross body bag) available in my shop for purchase.

A soft leather handbag with a carved front flap. — Cross Body Bag

The history of handbags and purses is fascinating! Handbags and purses are a key part of many modern women’s wardrobes and often make a statement as an important accessory. But that wasn’t always the case. According to this Wikipedia article, the term handbag didn’t come into common use until the early 20th century. While both sexes had carried a ‘purse’ which was primarily used for coins for many years prior to that, the term ‘handbag’ began appearing in the 1900’s as a description of men’s hand luggage. However apparently over time women’s bags grew larger and more complex and the term ‘handbag’ became more associated with women’s bags.

The First Luxury Handbag

The first set of ‘luxury handbags’ is believed to have been made in 1841 as a custom order for an English Industrialist, Samuel Parkinson. According to history (and the same article referenced above) he ordered a set of traveling bags from a London shop called H. J. Cave. As part of the order he specified a “traveling case or bag for his wife’s particulars after noticing that her purse was too small and made from a material that would not withstand” long journeys by train. He also requested that several be made in different sizes for different occasions and he specifically stated they needed to be made of leather. While this was good news for me and other future leather workers like me, it wasn’t that popular at the time. The finished bags which are considered the first ‘modern’ handbags were considered too heavy by many critics of that time. They were concerned that the bags were so heavy that they would result in back injuries to the poor frail women of the era. H. J. Cave apparently only made handbags occasionally and stopped making them in 1865 except for certain customers. Like the Queen of England and other royalty on request. They would start making luxury bags again for the general public in 2010.

Fortunately for me and my interest in making custom leather handbags and purses, the idea did eventually catch on and now they exist in all sorts of shapes, sizes and artwork designs. If you are interested in a custom leather handbag or purse, please feel free to contact me. I’ll be thrilled to add my work to the history of handbags and purses!

This article has been sponsored by Loveland Heights Cottages near Estes Park, CO and along the banks of the Big Thompson River. They have played host to many luxury leather bags over the years. The cabins have been around almost as long as there have been modern handbags for women but the cabins still have modern conveniences like WiFi. Check out their website to contact them and arrange reservations for your Rocky Mountain summer getaway!

Just back from the Rocky Mountain Leather Trade Show!

Leather Carving, Leather Stamping

Mid May is a special time of year for us leather workers, especially those living near enough to Wyoming that we can easily travel to the Rocky Mountain Leather Trade show in Sheridan, WY.

The Premier Leather Trade Show in the US

A view of the show floor at the 2023 Rocky Mountain Leather Trade Show. — A view of the trade show floor.

Every May some of the best suppliers of tools, equipment, hardware and of course leather gather in Sheridan for a week long event that includes classes and a leather artwork show that usually attracts some of the best artisans from around the world. As a leather worker this is an excellent chance to see the work of some of the best leather workers, purchase specialized tools and get some of the most unique leathers on the planet all in one place. It’s also a great chance to learn from others and improve our skills.

This has been an event where in the past I’ve taken classes to improve my skills and where I’ve met some amazing people. The leather worker community in the US is really a very friendly and supportive group as a whole and the leather workers at the Sheridan show really exemplify that. They are a community that will support each other and freely share their knowledge. A great example of this is a free class taught on Saturday afternoon to kids to introduce them to leather work. Master leather craftsman Jim Linnel of Elk Track Studios has given his time for many years to introduce this art to the next generation and to further its traditions. It’s this kind of openness and community that make this show such a special event in my life and the lives of many other leather workers around the country.

I came back inspired by the amazing work I saw at the World Leather Debut, an art exhibit that is part of the show, as well as the amazing friends I’ve made over the years who are real leaders in this art form. Now I’m back with a few new tools, a few new ideas and some beautiful leather.

Timeless Leather Decor for your Home

Creativity, Leather Carving

Remember Leather Decor?

I remember a long time ago traveling for work and staying in a small motel in central Kansas. The motel had a western / cattle drive theme and I distinctly remember the room having carved leather artwork and picture frames along with other kinds of western themed decor. I really liked the place and since I had to visit this customer several times I always made a point of staying at that same motel.

Hand Carved Leather Picture Frame

“Leather decor items are a timeless form of decoration for the home and they aren’t limited to western themes.”

This was all long before I knew anything about working with or carving leather. But it shows how I was interested in the western design motif and leather carving in general. As a fan of western history it all points to my eventually becoming a leather craftsman and my focus on western floral patterns.

So when I got a chance to make a leather decor item I jumped at it! A few year’s ago a customer requested a carved picture frame as a wedding gift. She was looking for a floral design with the happy couple’s brand centered on it. The final result is shown here and they were all thrilled with it.

It was a fun project and I’ve wanted to make more things like it. I have an end table in my house that needs the top redone and I want to make an all leather top for it with a carved design. One of these days I’m going to make the time to do this for myself.

Leather decor items are a timeless form of decoration for the home and they aren’t limited to western themes. When I was young it was more common to see leather decor items in homes. Usually they were not western themed though it make sense for the motel I was visiting. Often they were just meant to signify luxury. While I like western floral designs myself, there is no reason these designs can’t be Celtic, Victorian or any other theme you prefer for your decorating style.

If you have any ideas for a custom leather decor item you would like for your home, let me know. I’m always happy to work in a different style and I would be thrilled to make more items like this picture frame or a leather table runner. Just contact me and let me know what you have in mind. Together I think we can make a really cool family heirloom!

PS: Looking for a unique western motel?

Speaking of motels with a unique western history, try checking out Loveland Heights Cottages, These unique cabins are located along the Big Thompson River near Estes Part, CO. They have one, two, and three-bedroom cottages with fully equipped kitchens and many with decks that are right on the river. They are one of the best vacation values in the Rocky Mountains and I’m happy to have them as sponsors. Give them a call today to book your summer getaway!

Celebrating World Leather Day!

Life of a Maker

April 26th is World Leather Day

World Leather Day is a day created by the leather industry to celebrate leather and leather products and to focus on the sustainability of leather as a material. Leather is actually a byproduct of the food industry. According to the tanning industry if cattle skins were not tanned and used to make leather approximately 10 million metric tons of waste material would end up going to landfills annually. Instead this material is used to make clothing, boots, gloves and some of the carved leather items that I make and sell here on my site.

Leather is one of the oldest man made products, having been made since before the dawn of human civilization. Mankind’s earliest creations were probably leather clothing for protection and leather bags for carrying and storing things. Like the teepee of the Plains Indians of North America early man probably developed their first housing from mobile leather structures. We went on to develop leather armor, saddles and protective gloves and boots. In many of these cases, leather is still a great choice in these applications despite the development of many modern synthetic fibers.

Leather has a beauty and durability that few other materials can match. The carved leather items that I make are generally one of kind creations that are made specifically for that customer. The artwork often represents something special about them or their family, and the finished product is intended to be a family heirloom that will be handed down from generation to generation. Whether it’s a leather handbag or a family Bible cover it is made to be durable and to last while being used for the purpose it was designed for.

Leather has that unique property that it can be carved, dyed and crafted into so many unique items. Here on World Leather Day we are celebrating this amazing material and the wondrous and long lasting works of art we can create with it. I am honored that I have a medium where I can create a functional work of art that will be used and cherished by people probably long after I’m gone.

Focusing on Your Work (as an Artist its Hard!)

Business, Creativity, Life of a Maker

I tend not to be the most organized person, as anyone who looks at my work bench would clearly see! Despite appearances though I do have a good idea where most things are and what I should be working on.

Hand tooling a flower in leather. — Process of carving a flower in leather.

However for creative people especially it can be hard to stay focused and motivated to work on a specific product or customer order. On MANY occasions I’ve had trouble staying focused on a project that isn’t as exciting artistically as some of my past work, and it can make me easily distracted when another more enticing idea comes along. It is very easy for me to get distracted by seeing other’s work on social media like Instagram and thinking “What a cool idea!”

For artists and other creative people staying focused on tasks, especially if they are not a particularly creative task, can be hard because of the way our brain is wired. If your right brain is more dominant, meaning you’re more used to flexing your creative muscles, you will naturally gravitate towards those skills versus more left brain tasks that are more logical and analytical. If you are working on something that isn’t particularly artistic or creative, it can be easy to be side tracked from something that you don’t enjoy. Plus if you are like me, a good creative idea can jump in and disrupt whatever you are trying to concentrating on.

Focusing For Artists and Creatives

One of the easiest ways to fight this and stay on track is goal setting. Having written goals and reviewing them daily is a key way I keep on track and get projects done. When I’m struggling to move forward on a project, it’s usually because I’m not staying focused on my goals and I’m allowing myself to be distracted. Focusing for artists and creatives can sometimes be a difficult task. I’m as guilty as anyone else! Look a squirrel!

There are important steps to goal setting. First is knowing what you want to achieve. You have to know where you want to go before you can start a trip. Once you have a goal you have to have a plan. This is your map on how you are going to get where you want to go. Then Take Action! It’s no good having a plan or a map unless start the trip to reach your goal. If necessary break it down into smaller steps. And once you reach your goal review how it turned out and if necessary renew your goals.

Goal setting and staying focused on your goals is not always the easiest thing for someone who is creative. Let’s face it, the logical process of setting and focusing on goals isn’t always the strength of someone who is creative minded. But if you are an artist or creative who is operating as a freelancer or in your own business it’s important to keep on track, meet your goals and finish your project so it can be delivered to your customer. And in the end, shipping that project frees you up for your next creative project! That can be a reward in itself.

Carved leather pendant with wire wrapped bezel. — Leather Floral Pendant

Historic Western Saddles at The Don King Saddle Museum

Leather Carving

Rows of historic western saddles at the King Museum in Sheridan, WY — Historic western saddles at the King Saddlery Museum in Sheridan, WY

The Don King Museum

Hidden away in northern Wyoming is a treasure of a museum dedicated to the art of leather work and western saddle making. The Don King Museum in Sheridan, WY is home to one of the best collections of historic western saddles in the US and is a tribute to the art of carving leather.

Started by noted saddle maker and leather artist Don King, the museum is the result of a lifetime of collecting saddles from the past to study both the construction and carving artwork made by saddle makers of the past. The collection goes beyond just saddles and includes western memorabilia, firearms and old leather tools.

The historic western saddles, some of which are over a 100 years old, are an inspiration for a leather craftsman like me. Not only can I see how they made things but also the carving and stamping designs they used back then are a great source of ideas for me as a leather artist. The techniques they used back then can still inspire someone and their own creations a century later. It’s definitely a place that I can spend hours in looking at the works of past western artists.

The museum also includes a section dedicated to Ann and Al Stohlman, pioneers in both the art of leatherwork and in teaching the craft to others. Al Stohlman partnered with the Tandy Leather Company in the 1950’s to bring out many books on leather work as well as tool designs for refining the art of carving leather. His ideas were revolutionary at the time and he and his wife Ann introduced leather carving to a much wider audience. Al Stohlman made an indelible mark on the art and craft of leather work that is still felt to this day. At the museum you can see some of his original creations, artwork that became the books he would publish and even his entire workbench and tools are on display.

As a leather craftsman walking through the museum is an inspiration. I’m not a saddle maker but I know enough to be able to appreciate the craftsmanship that went into these saddles and the different approaches to the artwork on them always gives me new ideas. It also is amazing to think that these works of art were also working cowboy gear that spent many years on the back of a horse in all kinds of weather riding the range. Oh the stories these saddles could tell!

You can find our more about the museum or the saddlery and rope shops by visiting their website www.kingssaddlery.com

Saddle seat and cantle from an old saddle at the Don King Museum, Sheridan, WY — Saddle seat and cantle

Saddle bags from a historic leather saddle at the Don King Museum, Sheridan WY — Saddle bags from a historic western saddle.

Outstanding Custom Leather Belts

Leather Carving, Leather Construction, Leather Stamping

Making Outstanding Custom Leather Belts

Leather belts can be a very personal part of your wardrobe. They can range from a plain but elegant dress belt to something carved and personalized with your name, and anything in between.

Here at C and B Leather, while we can make a plain dress belt for you our specialty is a more personalized and artistic approach. Our custom leather belts are made of Full Grain leather and usually have a design stamped or carved onto the belt. The leather we use is tanned by a specific process that allows us to make carving designs on the surface of the belt that have depth and will show off the artwork extremely well. It’s also leather that will last for many year’s of service.

Many of the belts that you get at departments stores or big box general merchandise stores are made with lower quality leathers. They will be marked as Genuine Leather, which is actually a very low grade of leather. It is also usually just a thin leather outer layer and the bulk of the inside may be a fabric or even cardboard! See my recent blog post about the different kinds of leather that you will find in most retail stores. Genuine Leather doesn’t wear well and it cracks and breaks after only a little while of use. It is an inexpensive product but its also not something that will last.

The Full Grain leather we use has all the strength and durability that leather is known for. Each belt is made to fit your waist. We tailor it to your measurements. After carving or stamping your custom design into the leather, we treat it with multiple finish steps, each applied by hand, to enhance the artwork while conditioning and protecting the leather. This allows your belt to have many years of looking good and serving you well.

Quality Custom Leather Belts are available now!

If you are ready for a quality custom made leather belt, tailored to your waist and that fits your style, we are glad to help. Contact us with your ideas so we can get the process started.

Hand carved leather belt with floral design and silver and turquoise buckle

What does ‘Genuine Leather’ mean?

Business, Leather Construction

What’s up with Genuine Leather?

You will often see the term ‘Genuine Leather’ on items you find a stores, but what does this really mean?

If you go to a department store or other big box retail store, you will often run across leather items like belts or wallets that are stamped with the term ‘Genuine Leather’ but is this really any kind of quality guarantee? Not really. In fact it is one of the lowest grades of the types of leather you can purchase.

Genuine Leather is usually made from the lower quality parts of a hide that are removed from higher quality leather hides. Often it is made from the parts shaved off of the back of a leather hide that are then glued together for strength and have a leather texture embossed onto the surface. These are basically rejected parts from higher quality items that are recycled into something useful for the mass consumer market. This kind of leather doesn’t have much strength or the ability to wear well because it doesn’t include the grain surface of the leather from the original hide. The grain surface is where most of leather’s strength resides. Thus items made from ‘Genuine Leather’ won’t hold up well and tend to wear out or break down quickly. It’s only suitable for items where strength and durability are not required.

Other Types of Leather

Top Grain is the next step up and while it’s better, it still has some drawbacks. Top Grain still has the grain surface on the leather but that surface has been ‘corrected’. Leather naturally has slight imperfections on the grain surface. These are usually marks or scars the animal picked up on its hide over it’s lifetime. On Top Grain leather the gain surface is sanded to remove these marks so it looks like a higher quality leather but this removes some of the strength from the leather. To repair the damage to the surface, paints and sealants are sprayed on the surface. Often a grain design will be embossed onto the leather as well. These treatments can make this leather hold its color well and be water resistant, but often lower quality hides are used because the finishing steps mask the imperfections.

Top Grain leather is the kind of leather used in most luxury brand handbags, wallets or briefcases. It wears better than Genuine Leather but that’s partially due to the surface treatments that are added to it. It doesn’t have the strength and resistance to wear that Full Grain leather does because the top of the grain surface has been damaged by the sanding.

Full Grain Leather

Full Grain leather is the highest quality of the types of leather used in making personal items. This leather has the original grain surface of the hide intact which gives it all the strength and wear resistance leather is known for. It may have slight blemishes and imperfections but a skilled maker can work around them in the hide. Full Grain leather is preferred for heavy duty items that need to be rugged and wear resistant. However in a skilled craftsman’s hands the same leather can be used for handbags, wallets, belts and other personal items that will wear very well and last for many years. If you want an item that will be durable and last a long time, this is the leather you want to use. Full Grain leather is usually more expensive because it has to be a higher quality hide to start with. This initial expenses is usually more than offset by the lifetime the finished product will have.

Understanding these differences helps to explain why hand crafted items from a reputable maker like C and B Leather cost more than the mass produced items you find at a department store. The quality of the full grain leather we use is one reason for a higher price, but the experience and skill we bring to your project are also a factor. If you have a personal item you would like custom made out of high quality full grain leather, please contact us to make your idea a reality.

Quality Handmade Leatherwork

Business, Leather Carving, Life of a Maker

The Quality of Consumer Products

Recently I was reading an article on Vox about why consumer products that are made now are not holding up to the quality of just a few years ago. The author of the article makes very good points about why consumer companies from clothing to tech products are driven to reduce quality and make manufacturing easier in order to maintain a certain price. The point of the article is that cost of materials and cost of labor have constantly been increasing (this last year especially so!) and to maintain prices that consumers are used to, the quality of the materials and the way they are assembled has to be sacrificed.

This made me think about the quality of handmade leatherwork like what I make here at C and B Leather. The items that I make are not only intended to last for many years of service, but ideally they can be passed down to the next generation and still be useable.

So much in our culture is looked at now as disposable or as being useful for a period of time but then cast aside as newer and improved versions come about. We don’t expect our clothing, furniture or appliances to last for years. With electronic tech we even will replace something because we want the newer model even if your existing model still works fine.

When I make quality handmade leatherwork I want the finished product to rise above those expectations. I want it to be something that will last for a long time and that you will keep using for a long time. It should also reflect something about you or your personality. It should be something that fits your personality uniquely. It’s going to cost more than the disposable version, but it will also have more VALUE!

There are craftsmen and women making really high quality items all across the U.S. These people make the things they make because they have a true love of their craft. Each item, be it wood working, sculpting, painting or working with leather, is made with love and care. It’s their goal to make something that is a unique expression of themselves as well as the best quality they can make it. It’s also usually a unique expression of the end user. That is what I’m doing with my leather work, I’m striving to make the best quality handmade leatherwork I possibly can, and if I can make it unique to you I will do that too.

If you are ready to invest in quality for yourself, let me know. If you are looking for a custom made leather notebook, a custom belt, wallet or handbag made just for you contact me to get the process started!

Carved Leather wallet with Sunflower design — Minimalist wallet with sunflower design.

Handmade by a craftsman produces quality that cannot be equaled by today’s mass market consumer items.

Thank You for 2022!

Life of a Maker

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

2022 has been another eventful and at times crazy year! There have been many interesting new projects this year and many new customers. I want to say thank you to all our customers this year. We appreciate your business and hope we can make many new and cool things for you next year!

Look for new products next year. I planning on doing more with belts next year. If you’re looking for a custom floral carved belt or something with a more complex geometric design, let us know and keep an eye on the website. We have some interesting designs coming that go beyond just a basketweave design. Also, look for new handbag and wallet designs coming soon! And as always, if you have a leather work idea that you would like custom made for you, let us know.

Also, look for more value added content for both the leather worker and for the leather consumer. We want to make this site more interesting for both our customers and our fellow leather workers, so stay tuned and see what’s coming in 2023!

Once again, thank you to all our customers! It’s your support that allows us to make all the cool things we do here! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

It has been wonderful to serve all the customer’s we’ve been fortunate to have this year!