My Leatherworking Creative Outlet
Leatherworking has become one of my favorite creative outlets. There’s something satisfying about taking a simple piece of leather and transforming it into something functional, durable, and unique.
My projects range from handcrafted journals and wallets to guitar accessories and other small leather goods. I enjoy experimenting with different types of leather, stitching techniques, patterns, and designs, always looking for ways to improve my craftsmanship.
What makes leatherworking especially interesting to me is the opportunity to combine traditional handcrafting techniques with modern tools like laser cutters, digital design software, and even custom software I’ve developed myself.
Whether you’re interested in learning about leatherworking, exploring my projects, or purchasing something handmade, welcome to my corner of the workshop!
Handcrafted Leather Journals
One of my favorite projects is creating leather covers for Field Notes notebooks. These compact journals are designed for everyday use and develop character over time.
I work with a variety of leathers, particularly oil-tanned leather, which I love for its natural texture, flexibility, and rugged appearance. Each piece has its own characteristics, and the leather often develops an even richer appearance with use.
Some of my designs feature decorative leather appliqués, including crosses, mountains, and other nature-inspired patterns. Each journal is cut, assembled, and stitched with attention to detail.
Wallets & Everyday Carry
I also enjoy making wallets and other small everyday-carry accessories. These projects are a great opportunity to experiment with different leather combinations, pocket configurations, stitching patterns, and construction methods.
My goal is to create practical pieces that feel good in your hand, hold up to regular use, and have a distinctive handmade character.
Guitar Accessories & Custom Projects
As a longtime musician, I enjoy finding opportunities to combine my interest in music with leatherworking.
One recent project is a handcrafted leather guitar pick holder, designed to carry multiple picks in a compact, guitar-inspired case.
I’m always experimenting with new ideas, creating prototypes, and refining designs. Sometimes the process of figuring out how to make something is just as enjoyable as the finished product.
Tools, Materials & Techniques
My leatherworking process blends traditional craftsmanship with modern maker tools.
Leather & Materials
I work primarily with oil-tanned, chrome-tanned, and vegetable-tanned leathers, selecting materials based on the intended use, flexibility, thickness, and appearance of each project. I purchase most of my leather from Springfield Leather or Weaver Leather Supply.
Hand Stitching & Assembly
I use traditional saddle-stitching techniques, waxed thread, and hand-finishing methods to assemble my projects. Getting the details right, from stitch spacing to edge finishing, is an important part of the process.
Laser Cutting & Digital Design
One of my favorite aspects of leatherworking is incorporating technology into the process. I use digital design software to develop patterns and laser cutting to create precise shapes, decorative elements, and stitching holes. Sometimes a laser isn’t the best tool for the job, and in those cases I use traditional leatherworking tools.
This combination gives me the precision of modern fabrication while retaining the craftsmanship and character of hand-assembled leather goods.
Custom Software & Maker Tools
I’ve also been developing a tool called Prickly Saddler, designed to help generate accurately spaced stitching holes from digital patterns. It’s an example of how my interests in software development, engineering, and traditional craftsmanship often intersect.
I plan to share more about the tools, techniques, and lessons learned as I continue exploring leatherworking.
Shop My Handmade Leather Goods
I occasionally offer a selection of my handmade leather projects for sale, including journals, wallets, guitar accessories, and other small creations.
These are generally made in small batches rather than mass-produced, so availability and designs may vary.
Browse My Handmade Leather Goods on eBay
Thanks for supporting independent makers and handcrafted work!
Follow Along
Leatherworking is an ongoing learning process, and that’s a big part of what I enjoy about it.
I’ll continue sharing new projects, experiments, techniques, and lessons learned here at Greg’s Maker Corner. Whether you’re an experienced leatherworker, a fellow maker, or just curious about how things are made, I hope you’ll find something interesting or useful along the way.
Make something. Learn something. Share something.