VEGETABLE TANNING
My products are manufactured exclusively from vegetable tanned leather. This type of leather is made using a tea from natural tanins found in plants and trees such as chestnut or oak. Natural tanning is a slow process that gives leather flexibility, warm touch and its characteristic smell.
Most of my hides come from the Tuscany region in Italy which is famous for its Vachetta leather. Another type of leather I love to use for its resilience and stunning grain structure is French Chèvre – a leather popular amongst premium fashion brands.
Linen thread
Hand-stitching is an essential part of my process. To make every single stitch really count I use only the finest handmade linen thread. Linen has been the material of choice for traditional shoe makers and saddle makers for centuries. It’s made of natural flax fibers that are twisted into strands, dyed, burnished and finally waxed to become weather resistant.
Stitches made with linen thread have a beautiful round section and precious look superior to synthetic fibers.
Waxes and oils
Leather, just like our skin, needs oils to stay hydrated, flexible and protected. Waxing and oiling is therefore an important part of the tanning process. The exact recipe and details of this step are one of the carefully kept secrets of every tannery. Neatsfoot oil, carnauba and beeswax are some of my favorite materials for leather conditioning and for treatment of stitching yarns.
Did you like my illustrations? Then you should check my leathercraft posters.
