VARIATIONS ON A THEME

We work with North American cow hides tanned in upstate Pennsylvania, making practical use of this by-product of the beef industry. We use choice English Bridle full-grain leather, hot stuffed with an extra wax top dressing. We look carefully at each individual hide and try to showcase its most pleasing aesthetic, arranging our patterns for cutting, noting its range marks and scars. We often have a range of clarity in our plain seats, with some nearly unblemished, and others showing more character, with wrinkles or striations of grain. Please let us know if you have a strong preference either way. We also experience some variety of color shade in individual hides, and of course our photo color settings may differ from those on your device. If you need swatches, let us know, we can send you samples.

LEATHERCARE

Quality leather has a few requirements to keep it looking its best. As it ages, your leather will slowly lose the protective fats and conditioners instilled in the tanning process, and will need your help to stay supple. Periodically, apply an even coat of a cream-based conditioner made for leather. Look for those made with lanolin, and animal or seed oils, rather than petroleum distillates or mineral oils. Treat your leather like what it is, an actual skin, and it will develop a deep patina and softness that will reward you with years of service. We find that twice-yearly treatment of our leather goods is a great way to acknowledge each solstice, taking time and making effort to keep our well-made investments in their best condition.

LEATHER storage

Leather is a remarkably durable material if cared for properly, and fortunately this is not very difficult. Its enemies are both extremes of humidity, with too much moisture creating mildew, and hot arid air causing desiccation and dry-rot. Leather needs air circulation, so please do not wrap it in plastic; soft cotton cloth is your best choice for long-term storage. Sunshine will fade the colors of leather dye. Keep it from heat and humidity; the cooler your leather is, the better. Remember to use a cream conditioner on your leather, about twice a year, to keep the leather supple.

STAINS HAPPEN

Fine leather is a remarkably satisfying material of choice for many useful items. This means that your beloved pieces will get exposed to hazards, which often come in liquid form. Even a light rainstorm can spatter your leather goods, which could cause spotting of the finish. Keep in mind that leather can - and sometimes should - get wet, but needs care to recover. If your piece gets partially wet, be sure to react by wetting the entire surface evenly with clean water, as quickly as possible, to minimize staining. Let the piece dry naturally, away from harsh sunlight or heat. If a stain is resistant, applying saddle soap sparingly with a clean damp cloth, using a circular motion, will get out most organic dirt. Follow with a clean cloth wipe-down, and let it dry. After any wet-dry cycle, your leather will benefit greatly from an application of cream-based conditioner. Work it in gently but completely on the outer surface of the leather, using a soft cloth in a circular motion to blend the softening agents in. Finish with a dry cloth buff, and smile!