Hello, I'm a Monster!

Well, not literally, but it's what I get called a lot - the wife named me this after scaring a trump out of her early in our relationship.

Back in the crazy days of 2023, I was feeling somewhat lost in life. Nothing really excited me, nothing really brought me much joy. I needed a hobby. I’d usually turn to video games – being the nerd that I am – but I wanted something more tactile, more “real”.

I got to thinking about those video games, and how I enjoyed the crafting elements. Then I kinda got a headache, with pictures… ah, an “idea”… lets go full RPG and get into crafting. 

Sadly, I just can’t grow a full enough beard to be a blacksmith. Plus that’s what most people reach for when they think about ye olde crafting. You know what though, I’ve never met, spoken to, or smelled a leatherworker. It sounds interesting – TO YOUTUBE! 

Many, MANY, hours of watching JH Leather, Corter Leather, LeatherHubPatterns and most importantly, Paintyee Designs, and with some basic tools from the wife, I made my first wallet.

It was shit! 

Then I made my second wallet

It too, was shit! 

On and on the process went, until, finally, I made a wallet that I wanted to, and still do, carry around with me every day. Then I replaced my watch strap. Then I made some giant leather masks, some bags, purses, key rings, voodoo dolls, toy cows (I know, meta right)… the house was (is) full of leather objects... good leather objects!

At the point of thinking about making myself some leather underwear, the wife intervened and suggested (pleaded) that I start trying to sell some bits. 

So here we are. I make these things because I enjoy making them, the sales manager wife likes selling things because she’s sick of tripping over leather projects, the dogs are upset that I don’t let them eat the leather cows, and you’re here because… well... what are you doing here? The shop section is back a few pages…. 😊