From Hide to Hand: The process begins on the drawing table where I modify and combine patterns with my own, or a client’s idea to create the desired piece. A mock up is then created in board or foam leading to the actual pattern. After sketching and testing dyes on scrap leather, monograms, tooling designs and colors are finalized.  At this point, I am ready to chose the leather and cut the pattern.  Next, I will case and tool designs, run stitching grooves, punch slots and bevel the edges. Once the piece has dried, I use EVOO applied in very thin coats to replace the oils lost in the tooling process. I allow the oil to dry 12-24 hours and then begin the dyeing process, allowing ample drying time between coats of color, resists, antiquing, and resolene finish. The edges of the leather are finished by hand with a five step process including sanding, burnishing with saddle soap, dyeing, burnishing with wax, and application of resolene. I am now ready to mark stitches and complete the project using the traditional hand-stitching method with linen thread. Finally, a coat or two of Aussie conditioner is applied to soften and protect.