History-inspired block-dye leather wallet

The Proper Leather Studio and Atelierul de Istorie present their latest block-dye leather wallet inspired by history. The decorative motif is the ancient half wolf - half snake of the ancient Dacians, the so-called Draco (dragon), while the method has already been described before HERE: the motif is three times blocked with Tandy Leather Resolene (acting as both sealer and blocker), carefully applied with a brush; after properly drying the entire outer cover is dyed with black Eco Flo Gel Antique; and then the background is sponge-dyed with leather dye, leaving a nice gel halo around the wolf. I particularly like this latter detail as it renders the image more artistic and discretely stresses the main decorative motif.

Black block-dyed draco wallet by Atelierul de istorie

Detail of hand sewing and edge finish

Fenrir, Jörmungandr and Yggdrasil on leather arm protection

The Proper Leather Studio has just completed a personalized order - a pair of tooled leather arm cuffs with depictions inspired by Old Norse mythology. Thus, one of the pieces is decorated with a stylized depiction of Fenrir, while the other displays a compound image of Jörmungandr (the Norse ouroboros) circled around Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life.

The entire production process was handmade. We used veg tan leather,  cut to size, we tooled the motifs and decorated them with fine cuts, we carefully painted the relief decoration and then completed the job with finishing solutions for both front and back.

For more of our works see our Facebook Page and Etsy shop.

Fenrir tooled leather cuff by The Proper Leather Studio

Jörmungandr and Yggdrasil tooled leather cuff by The Proper Leather Studio

 

Buffalo skull leather wallet

The most recent listing of the Proper Leather Studio on Etsy is a bi-fold handmade leather wallet with tooled motif - Bucranium (buffalo skull). It is a unique item, entirely made by hand.
We took great care with dying. Outside it is a very dark brown/black hand-mixed dye and saddle tan Gel Antique, creating a naturalistic color effect for the skull. See HERE how it was made. Inside it is black, with six black side pockets for credit cards.

This item is made of high quality Veg-tanned leather. Completely handmade (no machines). Leather dyed and protected with several layers of acrylic finish (Sheene and Resolene). Polished and waxed edges.
Outside: 1.6-2.0 mm (4 to 5 oz) single bend European hide
Inside: 1 mm (2.5 oz) calf hide
Folded measurements: 12 x 9.5 cm / 4.7 x 3.7 inches.

Due to the high-quality leather and craftsmanship, this wallet will last good years of use. Nevertheless, do not submerge it into water and avoid acids and corrosives. Leather is not a waterproof material and if submerged, it absorbs water and might deform of loose some of the color. Cared for, it will only look better in time. Also, it needs to soften through wear a bit, to reach its optimal functions.

Celtic knot leather cuff

The latest creation of the Proper Leather Studio is a Celtic knot leather cuff in black and yellow with intricate details. The cuff bracelet is made of high quality veg-tanned leather (1.6-2.0 mm (4 to 5 oz) single bend European hide.). It is entirely handmade, from pattern transfer to incision, tooling, dying, and finishing. The background was dyed by sponge and the pattern with a small brush. As for the finish, the bracelet is protected with several layers of acrylic finish (sheene and resolene) and the edges and back are polished and waxed. The closing system of choice is with leather lace as it allows for a good fitting on almost all wrist sizes and is not uncomfortable to wear as metal snaps usually are.

Proper Leather Studio Etsy Shop

The Proper Leather Studio, my second, brand-new Etsy Shop, is a family business, with me making the designs, transfers, cutting, and dyeing, and my husband managing the measuring, cutting, and sewing of the products. We like to make thing properly, thus every item has been cut, incised, tooled, dyed, sewed, and finished entirely by hand. We take our time in carefully crafting every single item so that it is both artistically pleasing and durable.

The studio produces fully handmade tooled leather accessories and we started adding listing in the "wallet" category. Bracelets to follow soon, stay in touch! You can use the Facebook Page as well for updates.

ProperLeatherStudio shop cover photo