Designing a leather bag takes a lot of thought, research and numerous hours of prototyping. At ChapterOne Leather we also understand that buying a bag like the Sublevo Messenger Bag is a big investment of your hard earned money. Therefore, as a responsible small business owner, I challenged myself with few design criteria to make sure that I bring you a superior product which can very well become a family heirloom. What follows is a description of the design thinking applied to the Sublevo Messenger Bag so you can confidently say that it was a worthwhile investment.
An artisan's hands are the most valuable tools of their trade. The hands go to work from the time the morning alarm rings and until the final specs of dust are swept away, they are constantly in action. Furthermore, we wash our hands with soap and water for sanitary purposes, however washing our hands throughout the day reduces the natural oils in our skin that is important to keep it moisturized. If our craft has chemical materials that may come in to contact during the creation of a masterpiece, the constant exposure to chemicals makes the hands age faster than normal.
As tough as leather may be, it is still animal skin. Skins tend to dry over time and prone to cracks and warping. Everyday use makes leather vulnerable to scratches and stains. Just like we take care of our skin, leather goods need tender love and care to some extent. This is where leather balms and conditioners play a huge role in making your leather last long and may be even a family heirloom. In this article, I will focus on an all-natural leather balm that is homemade - Howobeel Leather Balm by ChapterOne Leather.
Owning a quality leather product is a great feeling, and when you know how it is made, the feeling is even greater. You feel more confident of the product. Let me share the steps of hand-stitching practiced by me.