Pigskin Wallet

Here is a wallet I just finished - it is made from pigskin that would normally be used for lining belts, bags, wallets, cases etc.  It is around 1.5 oz. - 2 oz leather so it is very thin.  I used this thin leather because I wanted a very flexible and thin wallet - nothing fancy - I just wanted a clean look and a place to put a few cards and some bills that would fit nicely in either the front or rear pocket. This piece is hand rubbed with some leather dressing to darken up the pigskin from it's natural pink color. You can see the first two before pictures with no leather dressing and the after pictures that are much darker. One of the great things about leather is how it changes with time - this wallet will continue to darken with use and create a nice patina from the natural oils from my hands.. It is hand stitched with waxed thread and the edges have been burnished to finish off the wallet.  

Triquetra

This is some recent work for a client and co-worker Sandy that wanted a hair barrette with the celtic symbol "Triquetra" on it.  The Triquetra has many different meanings depending on what circle you are in.  In Christian circles wikipedia says  "The symbol was later used by Christians as a symbol of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). This appropriation was particularly easy because the triquetra conveniently incorporated three shapes that could be interpreted as Christian Ιχθυς symbols."  - that definition is good enough for me.  This piece is made from 5-6 oz. veg tanned leather and and finished off with 1/8" kangaroo lace.  She was ecstatic when she received her custom hair barrette.  I get great satisfaction making these leather pieces - that's why I do what I do - but when a customer literally jumps up and down with excitement and makes a certain shrill of pure happiness and joy - it makes all the hours of hard work well worth it.