The Journal · 5 entries
Writing about the work, mostly the work, occasionally the rest.
The Story Behind Handcrafted By Luke — from a strop to a workshop
I didn't plan to become a leatherworker. I walked into a shop looking for a strop and walked out with a new way of working.
Country Morning — the making of a hand-dyed tote
Each panel is dyed separately. Tan first. Burgundy on the edges. Then a clear coat that seals without suffocating the leather. Then my own finish. Here's how it comes together.
How to care for your HBL leather — and what not to use
Not all leather care is good care. Here's what I use, what I avoid, and why your HBL piece will age better when you leave Dubbin on the shelf.
One stitch at a time — why I tie every stitch by hand
Machines can stitch fast. They can't stitch like this.
What arrives when you order from HBL
It's not just the bag or the box. It's everything that comes with it — and why I choose to send it this way.