Handcrafted
leather items made on the Sunshine Coast of BC, Canada
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Galleries:
How to tie a Mystery Braid
Steps to Tool Leather
Frequently Asked Questions about my products
Link to us (html code)
Leathercraft Guilds I am proud to belong to
Sunshine Coast Links that are relevant to me
Some other leather craftsmen I know
Neat Stuff to Know About Leather
Is this all you do? The leather work shown on this website are examples of the work I do. You have a choice of buying something I've already made or having something custom made. Anything custom requires a deposit of 50% up front with the remainder payable when it's finished.
What kind of leather do you use? All my leather goods are made from the highest quality leather (usually cowhide). Some leather is thicker than others – the weight used depends on the item. If your purse or bag has an insert, the insert will probably be made from pigskin. No matter what you order, only quality leather is used and I build it to last!
What kind of finish is on your products? Some of our products are finished with a wax-based finish, some with acrylic – it just depends on the job. Items that are designed to be worn against the skin probably don't have any coating so you can enjoy the smell and feel of the leather. If you have specific finish requirements, tell me when you place your order. Clear shoe polish will keep your leather looking nice. Top of Page
What sizes do your items come in? I can custom size anything you want. Big or small, you're guaranteed something that fits! Accurate measurements for items that you wear are essential because there are no refunds if you make a mistake. If I do not do the measuring, get a friend to help, making sure to allow enough room to move. Top of Page
I'm allergic to metal. This is usually a nickel allergy. I can make a lot of items so that any metal won't touch your skin. Talk to me about this – I'm allergic too! Top of Page
How do I order? Buy something from me in person (I take cash only) or if you're getting a custom order done I will need 50% down before proceeding.
Tell me about shipping. I am in Canada and use Expedited Parcel in North America if I ship anything by mail. (Expedited Parcel includes tracking and insurance.) International orders are usually sent by SURFACE mail. Make sure you allow enough time to clear customs.
What about customs & duty? These leather items are exempt for the most part from customs and duty in North America because of NAFTA. For all other countries, check with your customs or duty organization so you don't get any surprises.
How long will it take to get it? It depends on what I'm making for you, and how much backlog I have. If I'm sending something by mail, make sure you allow extra time for clearing customs (if necessary) and during heavy mailing seasons (like Christmas). Top of Page
My new leather is stiff and feels cold - will it stay like that? Leather is a natural product, just like your skin. It will soften with wear and use, so enjoy your new leather for what it is. It might feel cold when you put it on, but after a couple of minutes it will warm up to your body temperature.
My new leather pieces seem thicker/thinner than other pieces I have bought. Why? One ounce in leather measurement is 1/64th of an inch thick, so a weight of 7 to 8 oz means the leather is 7/64th to 8/64th of an inch in thickness, or approximately 1/8” thick. The leather used depends on the piece I'm making. Keep in mind that the thickness can vary a bit throughout the hide. A quarter coin is equal to about 4 oz. thickness. Sometimes when you get your leather, it will appear to be scratched. I do my best to avoid this, but because this is a product that goes through a lot of processes before I even get my hands on it, sometimes it can't be helped. In my opinion, the imperfections from hide to hide only add to the uniqueness of your item. I take care to purchase only top-quality leather from my suppliers and do my utmost to ensure a quality product. Top of Page
What if I spill something on it? You should immediately blot the spill before it absorbs into the leather. If you get it fast, you will minimize any damage.
How do I look after my leather? Like skin, leather gets wrinkles – something that adds to the uniqueness of your item. It is subject to mold if it gets wet, and can crack if it gets dry or stretch if it gets wet. Dyes fade and leather will crack with exposure to the sun. Exposure to heat will probably crack your leather. Having said all that, leather really doesn't require a lot of care. Most of the time you can sponge it off with a damp cloth if something gets on it. Look after it as you would look after your clothing or skin. Keep it dry and at room temperature – out of heat and direct sunlight. If your leather dries out, treat it with a good leather conditioner.
Can I return my product? I guarantee the products I make to be free from manufacturers defects when you receive them, so if there's something wrong with it, let me know. Otherwise, it is NOT returnable. Top of Page
NEAT STUFF TO KNOW ABOUT LEATHER
People don't sweat in leather because it breathes
Leather doesn't easily absorb smoke
Dust mites can't penetrate leather
Leather warms up to body temperature
Leather lasts forever (or almost forever) with proper care
Leather gets better with age (at least I think so anyway)