Tools of the Trade

The Spring/Summer Collection features a lot of leather, so I've been learning how to use the tools of the leather trade. I am blown away by how much there is to learn and am just now getting comfortable with some of the more intimidating tools. The rivet press, for example, is a big heavy thing that at first had me scratching my head. But now, after watching a few online tutorials, I don't know how I lived without it. Straps are perfectly secured every time. Not to mention how cool it looks perched on my workbench in the studio. It's red and cast from steel. 

This week I tackled cutting my own straps from an enormous cowhide. Again, intimidating at first, but after a few tries it was easy. 

What I've learned: It's all about having the right tools for the job and mastering them. After a little practice it's like second nature. Now I love working with leather!