Eight years ago, the search for the perfect wallet turned into an unexpected adventure. Frustrated by the lack of options, a somewhat crazy idea popped into my head: “Could I actually make one myself?” The thought came with a budget – under $45 for everything, from the leather to the necessary tools. As a complete novice, I had no idea where to even begin. Like many, my first stop for knowledge was YouTube. I truly believe it’s an invaluable resource for learning if you can find the right channels. That initial wallet was just the beginning. Years later, I’ve crafted a wide range of items, each one more intricate than the last (yes, I might be a bit of an overachiever!). I do wish I had a picture of that very first attempt, but the memory of the learning process is still vivid.
Every piece I create is a testament to the art of handcrafting. Each hole is punched by hand, and every stitch is sewn with care – no sewing machines here! What started as a personal endeavor soon caught the attention of others. The compliments and requests eventually led to selling customized pieces. I’m excited to share some of my designs with you. If you’re interested in a personalized leather accessory, please don’t hesitate to reach out and explore the possibilities.
Magic Wallet
Forget everything you thought you knew about wallets. What’s so magical about this one? Well, it’s more than just a place to hold your essentials – it’s practically self-operating! Imagine this: you slip a bill or receipt onto one side, and with a simple flip open from the other, watch as it’s magically tucked away, safe and sound beneath the ingenious elastic band. No more fumbling! And the magic doesn’t stop there. We’ve included a cleverly designed compartment with a perfectly placed cutout for your ID and most-used credit cards. Plus, for those extra cards you need quick access to, a convenient pull tab effortlessly presents up to three more. It’s not just a wallet; it’s a touch of everyday enchantment.
The Butterfly Purse
This isn’t just any purse; it’s a labor of love, designed specifically with my wonderful mom in mind. Knowing her love for butterflies, I made sure that no matter which way you look at this purse, a beautiful butterfly is always visible – a constant reminder of her favorite creature. As an added touch of practicality, it also comes with a perfectly sized insert where she can keep her coins and credit cards neatly organized. It’s a purse made with heart and designed for her joy.
The Weekend Trip Briefcase/Bag
This versatile bag, the culmination of a month-long design process and nearly two months of meticulous crafting, tackles a complex set of needs. I envisioned a professional briefcase that seamlessly transforms into a weekend travel companion and a standalone day trip bag. Furthermore, it had to convert to a backpack, all while utilizing a single, adaptable shoulder strap system. After extensive brainstorming and numerous prototypes, the final design achieves this: a modular system where the front detaches to become a dedicated day bag. When combined, this front section efficiently organizes toiletries and essentials, freeing up the main compartment for clothing. The single shoulder strap cleverly splits into two, enabling backpack configuration, or one segment can be used to create a cross-body sling for the day bag.
While my tablet resides primarily within my bag, eliminating the need for a full case, I recognized the vulnerability of its corners during brief transits between buildings. Given my track record of meticulous device handling—my phone remains unscathed after three years—the risk of a drop is minimal, but not nonexistent. Therefore, I sought a minimalist solution, focusing solely on corner protection. Leveraging the existing keyboard cover for screen safeguarding, I designed a lightweight, unconventional corner guard system. It prioritizes essential protection without adding unnecessary bulk. While its simplicity might be perceived as unorthodox, it effectively addresses the specific need.
The Passport Holder/Wallet
While coin usage is minimal in the US, it’s a necessity in many European and Asian countries, regions we frequent annually. To address this, I designed a specialized travel wallet, combining passport security with practical coin storage. Beyond passport compartments, it includes dedicated slots for credit cards, cash, and transit passes. For added security, a chain attachment allows for secure connection to a belt loop, effectively deterring pickpocketing. This design caters specifically to the demands of international travel, ensuring both organization and peace of mind.
International Travel and Day Trip Sling Bag
Introducing the 2025 International Travel and Day Trip Sling Bag: An evolved solution for the modern traveler. Inspired by the practicality of my existing day trip bag during an extended Italian journey, and the desire for enhanced capacity, this design seamlessly integrates essential travel functionalities. It comfortably accommodates a Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, 32oz bottles, a DJI Neo Drone, and personal comfort items like neck coolers. Furthermore, it incorporates secure storage for passports, cards, cash, transit passes, and coins, eliminating the need for separate wallets. This versatile sling bag replaces my briefcase as a daily work companion and serves as the ultimate day trip essential.