Tell me more about the materials you use
I love waxed canvas, full-grain leather, wool, organic cottons, and linen, so those are my go-to materials of choice. My full-grain leather straps and handles are strong and durable. Waxed canvas gives a gorgeous rugged patina to any bag.
I will never sell a product that I do not believe to be of top quality. Although I am thorough and take great care with my products, there are slight variations based on the creative process and natural inconsistencies in leather and canvas, and each item may look slightly different from the next.
I use biodegradable mailers or cardboard shipping boxes to reduce my environmental impact.
WAXED CANVAS
Waxed canvas is a densely woven cotton fabric that has been saturated with wax, giving it an extra layer of protection against the elements. This fabric has been long-loved for its durability, natural water resistance, and rugged character. The waxed coating is made from either a paraffin or beeswax, or a combination of the two, and records folds and creases, giving it a weathered patina over time.
Waxed canvas is water-resistant and will repel rain and moisture, but if it's immersed in water for a long period, the fabric will eventually become soaked. Waxed canvas bags will repel and wick moisture and keep your stuff dry.
Enjoy the "weathered" patina, or easily restore to a new look with the heat of a hair dryer.
DENIM
Dogwood Denim - This 100% cotton drill fabric is downright durable with its 11.7 oz weight. It's the ideal choice for creating custom outerwear, bags, and bottom-weight apparel. With its sturdy construction, Dogwood Denim is also the perfect pick for upholstery projects. When used as an accent pocket, I treat the denim with a waterproofing compound called Odicoat to protect it from dirt and grime.
FULL-GRAIN LEATHER
This is the good stuff - considered the highest quality leather, even more so than "top-grain" and "genuine" leather. It is the strongest and most durable part of the animal hide. Its fibres are stable and durable because the grain has not been removed, and is considered a very natural leather option because it is not altered during the tanning process. I buy whole hides and piece them into straps, accents, and other accessory parts.
COTTON
As much as possible, I use organic cotton in my pieces (versus non-organic cotton). It is one of the most environmentally friendly options as it doesn't have a harsh manufacturing process, thus using less energy, releasing fewer greenhouse gases, and uses significantly less water than non-organic cotton. Many of my smaller bags are lined in tightly woven cotton prints.
WOOL
I have a few bags in vintage, limited edition wool from Europe! My supplier buys from old European fabric shops that are closing down. Much of the wool is from the 1950s and 1960s, and the quality is outstanding!
WATERPROOF MEDIUM/HEAVY POLY 600 DENIER
I use this thick canvas with PVC backing in my larger bags as a lining. It is typically in the Oxbow, the backpacks, and in the City Sling, and I love it for its waterproof property, as well as how easily it wipes clean. Tough and durable, it will withstand the daily rigours of heavy bag use while maintaining a fresh look.