Welcome to Scrappy Brothers! We're a small, local operation based in Holiday Island, focused on supporting our community with leatherworking creative projects.
We’re hands-on creators, offering:
Leatherworking.
Soon UV Printing.
We focus on small custom jobs and personalized pieces, perfect for gifts, hobbyists, or unique branding.
We're not a big shop—just passionate problem-solvers who care about doing great work for our neighbors.
Thanks for stopping by, we look forward to making something you’re going to enjoy!
A bit more “about” for you to peruse.
Terrified, Excited, Inspired
Some pursuits begin with a sudden spark, a bolt of inspiration that illuminates an entirely new path. I was gifted with a decision to either hunt for another job in a field that was boring me to death or start a new journey of self-employment and pursuit of a dream. My journey into making leather products was born from such a moment, but it was also shaped by a lifelong appreciation for objects that endure, that gather character, and that grow more beautiful with time. As a lover of all things handmade, I found myself drawn not just to leather as a material, but to the rich traditions and meticulous craft that define the world of leatherwork.
Why Leather?
Leather has always held a certain magic for me, a quiet elegance found in the subtle creases of an old wallet, the patina on a cherished satchel, or the bold grain of a hand-stitched belt. It speaks of journeys taken, hands held, years lived. Unlike so many modern materials, leather tells a story, one that begins long before my hands ever touch it, and continues long after a piece leaves my workshop.
But there’s more than nostalgia at play. Leather’s versatility is unmatched: it can be soft and supple or sturdy and robust, shaped into everything from intricate wallets to rugged tool rolls. I was fascinated by the idea that with the right techniques, a raw and humble hide could be transformed into an accessory that would last decades, perhaps even generations.
Choosing Vegetable-Tanned over Chrome-Tanned Leather
My research quickly introduced me to a pivotal choice: vegetable-tanned (veg tan) versus chrome-tanned leather. While both have their place in the world of craft, it was clear early on that veg tan was the foundation I wanted for my work.
The Character of Veg Tan Leather
Vegetable-tanned leather is prized for its purity and its potential. Tanned using organic materials and tree bark, it boasts a natural color that gradually darkens and deepens with exposure to light, air, and the touch of the hand. Where chrome tan offers instant uniformity and ready-to-go flexibility, veg tan rewards patience and care: it molds, stamps, and carves beautifully, and it ages with a dignity that synthetic processes simply cannot replicate.
I was captivated by this living quality. I wanted the accessories I made to develop a narrative—to bear the marks of their owners, to reflect a unique relationship between person and possession. The slow transformation of veg tan leather, the way it picks up rich earthy tones and subtle marbling over time, fit perfectly with this ethos.
Sustainability and Craft
There’s also an environmental dimension that cannot be ignored. The chrome tanning process, which relies on chromium salts and heavy metals, is efficient and cheap, but it comes with significant ecological costs, chemical runoff, hazardous waste, and unsustainable practices that ultimately harm the landscapes I hope to honor in my craft. By contrast, vegetable tanning is gentle on the earth and rooted in centuries-old tradition. It’s labor-intensive, but it leaves a lighter footprint and results in a product that’s not only beautiful but responsible.
The Maker’s Role
Working with veg tan leather also demands more from me as a maker. Its firm structure requires careful tooling, considered design, and the willingness to embrace imperfection. Every cut, stitch, and finish is visible—there’s no hiding behind synthetic dyes or mass-production shortcuts. This transparency appealed to me: I wanted to be accountable for every detail, every decision.
Behind the Scenes: The Work Beneath the Surface
To the untrained eye, a leather key fob or minimalist card holder might seem simple, perhaps even effortless. But behind even the most straightforward accessory lies a world of planning, precision, and patience.
Design and Pattern-Making
The process usually begins with an idea, a sketch on paper, a fleeting vision of a clasp or a fold. I translate that inspiration into a pattern, often going through multiple drafts to ensure each piece will fit together seamlessly. Measurements are precise; a millimeter’s error can spell disaster for the final fit. Pockets and other small items can make a product look clean and crisp, or a mess if they don’t line up correctly.
Cutting and Preparing the Leather
Next comes the cutting. I select a section of hide whose grain and color suit the intended piece, then cut it by hand using a sharp knife and a steel ruler. The edges must be straight and crisp; any wavering will become all too obvious once the piece is assembled. If the design has promise, I will transfer the paper templates to a die to speed up the process and cut down on potential errors.
Once cut, depending on the design, edges are beveled and burnished, smoothed and polished with tokonole to create a rounded, finished look. This seemingly minor touch can take a surprisingly long time, but it’s what separates a handcrafted accessory from its mass-produced counterparts.
Tooling, Dyeing, and Customization
If the piece calls for carving, stamping, or dyeing, this is the moment for artistry. Tooling veg tan leather is a meditative process, requiring steady hands and a clear vision. Each motif or monogram is pressed into the leather with deliberate care, knowing that mistakes cannot be undone.
Dyeing is another exercise in patience. Unlike chrome-tanned leathers, which arrive pre-colored and consistent, veg tan must be hand-dyed—layer by layer, allowing the pigments to settle and interact in organic ways. The result is a depth of color and individuality that no factory process can match.
Stitching: The Heart of Handcraft
Hand-stitching is both a technical and a spiritual act. Using waxed thread and sturdy needles, I punch each hole by hand, then saddle-stitch the seam—a method renowned for its strength and beauty. Each stitch is deliberate, and the rhythm becomes a quiet conversation with the material itself. I’m sorry, I had to wax poetic at that. Punching the stitch line and keeping it clean is a process. Then saddle stitching, or other types of stitching, is used no only for the look, but its proven ability to last.
Finishing Touches: Edges, Hardware, and Inspection
The final steps involve edge finishing, attaching hardware, and a thorough inspection. Brass rivets or snaps are fitted with care, and every corner is checked for flaws. I condition the leather, buff it to a soft sheen, and let it rest—allowing the oils and waxes to settle before the accessory is ready for use.
The Quiet Value of the Handmade
It’s easy to overlook the hours of craftsmanship in a simple accessory. The hand-burnished edge, the perfectly aligned stitching, the subtle play of color and grain—these details are not just aesthetic choices, but a testament to process. They are the signatures of a maker invested in their craft.
My hope is that when someone holds one of my accessories, they feel not just the quality of the leather, but the story behind it: the choice of materials, the commitment to sustainability, and the hours of quiet (lying, I’m usually listening to music), careful work invested in every piece.
Why I Continue
Making leather accessories has become more than a hobby or a trade—it is a way to honor tradition, to contribute to a more thoughtful and sustainable form of production, and to create objects that will live on, changing and accumulating meaning with every year. Choosing vegetable-tanned leather is central to this philosophy; it is a material that rewards patience, respects the environment, and carries the marks of both maker and owner with graceful humility.
Behind every “simple” piece lies a world of intention and effort. And that, ultimately, is why I do what I do.
Email stuff :: I’ll collect Emails but only to reply to customers or notify them of any changes to a job.
