Freezing cold temperatures for weeks on end and no pressing chores with this old house gave me a chance to cut out a dozen new projects.
Leatherwork; Fresh Start
Category: leatherwork
Leatherwork is Timeless
I’m dedicating the next few weeks to my small leatherwork business. When I’m making things with my hands and simple tools, I feel a real connection with our ancestors. It’s nice to get lost in the projects and learn new techniques along the way. When I’m away from this portion of my world it seems that there is a lag when restarting as the hands and mind relearn their movements and the order of things.
Hopefully, I’ll be able to restock the Etsy store with some exciting goods while the weather is cold. I’m looking forward to spring and the time to get out into the wild to gather materials and supplies from nature; a much overlooked time-consumer for the primitive technology teacher. And just maybe, we’ll be able to gather together again soon to share our skills and camaraderie of our community.
In the mean time, keep well and keep on making.
Prototyping a New Belt Pouch
I’m calling this one the Ranger Bag –
It takes a lot of work to prototype a new bag design. To get just the right shape and proportion, find the right materials, and choose the appropriate construction technique is a big deal; especially if it’s going to be done well.
I wanted something that looked like it appeared out of the preindustrial world of the 18th century or before. As an archery person, I think I take my personal style from the “what would Robin Hood wear?” collection. But honestly, this one owes much of its design to the military belt pouches of the early musket days.
What do I plan to use it for you ask? I wanted something that would accommodate a few essentials including a fire kit, compass, notebook, spoon, whetstone and the like.
So if you follow along here you have seen several bags just like this one posted in the past year and so far, they have sold like hotcakes, as they say. It is a popular shape, size, and design so I think this will become a mainstay in my shop.
It is a very adaptable design as well and could be fitted with internal pockets, a wrist strap or d-rings and become a clutch purse or removable backpack pocket in its own right.
It’s always nice when plans actually work.
Flint and Steel
This will be the last one for a while as I have other projects in the hopper.
This is available at our online shop Lost World Crafts where you can find a more detailed description of the kit.
Please check out the shop and consider following us as things are constantly being added and sold.
Jacob’s Beautiful Leather Backpack
One of the better things about modern communication is the ability to meet and talk to people from nearly all parts of the globe. I have been in communication with Jacob from Botswana for years now and he has shared some photos of the beautiful backpack he made based on my earlier design. That one now resides in Montana and I hope serves some function for its owner. My personal pack has since been replaced by this one and is my new favorite piece of gear. But enough about me.
Right now, according to Google Maps, I am about 13,670 km from central Botswana and am unlikely to ever make it there, though not for lack of wanting to. However, the internet allowed us to connect across a vast distance in space and share ideas with strangers who have common interests.
Anyway, here is Jacob’s very own leather rucksack and the two portmanteaus inspired by this post to carry his gear into the bush of southern Africa. I suspect a backpack like this will outlive us all and become a fine heirloom to pass on to the next generation. 
Thank you so much for sharing these Jacob. I hope it serves you well for many years.
Traveler’s Wallet
Once again, I am producing some large, traveler’s wallets. While some are waiting their finishing touches, here’s the first of six. They are all of the same general size and design but each has some variation in shape and closure type.
I think my dying is improving. Having read more on the subject, I’ve been able to create a nice overall finish. The dye is applied in many diluted layers and hand rubbed to force it into the leather.
The leather is from a 6 – 7 ounce vegetable tanned cowhide that was a real beauty. The side was just shy of 30 square feet. To start working the nine foot long hide, I had to move my operation into the kitchen and onto the floor for initial cuts. Maybe someday I’ll have a shop table big enough to accommodate something this size again.
This wallet is perfect for keeping everything in one place for log term travel or to be used as a small clutch purse.
The thread is heavyweight bookbinder’s linen in dark gray (nearly black) so is absolutely period correct for the reenactors out there.
If you are interested in this or some of our other work, check out our Etsy shop, look at the previous sales, and read the reviews.
Have a great day!
Large Possibles Bag
Another possibles bag completed and out the door. This one was designed, at the request of a customer, to fit a specific case that would fit inside. This is clearly my favorite “go to” design and will make an excellent bushcrafter’s kit.
This one is about 3 1/2″ deep and a little over 12″ by 9″ inside the body. Front and back are 7 oz. leather and the gusset is about 5 oz. to give some flexibility.
All the hardware and rivets are solid brass for all weather use and this one features a flat pocket inside and out to organize small items.
The gussets are cinched to keep the top contracted but can be opened if necessary.
The security strap is left open so that objects can be tucked under if desired.
Obviously, I like this design and all its variations and I hope the new owner can put it to good use for many years.
Shop Update
I’m currently working on a custom order. Projects are coming to an end for a few weeks with the impending surgery. The dimensions of this bag are suited to fit a specific waterproof map case already owned by the customer.
Deluxe Possibles Bag
More shameless promotion from the workshop. This is my new, deluxe model possibles bag for the right mountain man or woman. This design has proven to be practical and popular. The leather is veg-tanned Hermann-Oak and all sewing is double-needle saddle-stitch. The hardware is premium solid harness brass. This bag will only get better with time and wear. I’ve been carrying the same design for a decade and it is just getting more beautiful with age.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/669145808/deluxe-shooting-bag-possibles-bag?ref=shop_home_active_1
A Fun Little Fashion Project
Here is a little Boho Chic bag made from a beautifully bark-tanned hide by Joe Brandl (#absarokajoe). It’s a bit outside my normal style but people have loved these bags over the years. Heading to the Oregon Country Fair, Burning Man, or just the beach? This is an accessory for you. Oh yeah, it makes a a great possibles bag too!
Here’s my unapologetic SALES PITCH…
This hand-made bag was created by me and is adorned with a lunar crescent and four sea-shells collected on the Oregon coast. The leather is extremely soft to the touch and was tanned with an all natural process using the natural tannins from tree bark. It is double needle stitched with heavyweight hemp thread waxed with pure beeswax from another friend, Benjamin Pixie. The strap is a three-strand braid from the same hide and is very soft and supple.
The crescent and shells are stitched with real buckskin (not commercially made) in keeping with the authenticity of this bag. It is the perfect size for a day in the wilderness, beach, or at a festival. It is beautiful enough to work as an everyday Bohemian purse in town. I have made several of these over the years and they have always been the envy in any crowd. Wanna look like the coolest Shaman on the block? This bag will get you there.
The edge is bound for stiffness to hold its shape.
Specifications:
- Length – 7″ (17.75cm) long
- Width – 5″ (12.75) wide
- 4″ (10 cm) fringe
- Strap length – 58″ (147 cm) to hang low on the hip
If you are looking for the perfect gift for the outdoorsy Lady or Gent, we are here to help you out. Our new webstore will be filling up as we learn our way through the Matrix. In the mean time, check us out at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LostWorldCrafts
Preindustrial Craftsmanship 