What is your name, your leather craft business, and where are you located?

I’m Tanner Claridge of Claridge Leather, located in Kalispell, Montana.

What types of leather goods do you make, or what is your role in the leather craft business?

Lately, it’s been a lot of bags and wallets. (I never imagined I’d be a purse maker!) Initially, I made lots of custom veg-tan items like knife sheaths and gun holsters. Like many others, I eventually decided to transition the leather hobby into a more legitimate side business. For the sake of sanity and simplicity, I narrowed my focus to only a few products: bags, wallets, and a couple accessories.

In terms of the scale of our business, most people are surprised to discover how little I actually make and sell. This is a side-business for us, and my capacity for production is limited to what I can make after the kids go to bed. Although the production volume is small, I have really enjoyed documenting the processes and techniques of the craft. Instagram has become a fun way to share my ideas and, in turn, learn a great deal from other crafters.

What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your leather crafting in the last six months (or in recent memory)?

I’ve purchased some pretty handy tools, but I think some of my most well-spent dollars went toward new LED overhead lights in the work room. For about $60, I added two large lights which completely transform the feel of the room. It’s funny—now that I have ample light, I wonder how I ever got anything done without it!

If you could collaborate with another leather crafter to make an item, which leather crafter would it be and what would you make?

Do you mind if I choose a woodworker instead? I would pick my dad, who has worked with wood for as long as I can remember, and he builds beautiful wooden furniture. I am hoping we can work together to design a rocking chair with a wooden frame and a leather seat and backrest. In addition to the value of simply spending time together in the shop, there is so much I want to learn from him about woodworking. I would be proud to collaborate with him on a project that combines our favorite materials: wood and leather.

How has a setback, or seeming setback, set you up for later success in leather craft? Do you have a “favorite failure”?

One of my favorite mistakes happened in my high school photography class. I had my shot all set up, and then my tripod accidentally shifted, tilting my camera about 30 degrees. Initially frustrated that it slipped, I looked through the lens and laughed, as the composition was suddenly better. Why didn’t I think of that? The composition came to life when the perspective shifted.

There is an obvious parallel here to leather craft. Mistakes can shift our perspective in such a way that we approach the problem differently the second time around. Henry Ford said that “the only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” I think that’s perfect. Mistakes always have the potential to be instructive.

Also, making lots of mistakes has helped me take the craft less seriously. I’m finally coming to terms with the idea that it’s all just leather, thread, and rivets. If I mess it up, which I do with impressive frequency, I can take a break and revisit it the next day. Maybe it’s salvageable, maybe not. Either way, I don’t get so worked up anymore, and I can usually learn something from it.

What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made? (Could be an investment of money, time, energy, etc.)

Honestly, the cylinder arm sewing machine has been huge for me. Like many dyed-in-the-wool hand-stitchers, I once swore I’d never get a machine. It was when I began to dream of making bags that I knew it only made sense to pursue a machine. Having a capable sewing machine at my disposal has totally changed the way I approach the design process. Since I have only a limited number of hours in a week to devote to leather, the efficiency of a sewing machine gives me the confidence to tackle more ambitious projects.

This is a question I asked Niwa-san, of Niwa Leathers , and I’m curious what your answer is – do you feel there are aspects of leather crafting that have made you a better father?

For family life, the leather work has been a two-edged sword. On one hand, it kills me to be “too busy” for my wife and kids because of leather. I am taking some significant steps to avoid this. On the other hand, I have a blast when my wife or kids join me to work on leather projects. My kids are really creative, and I am thankful to have the materials and tools to be able to help them bring their ideas to life. Also, they get a glimpse of how a small business operates. Because everything happens in our home, they get to see the value of doing good work and reaping a reward for that work.

You’ve written recently that you’re going to be “closing the books for a while.” You’re not the first leather crafter that’s mentioned scaling back for a period of time. Is there anything you plan on changing about your process once you start up again to have a healthier relationship with crafting?

Yeah, I have been burning the candle at both ends for a while now… Feeling very ready to throttle back. I have a young family and a full-time day job in prosthetics and orthotics. I enjoy every minute at the leather bench, but the truth is that I love my family much more, and I prioritize my career (the one that feeds my family) well above the leather business, which is only supplementary.

I want to be a good steward of my time and energy, and I want to be fully present with my family. I don’t want these precious years to pass by in a sleep-deprived state because I’m chasing an unnecessary side hustle. I admire “the hustle” as much as the next person, but I’m realizing that my “hustle” looks a little different than some of my fellow leather crafters who have either made this their full-time pursuit or who are striving to do so.

For now, a practical step for me has been to stop taking orders. I am really excited to continue leather craft on a hobby basis. I love having my family or friends join me in the shop to tackle projects. It’s an incredibly fun craft, and I anticipate that growing in my leather craft skills will be a lifelong pursuit. I may or may not get to the place where I resume the leather business, and I’m okay with that.

What advice would you give a smart, driven person about to get into leather craft? What advice should they ignore?

First of all, don’t get overwhelmed by thinking you need to learn it all at once. There is great satisfaction in completing any project, no matter how simple or small it is. I would advise that person to set a bite-sized goal—for example: “I want to make a wallet.” Then go for it! With a little YouTube research and minimal investment in some basic tools, you’ll be underway in no time.

The leather craft community (especially on Instagram) is awesome. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a more experienced leather crafter if you are trying to learn a new skill. It may seem intimidating to ask a question, but I think that more often than not, most people in this community are very willing to help when they can.

In terms of advice to ignore… Ignore anyone who tells you that there is only one right way to do something. Even though you may be a novice, don’t be afraid to do things differently than those with more experience. Sometimes it’s better to NOT know the “right way” to do it… Instead, figure out a way that works for you. You are bringing a creativity and perspective to this craft that NO ONE has ever brought before, so be bold to try new things! The rest of the world needs what YOU are bringing to the craft.

What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?

I cringe when I hear someone say that you “need” a certain tool to do the job. My favorite show as a kid was MacGyver. Of course, MacGyver never had the tool he needed, but he figured out a solution. Granted, I have been able to get some nice tools lately, but you may be surprised at the “must-have” tools that I’ve never owned.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, or have lost your focus temporarily, what do you do? (If helpful: What questions do you ask yourself?)

To be honest, I rarely feel unfocused when it comes to leather, probably because it’s not my full-time job. When I finally get to sit down at the leather bench after a full day of work (and after the kids are tucked into bed), it almost feels like having dessert. There is never a shortage of things I’d like to make…

When I feel buried in orders, I try to remember that the item I’m making may be the only thing I ever make for this person. My goal is to make every piece better than the last so that I can deliver it with pride, knowing that it represents my very best work.

Where can people find you (links to online store, blog, twitter, Instagram, etc.)

Instagram: @claridge_leather

Website: claridgeleather.com (for now… unsure how long it will remain active!)