Old Barn,
New Bags
I'm feeling free as a bird, as I've just finished up a large production of bags and accessories, that will be landing over on the East Coast in NYc and Boston, at the new C.C. Filson stores that should be opening doors this Fall season. I'll be planning a trip out that way to take in the debut, myself. Thanks to everyone for the patience as I was under the gun these past few months. ~B
A nice little set of Handhelds and Cuffs going out to some folks at the opposite end of our country. Thanks you all for the support!
From Pencils to Brewskis
The Desktop Barrel is a nice elegant addition to any work surface or household shelf, made to hold your pens, pencils, or small tools. And just so happens, that if you'd like to use it as a cozy or koozie home for your cold snacks, it's just the right fit. Power !!
Another order fulfilled this Fall for C.C. Filson of Seattle. Here is our Kinsey Frame in black bridle.
1950's Dobbs,
Redux
1950's Hobbs Western in Silver Belly. Reblocked, trimmed, and reshaped. I may begin restoring vintage hats over the next year, and offering them for sale here on our site for starters. Stay tuned for updates in that category!
A nice look at the new shape put into the crown, and the sweep on the newly trimmed brim.
Finishing up some new products, some exclusive, for the well respected brand of C.C. Filson. Our Westward products, such as the Kinsey Photo frames shown here, will be housed in the new Filson Flagship store, opening this 2015 Holiday Season.
Live and Learn
Here, I'm burnishing up the edges on a set of large 8x10 leather pictures frames I designed, which were picked up by Filson in the 2015 Fall season. I loved the look of these frames, but they would have been better designed to hang from a wall, rather than kickstand on a desk. Live and learn, and that's the game. Next time!
Had the privilege to explore some of the most majestic places in the world early this Fall season. Here is a capture from our time in Zion National Park...no words, just a gaping mouth.
And finally, here it is in completion...The WLC "Mil-spec" Briefcase. At this point, available through special order only, and very limited. Contact if interested.
During the process, sometimes it's easier to capture the potential of a product in terms of size, before assembly. Here is a view of the front panel of the "Mil-Spec" Briefcase holding a handful of necessary items.
Working on the biggest item yet here at Westward; The "Mil-spec" Briefcase draws inspiration from numerous WWII military bags from several different countries, all custom hardwares with leather from Italy, the US, and Belgium.
Powering through the heat this summer, the concrete floors of our humble shop are helping keep things cool. As you can see, it's all business around here!
Winter seems to have passed us by in the PNW this year, which is concerning no doubt. But I won't complain about these early Spring evenings, when I can sneak in a country side ride in between work and sunset. It's a beautiful world out there...
CURRENTLY: If you find yourself in Seattle before May 17th, I encourage you to carve out some time and hit up the Seattle Art Museum to and enjoy -- Indigenous Beauty: Masterworks of American Indian Art from the Diker Collection reflects the diversity of Native cultures. "This superb exhibition offers more than great works of art and cultural artifacts—it is an invitation to explore other worlds." Pay homage, and enjoy!
Winter has given us a good snow fall, finally. Backyards like this should not go unappreciated, especially when blanketed in such beauty. My advice? Carve out some time to get outside...as far as your ability allows...and be quiet for awhile.
This image was taken from a 1936 magazine. I'm blown away looking through these vintage mags to see the quality and quantity of hand-painted/drawn ads and story line images. They're all practically individual art pieces, especially compared to what is produced today now that the camera has taken over. It amazes me the creativity and ability that is born from limitations. Reach back.
Happy Holidays from Westward Leather Co! Thank you each and all who have been so supportive, and picked up some goods for the holidays.
The wood stove is in now in place, which will be a primary heat source for the Westward Leather workshop...which mean more wood to stack. No complaints here.
Getting ready for the Winter out here at the Westward workshop. I always love this time of year...such great working weather, so many beautiful colors and rhythms in nature with the seasons change. Thankful to be doing work with my hands, always. Thanks for visiting!
Redwoods in California. A tragic mistake, indeed, and a reminder that not all things should be considered, "here for the taking". As we look back, there is much to be learned from our previous oversights. But even still, the resilience and hardworking nature of those before us is so impressive to me: I find myself in awe at photos like this, stuck somewhere between admiration, and disappointment.
Headed West, over the Cascades, to check in with some potential stockists. Soon, Westward Leather Co. might make it's way to YOUR city. Dreams...
Westward Leather Co. is always working out new ideas, plans, products...the creative process never ends. Thank you all for embracing the vision so far, and please stay tuned for more new items, coming soon! Let us know if you'd like to be updated regarding new items. Photo by: Eleanor Lonardo. Taken the Summer of 2013 in collaboration with C.C. Filson of Seattle
WLC has been working hard to get things live for our supply section so that you can finally scoop up some goods! Thank you for your patience and we're excited to join you out there...thanks for visiting.
We are just ramping up here at WLC, getting ready to go live with our first product. Very exciting times! And to help kick things off, we got our new business cards, straight off the press, literally. Our good friends at Iron Curtain Press down in LA killed it on these! Thank you!
On the WLC workbench currently are the 3rd Anniversary Shoulder Tote. More colors to come soon... Early stages of WLC 3rd Anniversary Tote