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Reflecting on the Journal Class
This past weekend I had the joy of teaching a journal-making class with six students. For most of them, it was their very first time...
Donald Medaris
Sep 82 min read


From Raw Hide to Rainbow Dreams
This week on the bench, I’m crafting something truly special: a Mandala Round Bag for Kirsten in Germany, brought to life in the colors...
Donald Medaris
Aug 131 min read


Inspiration in the City That Never Sleeps
I just got back from a birthday trip to New York City with Elisabeth. For a quiet, reclusive guy like me, it’s a world away from my...
Donald Medaris
Aug 112 min read


The Gift of Time
When I was a kid, the perfect birthday was simple. Cake, presents, and the chance to eat as much sugar as I wanted without anyone telling...
Donald Medaris
Aug 102 min read


Setting Up Your First Shop (Even If You Don’t Have a Shop)
When I started leatherwork, I didn’t have a studio. No big bench, no racks of tools, no wall of hides. I had a small pile of tools, a few...
Donald Medaris
Aug 92 min read


Feature Friday The Story of Barney
When we first moved into our current home, one of the first people to greet us was a neighbor named Barney. He was an older gentleman,...
Donald Medaris
Aug 82 min read


Throwback Thursday: Building the Fire
I’ve been dragging this week. It’s not burnout. Not a crisis. Just that slow, creeping mental weight that settles in after long days. I...
Donald Medaris
Aug 72 min read


Big Dreams, Bigger Projects
What AI Imagines these projects looks like on the bench... The shop is hopping this week, and I’ve got a few irons in the fire. First up...
Donald Medaris
Aug 62 min read


The Unsung Heroes of My Leather Shop
When people ask about the tools I use most in leatherworking, they expect me to talk about round knives, pricking irons, or maybe my...
Donald Medaris
Aug 52 min read


Morning Rituals
Every day starts the same way for me. I make the morning coffee. It’s a simple ritual, but it sets the tone for everything that follows....
Donald Medaris
Aug 42 min read


When Your Body Says “Slow Down”
Yesterday was one of those days that reminds you… yeah, I’m not 25 anymore. Isabella and I were working on her 2016 Subaru Forester ,...
Donald Medaris
Aug 32 min read


Dyeing and Finishing for Beginners
Dyeing and finishing leather is where your project comes to life , but it’s also the stage that causes the most “oh no, I ruined it!”...
Donald Medaris
Aug 22 min read


Fashion With Heart and Legacy
Sometimes the most inspiring projects aren’t just about craft or profit - they’re about community and purpose . For me, that project is...
Donald Medaris
Aug 12 min read


Unexpected Gifts
A note from Don Golzales pulled me back.
Donald Medaris
Jul 312 min read


Balancing It All - Life, Work, Leather, and Sanity
Balancing everything that we need to do is an artform. Some of us are better at it than others. Here are some thoughts on the subject.
Donald Medaris
Jul 302 min read


When It’s Time to Upgrade Your Tools
“Do the Homework Before the Tool Work”
When considering a premium tool, don’t just ask “is it worth it?” — ask “is it worth it to me?” Time spent doing your research will save you frustration down the line. Read the reviews, check the maker communities, and reach out to pros who’ve already been in the trenches. You’ll find they’re often happy to share what works — and what doesn’t. Reputable toolmakers also tend to offer return options, because they know quality speaks for it
Donald Medaris
Jul 292 min read


Permission to Fail
There’s this quiet lie that sneaks into the minds of makers
Donald Medaris
Jul 282 min read


Imposter Syndrome vs. Truth
There’s this voice in the back of my head that shows up at the worst times.
Donald Medaris
Jul 273 min read


Veg Tan vs Chrome Tan
What’s the Difference and Why It Matters When people first start learning about leather, one of the first questions that comes up is:...
Donald Medaris
Jul 262 min read


Built for Life: Why I Offer a Lifetime Warranty
When I first started making leather goods, it was because I needed something that didn’t exist. It had to be tough, reliable, and built...
Donald Medaris
Jul 252 min read
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