Hereās a shout out to all the dogs that Iāve been rocking theĀ Make Smith colors and leashes. We see you we love you. We support you from the Chihuahuas to the labradors all the way to the giant Saint Bernards and Great Daines. We see you all! Keep rocking these handmade leather collars and leashes we've built, and keep being the best looking dogs in the Pacific Northwest from Seattle all the way down to Portland, Oregon in Salem and Ashland.Ā
When embarking on a leather belt making project, one of the most crucial decisions you'll make is choosing the right type of leather. The quality and characteristics of the leather will greatly impact the final look and durability of your belt.
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Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the best leather for your project.
Full-grain leather is the highest quality leather available, as it is made from the top layer of the hide and retains the natural grain. This type of leather is extremely durable and develops a beautiful patina over time. On the other hand, top-grain leather is sanded and buffed to remove imperfections, resulting in a smoother surface. While still of good quality, it may not be as durable as full-grain leather.
Vegetable-tanned leather is tanned using natural tannins found in plants, making it an environmentally friendly option. This type of leather ages well and develops a rich color over time. Chrome-tanned leather, on the other hand, is tanned using chromium salts, resulting in a softer and more pliable leather. Consider the look and feel you want for your belt when choosing between these two options.
Leather thickness is measured in ounces, with a higher number indicating a thicker leather. For a sturdy belt, opt for a leather thickness between 8-10 ounces. Keep in mind that thicker leather may be more challenging to work with but will result in a more durable belt. Additionally, consider the weight of the leather, as heavier leather will create a more substantial belt.
Pay attention to the grain and texture of the leather when making your selection. Smooth leather with a consistent grain is ideal for a classic and polished look, while textured leather adds character and uniqueness to your belt. Consider the style you want to achieve and choose the grain and texture accordingly.
By carefully considering these factors and selecting the right type of leather for your leather belt making project, you can ensure a high-quality and long-lasting finished product. Remember, the quality of the leather you choose will greatly impact the overall look and durability of your belt, so choose wisely!
And with full transparency we admitĀ on getting a tip from many many friends about the delicious experience we would embark upon. Xiao Ye'sĀ casual atmosphere is "professionally comforting", that's all I can really say to describe it LOL, I'm not a foodie that knows all the vocabulary. However, they are masters at the intersection where luxurious and cozy meet. WeĀ were served hand-made pasta dishes with fresh grated cheese, aĀ decadent fried chicken with gravy poured all over it, to name just a few things, all-the-while plenty of champagne was flowingĀ over our glasses.
Impressed and inspired, we gifted Chef Louis Lin a knife case, seeing as how we believe that well-crafted goodsĀ goĀ should never be alone. So, from our full-grain soft cattle hides,Ā Louis nowĀ owns aĀ 6 slot professional knife roll built to protect those precious knives that we know he likes to keep very very sharp. ItĀ is just like they say, a picture is worth a thousands words, so below we have included a few photosĀ captured by Carter Hiyama from Datsu Films of the day weĀ dined at Xiao Ye, and his new knife case. This truly was "a night of snacks" we won't soon forget.Ā
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On December 13th, 2023 I hit the road with all of my belongings and said bye to my parents, family and friends in Santa Barbara. Just for now, see ya next season kind of thing because Iāll be back down to SB to visit the HOMER MAKERĀ @homermakerĀ store in Montecito sometime next month. So, I headed North on the 101 where I picked up Kiel JohnsonĀ @kieljohnsonĀ a long time friend and college buddy back from the Long beach state days now living in San Luis Obispo CA. heās also down for a good road trip, especially if it involves what he calls, and I quoteā āa life chapter flipā which Iām guessing is a reference to the thousands of books he reads every year. That man wakes up at 3am and powers through the pages like a soldierās duty. Anyhow, it took a few days to get set up, but I now live and work in Portland, OR. And Iām proud to announce that I feel quite comfortable here. As my mom pointed out, Oregon is in my blood. She was born in Eugene OR before her family moved to Santa Barbara a long time ago so we have lots of family in the area near Astoria. Portland is a great city and I canāt wait to see what develops here, so please reach out if you are in the area so we can connect!
More updates will be coming in the near future, like: where will my design studio be set up? Will there ever be a retail store in Portland for Make Smith?
All these questions will remain in development over timeā¦ but in the meantime, the website is live and I am shipping products now after the Holiday vacation. Please feel free to check the website if there is something you would like to purchase, and just DM me and we can work it out. The above image is the first piece I've made in my new Portland OR custom leather crafting studio.Ā
Cheers!
Steven
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