This question is posed to me almost everyday, so I've had a long time to think about it;  What does leather remind me of? It's the smell of an old workshop, an old saddle museums, or a luxurious car, and, just pure nostalgic feelings for the past. But most importantly, I'm reminded my craft, of the type of leather that I work with everyday. I'm reminded of a particular leather that I find to be the most beautiful to touch, to smell, and work with. This special leather is called LATIGO, which translates from Español to English as Spanish Whip. Naturally, I've found this name to be the inspiration for our first line of aromas. 

So here we are; Spanish Whip, a rugged and playful aroma roll-on oil for men with hints of tobacco flower, citrus, sandalwood and cedar meticulously blended by @mossbotanicals of Ojai, Ca from all natural ingredients. Available this week in our showroom in a very limited quantity.

The suns out in Santa Barbara, and we are hosting a variety of classes in which students will make their own handcrafted leather goods fitting of the season. Our curriculum emphasizes DOING to learn, MAKING to be creative, and EMBRACING mistakes to gain experience. We empower our students to craft with their hands, become self sufficient and build confidence, all while having a ton of fun.

Our New Workshop Schedule: 

Bracelet Making Class
Thursday, October 26th :: 6pm - 8pm
Saturday, October 28th :: 5pm - 7pm

Belt Making Class
Thursday, November 16th :: 6pm - 9pm
Saturday, November 18th :: 5pm - 8pm

Tote Bag Making Class
Thursday, November 30th :: 5pm - 9pm
Saturday, December 2nd :: 5pm - 9pm

Our new workshop dates are up! We will be putting workshops together from October through December twice a week. Snag a spot or two and come join us at the variety of workshops we are offering this season. See you there!

*For more information on the specifics of each workshop please visit our workshop page at makesmith.com or give us a call at 805.699.6296

Intro: 

Turn Heads and make a statement. The new Crossbody Soft Brief is here and its the perfect accessory for you to go from business to beach and back around again.

Development: 

This is not a messenger bag, its better. We ditched the flap and created a soft brief that will take you where you need to go and maybe a bit further. If you're anything like us, we’re always looking for the perfect carryall. We’re last minute packers and that meant needing to make a bag that inspired confidence, easy and style. I'm pretty sure we nailed it. With an adjustable strap and a internal laptop sleeve this bag goes at the top of the packing list (that is if we have time to make one). From a business meeting to a long weekender it doesn't take no for an answer.

Feature: 

Whats our favorite part? Well the laptop sleeve of course. With contemporary convenience built right in, its hard to say "why not" to this durable design.  

Buy one here!  $325

Photos courtesy of Lerina Winter 

Intro: 

Your search has ended. With the release of our new Zipper Cross Body Purse, you won't find yourself wanting anymore. Its minimalist attitude and beautiful character flaws will be the beginning of a long friendship. 

Development: 

The perfect companion bag is here and we have Weslie to thank for it. Friends that have needs inform our new design decisions 100%. Following an afternoon of coffee and conversation, she urged me to get to work on a custom design--something sleek and simple, she said. Coming up with a design that could follow her any and everywhere was tougher than expected, how could something so straightforward be so taxing? The final product was more than we had hoped for, its simple, elegant and rustic enough for casual use. 

Feature: 

Our favorite feature of this piece is internal pocket (per Weslie's strong request for somewhere to store her always lost keys). 

Buy one here!  $265

Photos courtesy of Lerina Winter