italian leather

5
July
2024

Celebrating the Art of Handcrafted Leather Goods: A Glimpse into Traditional Craftsmanship

In a world where mass production and fast fashion dominate the market, there is something profoundly special about items that are meticulously crafted by hand. The essence of traditional craftsmanship is beautifully captured in this image, which showcases the intricate process of creating handmade leather goods. Let’s take a closer look at this scene and appreciate the dedication, skill, and artistry that go into every piece.

The Workshop Atmosphere

The workshop depicted in the image exudes a warm, rustic charm. Natural light streams through a nearby window, casting a soft glow over the workspace. The setting is filled with tools and materials essential for leatherworking: leather hides, needles, threads, and wooden molds are scattered around, each playing a vital role in the creation process. This environment is a haven for artisans, where creativity meets precision.

The Artisan at Work

At the heart of this scene is a skilled artisan, wearing a practical apron and focused intently on their work. Their hands move with practiced ease, carefully stitching a piece of leather by hand. The craftsman’s expression reflects a deep concentration and a passion for their craft. It’s a reminder of the human touch that goes into each stitch, cut, and finish – a stark contrast to the impersonal nature of machine-made products.

The Craftsmanship

The image also highlights the quality and craftsmanship of handmade leather goods. Finished products such as bags, wallets, and belts are neatly displayed on shelves in the background. Each item boasts unique details and superior craftsmanship that mass-produced items simply cannot replicate. The durability and timeless appeal of these leather goods make them cherished items that can be passed down through generations.

Why Handcrafted Leather Goods Matter

Handcrafted leather goods are more than just accessories; they are pieces of art. The process of creating these items involves a high level of skill and patience, ensuring that each product is unique and of the highest quality. By choosing handcrafted items, consumers support sustainable practices and small-scale artisans who pour their heart and soul into their work.

Supporting Artisans and Sustainable Practices

In an era where environmental concerns are paramount, supporting handcrafted goods also means endorsing sustainable practices. Unlike mass production, which often leads to significant waste and environmental impact, handcrafted processes typically involve more sustainable methods and materials. Each piece is made with care, minimizing waste and promoting the longevity of the product.

Conclusion

The image of the artisan in their workshop serves as a powerful reminder of the value of traditional craftsmanship. In a fast-paced world, taking the time to create something by hand is a testament to human skill and dedication. By appreciating and supporting handcrafted leather goods, we honor the artisans who keep these traditions alive and ensure that the beauty of handmade art continues to flourish.

Let’s celebrate the artisans who dedicate their lives to creating beautiful, durable, and timeless leather goods. Their work not only enriches our lives with unique and high-quality items but also fosters a deeper connection to the art of craftsmanship.

Whether you are a fan of handmade goods or new to the world of artisanal crafts, take a moment to explore and appreciate the intricate process and the passionate artisans behind every piece.

4
July
2018

The preparation of a leather product

The realization of a leather product requires different important processes: from cutting to quality control, passing through the preparation and assembly of the components. All stages that underline the mastery of the craftsmen of this sector, pride of our Made in Italy.

The cutting

The first phase is the cutting. The skins are first checked and selected, with the latest generation of electronic machinery, after which the various parts that will comprise the bag, the wallet or another accessory are cut: leather, flocking, linings or different reinforcements.

The splitting

Subsequently, the preparation of the leather product involves the splitting phase, which is achieved by lowering the thickness of the leather according to the type of bag that is being produced, adjusting its stiffness or softness. Thus the edges of the various components of the bag are smoothed.

During the various stages of processing, the skin may undergo modifications, ie it may retreat or lengthen. A margin of about 4 mm is then left at the edge, which increases the perimeter of the dial of the bag.

The re-cutting

After having rechecked and assembled all the parts of the bag, the re-cutting allows to finish the product, according to the exact proportions. This allows to meticulously finish the edges of the bag, using the same colors or deliberately creating color contrasts.

The assembly

This is the final stage and can be carried out on different types of machinery, but some steps – depending on the product and who makes it – can be done by hand, to give value to the craftsmanship of the product. Moreover, depending on the type of object, the operations of brushing and polishing of the leather can be the next steps.

13
June
2018

The history of leather tanning

With the term tanning, we mean those operations to which the skins of animals are subjected in order to make them imputrescible and transform them into leather, in practice, in order to preserve them and work them.

Tanning is one of the oldest activities, which dates back to prehistory, when men realized they could use the skins of the hunted animals to cover themselves and protect themselves from the cold and rain.

The only problem was that the material tended to decompose after a few days…

The origins of tanning

Perhaps by chance, the man realized that if the skin had been exposed to the smoke of the fire or immersed in water, then it lasted longer. This was the discovery of “aldehyde tanning” (of which the smoke of fresh woods is rich) and “vegetable tanning” (contained in wood and in all plants).

Aldehydes, tannins and lime (the limescale of the stones due to the effect of heat is transformed into lime, which with water forms lime off) are substances that still today, even if with different methods, are part of modern tanning processes.

From artisan practice to industrial activity

 

For many centuries the tanning technology had remained substantially unchanged, until the second half of the 19th century, when the drum was introduced, a machine consisting of a cylinder rotating around its axis, which marked the transition from craft to industrial activity. Water, skins and chemicals were introduced into the drum.

The mechanical action of rotation greatly favors the penetration of the products inside the skin; therefore the tanning process, which previously lasted many months, turned out to be quite accelerated.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the real turning point took place with the introduction of chrome tanning, – thanks to the tanning capacity of the trivalent chromium compounds – which is able to bind permanently to the skin making it imputrescible.

Various types of tanning processing

 

Before going on to the actual tanning operations, which tend to give the leather the greatest resistance, the maximum impermeability to water and the maximum porosity to air and water vapor (sweat), there are some preliminary steps for the preparation of leather, the so-called “beamhouse” operations: soaking, liming, unhairing and scudding, deliming and bating, pickling.

To get even more in detail and know what are the various types of tanning, we mention a few:

  • Chrome tanning, this mineral makes the leather particularly soft.
  • Aniline tanning, a type of tanning based on the use of aniline that gives the products a particular luster and color transparency.
  • Vegetable tanning, a process consisting in transforming skin into leather with the use of peel of plants that produce natural tannic juices in water; this treatment is carried out in pits and serves to obtain sole leather.
  • Mineral tanning, made with chromium or aluminum salts, which produces light, soft and tough leather.
  • Mixed tanning, a vegetable tanning in pits, tanks or vats and then drums, with the use of tannic extracts more concentrated than the juices derived from the peels.

 

18
April
2018

News: the Agnese bag

For women who love vintage, there is a fantastic news.

It is the Agnese bag, capacious and suitable for any occasion, both for work and for travel and leisure in general. It looks like a bag, with both handles and shoulder strap, and with a good range of qualities: generous design, extraordinary versatility, timeless and remarkable elegance.

Generous design

Agnese is a bit “the bag of desires”. Whatever you are looking for or want with you, it is in here! Thanks to the particularly generous design, the Agnese bag will allow you not to give up anything and to have with you everything, but really everything, tat is necessary for your days and your travels. The zip will help you to put your order, without going crazy in the search when you are in a hurry.

Extraordinary versatility

The Agnese bag stands out for its exceptional versatility: available in different colors, it can be carried by hand or shoulder strap, combined with a skirt or trousers, jeans or a suit, with a day or evening outfit. It will not disappoint you because for every occasion it has an extra gear!

Timeless elegance

The vintage design and the processing of leather give it elegance. An elegance that has no time, a refined freshness that will give a touch of uniqueness to your look. The name Agnese for the Greeks meant purity. Here, this bag is pure femininity!

11
April
2018

The clutch bag in white leather

Bright and very tasty, the clutch bag in white leather is one of the recommended purchases for this spring / summer. Suitable for day and evening outfits, it is practical and elegant and gives a touch of class.

Do you want five good reasons to include this accessory in your wardrobe?

  • Versatility

The white leather clutch bag is versatile and adapts perfectly to spring and summer wardrobe, jeans and tops or a fancy dress or a more serious sheath dress.

  • Youth

It gives a jaunty and youthful appearance, despite being a fancy accessory, very chic and elegant.

  • Disengagement

The clutch bag can hold everything you need, without weighing, to accompany you in your outings with ease.

  • Perfume

Like all leather accessories, it has an acrid smell, so intense and unique, a scent that smacks of originality.

  • Softness

The leather clutch bag is soft, elastic and capacious. There are versions with multiple pockets, zip or button closures. The choice is up to you!

  • Brightness

The white leather is luminous in itself and gives a touch of light.

  • It is not delicate

Like all leather accessories, even if white, it is washable and resists stains well. A clutch bag for life? Maybe not, because fashion changes, but it is good to know that it will last over time.