Behind the design

An actual conversation with a client

An actual conversation with a client

Something happened in April that I haven't been able to stop thinking about. A message came in over the long weekend. Someone taking a chance—do I do custom orders?I do....

An actual conversation with a client

Something happened in April that I haven't been able to stop thinking about. A message came in over the long weekend. Someone taking a chance—do I do custom orders?I do....

A day in the workshop

A day in the workshop

Every day in the workshop starts a little differently. Some mornings I arrive with a clear plan—a bag to cut, straps to prepare, pieces waiting to be stitched. Other days...

A day in the workshop

Every day in the workshop starts a little differently. Some mornings I arrive with a clear plan—a bag to cut, straps to prepare, pieces waiting to be stitched. Other days...

Why I choose full grain leather

Why I choose full grain leather

When I choose leather for a bag, I’m not looking for perfection. I’m looking for something that will last—and something that feels real. Full-grain leather is the highest quality leather...

Why I choose full grain leather

When I choose leather for a bag, I’m not looking for perfection. I’m looking for something that will last—and something that feels real. Full-grain leather is the highest quality leather...

The lessons that stayed with me

The lessons that stayed with me

Some lessons are absorbed slowly and quietly. You don’t realise how deeply they’ve taken root until years later, when you find yourself living by them without conscious thought.

The lessons that stayed with me

Some lessons are absorbed slowly and quietly. You don’t realise how deeply they’ve taken root until years later, when you find yourself living by them without conscious thought.

In memory of Cyrus

In memory of Cyrus

Cyrus, my workshop buddy, sadly left us on Tuesday the 29th of July 2025.  He was fifteen years old. Over the past three years, he has been my daily companion...

In memory of Cyrus

Cyrus, my workshop buddy, sadly left us on Tuesday the 29th of July 2025.  He was fifteen years old. Over the past three years, he has been my daily companion...

How a little mistake became a signature detail

How a little mistake became a signature detail

When a small mistake threatened to derail the first Smithco backpack, a bit of stubborn problem-solving turned it into a signature design detail. Sometimes, a creative fix becomes the best...

How a little mistake became a signature detail

When a small mistake threatened to derail the first Smithco backpack, a bit of stubborn problem-solving turned it into a signature design detail. Sometimes, a creative fix becomes the best...