About Blackwood 1853
All items are made to order as to style, size and type. Prices mentioned are approximate only. Final pricing will be quoted and determined based on the customer’s needs.
I have been a tinkerer in many things over the years, learning different skills from my mother (organizing, sewing by hand, typing), father (bbq’ing), step-father (basic carpentry, building, upholstery etc.) and the various repairmen I have come in contact with over my years. I have watched and asked questions and realized that I am fairly mechanically inclined.
Being left-handed for the most part, I found it hard to find products that met my particular tastes or need for organization. So I would find something (bag, clothes, etc. that basically met my needs) and would then modify or redesign it until It worked for me.
All my life I have had a love for the Old West along with the leather goods it entails. So for the past few years I have started making custom leather possibles/messenger bags in an Old West/Southwestern Style.
This site I created to show some of my work of which some are for sale. But mostly is to offer a service of creating custom leather products for anyone who desires a one-of-a-kind item.
Color of leather and accents I use will be what I have or is requested. I will do my best to be as close as possible it will be approved by you before I begin any work. Waxed cotton thread or faux sinew is used for stitching. I do not do any carving or create any beadwork. I will do stamping if the leather is not previously processed. Conchos, beadwork, rivets, fringe, appliqués, etc will be added as requested. This can be supplied by me or the person requesting the item. Beadwork is mostly sewn into the material whenever possible.
All my work is hand made in that I do not use a sewing machine or machines to cut or condition the leather. Each piece is hand cut, every hole is hand punched and hand threaded. A basic piece can take anywhere from 10 to 60 hours to create.
As this is a craft I love, I do not price based upon how many hours, but more on the structure, the design and the ornamentation. I provide a basic estimate of the pieces shown and will provide a quote upon request. A deposit of 20% is required before any work begins and the final design is confirmed. Payment can be made by cash, certified check, PayPal or Zelle.
The navigation bar at the top shows the types of products I have created and may be available for sale.