05/22/2026
Really happy to have the new (2026) model of my first design (2021) “The Mini Mailbox” almost wrapped up!
Here I’m going through each part and piece before final assembly. Starting with the side panels I skive down the sides to make putting it on the bag easier, “train” the leather where I want it to bend and reduce overall seam thickness.
The inner lining is a stunning tangerine orange color from , here you see a short part of me skiving the edges all down by hand. Yes a bell skiver is easier, no I can’t afford one. Plus learning the skills and continually working on them is part of the reason I’ve gotten this far in my craft!
The body has a host of neat parts, from the snap closure with a hidden message on the back to the delicate strapping the feet sit on before being adorned to the body. I love these little details, especially the subtle edge creasing (not videoed).
Final part bear with me, is the top hat! I show off the internal structure to help with it forming the way I intend and behaving properly during use (open & closing of the flap). Punching holes with irons, saddle stitching, edge painting, the works!
I’ve had an amazing amount of people reach out with questions, orders and bespoke requests recently. I really appreciate all the support and am working through it all! I expect to have everyone taken care of and updated before Monday!
Living the dream and I hope you are too
