Why Choose Me?
My name is Xanthe, and I craft every piece of leatherwork you see here with my own hands. Each item is made by my hands with love, care, and meticulous attention to detail. By choosing to support me as a craftswoman, you're investing in much more than just a product – you’re embracing days and months of pure joy, creative flow, and an unwavering dedication to my craft. You’re not simply purchasing an object; you’re acquiring a piece of my heart, a part of my soul, and a small fragment of my life. The true difference between handcrafted artistry and mass-produced goods lies in the countless hours of failures, experimentation, and passion poured into every creation. When you buy from me, you’re not just getting an item; you’re receiving a one-of-a-kind work of art, crafted with love, care, and an intimate connection to the materials and the process.
I use only the finest, high-quality leather, carefully chosen for its strength, beauty, and longevity. Every hole is meticulously punched by hand, and each stitch is sewn with thick, double-lined cord for durability and precision. This commitment to quality ensures that every piece is not only aesthetically stunning but also made to withstand the test of time, lasting for generations to come.
A Personal Touch
My leatherwork journey began 10 years ago with a simple coin pouch, which I made from leather scraps gifted to me in a park. That pouch is still with me today, a testament to the lasting quality of handmade craftsmanship. I am a self-taught artisan, drawing practical skills from my father and creative inspiration from my mother. This unique blend allows me to create not just functional leather goods, but works of art infused with meaning.
The Creative Process
Each creation starts with a vision, but I allow the leather to guide me. When making new pieces, I listen to the material—its textures, colours, and shapes—to determine the best combination of skins, tones, and forms. Sometimes, I begin with a concept in mind, but I never truly know what the final product will look like until it is complete. This organic approach allows each piece to develop naturally, resulting in unique, one-of-a-kind designs that carry their own character and essence.
From design to execution, every step is done by hand. I carefully design each product and draw it directly onto the leather before cutting it by hand. Every hole is individually punched, and every stitch is meticulously sewn by hand using strong, double-lined cord. Once the structure is complete, I bring each piece to life through embellishments, using a variety of techniques, including:
- Stamping
- Carving
- Painting
- Dyeing
- Burning
- Stone setting
Each piece is made with intention, purpose and love.
Custom Orders: Made Just for You
Custom work is my specialty. I love collaborating with clients to bring their ideas to life, tailoring designs to create something that truly resonates with them. Whether it’s a personalised carving, a specific colour combination, or a unique embellishment, every custom piece is one-of-a-kind.
By choosing my handmade leatherwork, you’re not just purchasing a product—you’re investing in quality, Australian made, and a piece that carries a story. Thank you for supporting handmade craftsmanship and being a part of this journey with me.