Design and drawing
The client does not need to arrive with a finished design. An idea, a photograph or simply a preferred visual language is enough to start.
How the work is made
Handwork, detail and the process behind the surface
Sketching, transferring, carving, dyeing and finishing — the decorated motif does not simply come out of a machine.
The workshop stands on hand saddle stitching, careful edge finishing and a manual decorative process. Many people assume a tooled or painted motif is pressed out by a machine. In reality, the work takes time and is built by hand step by step.
Transfer onto leather
The motif is transferred onto prepared leather. This stage affects the cleanliness of the relief and the accuracy of later detail.
Carving and stamping
Carving gives the leather depth and plasticity. More complex motifs are then combined with dyeing, acrylic paint, antique paste and final finishing.
Leather carving step by step
The motif is built by hand from the first line.
Many people think a decorated leather motif is simply put into a machine and “pressed” out. In reality, leather carving is a manual process that demands drawing skill, steady rhythm and sensitivity to the material.
- Motif design: I first draw and adjust the motif so it works on the actual product and respects its shape and use.
- Transfer to leather: The prepared design is carefully transferred to dampened leather so the drawing and relief can be developed accurately.
- Cutting with a swivel knife: The main lines are cut by hand with a swivel knife, which sets the cleanliness and rhythm of the whole motif.
- Modelling with a portfolio of stamps: The design is then formed and deepened with a portfolio of stamps that build depth, light, shadow and decorative texture.
- Colour and emphasis: Depending on the project, I continue with hand dyeing, acrylic painting, antique paste and other steps that bring contrast, atmosphere and character.
- Finishes and protection: Finally, I apply several layers of finish to protect the surface and keep the motif looking its best over time.
Six years of applied drawing in practice
My drawing background helps especially in the phase when the client does not yet know exactly what they want. I can balance composition, colour and proportion so the final piece feels natural, luxurious and functional.
Want to see the process for real?
On my YouTube channel you can watch the work in motion and see clearly that the product does not drop out of a machine, but is built by hand from design to stitching, dyeing and decoration. Watch on YouTube.