Leatherworking tips from a modern-day cowgirl
Why have a boring, flat leather belt when you can have one that looks like weathered wood? (Courtesy of Aprille Tomilinson/)The iconic American cowboy’s style invokes a feeling of ruggedness and free spirit, so it’s no surprise the functional fashion of the wild, wild West is once again trendy in mainstream fashion. Distressed boot-cut jeans, a cowboy hat, and a pair high-end boots make wearers feel like they’re ready to saddle up and work on a ranch—even if they’ve never ridden a horse or touched a cow. Hand-carved handbags and custom-tooled belts are popular accessories for those who long for a day in the saddle, but they’re also part of the everyday attire for working cowboys and competitive riders like myself who like to bring a bit of the frontier into the corporate office space.But mass-produced leather products aren’t the same as those handcrafted by an artisan. They’ve got a similar look and feel, but often...