Abdo Report post Posted Sunday at 06:46 PM (edited) Hi everyone, I'm looking for ideas and advice about making some changes to my leatherworking approach. I've been specializing in small wallets for the past four years, selling primarily on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/kattanleather, but recently I've lost some motivation due to a few challenges: Leather type: I've always used full-grain leather (80% Buttero and 20% pueblo), which has beautiful natural "imperfections" like bug bites, scars, and uneven coloring that make each piece unique. However, many customers don't fully appreciate these features and see them as flaws. As a result, I spend a lot of time carefully cutting pieces (using clicker dies) to hide these imperfections, especially when layering parts. This process is time-consuming and sometimes frustrating. I’ve also noticed that the brown hides in particular can have issues with uneven dyeing or specks from the dyeing process, which adds another layer of difficulty. I’m considering switching to top-grain leather or another type with a more consistent finish. Does anyone have recommendations for leather types that strike a balance between quality, ease of work, and consistency? Personalization: A significant portion of my sales (around 75%) involves embossing names or initials. While I charge extra for this service, it takes a lot of time to get everything perfectly aligned and professional-looking. I’ve been wondering if investing in a better embossing setup—like a hot stamping machine or guides—might help speed up the process. Has anyone else faced similar issues and found solutions to make personalization more efficient? Product variety: It seems like the demand for wallets is decreasing, as many people now use digital wallets on their phones. I’m thinking about branching out into other small products, like keychains, phone cases, or laptop sleeves. I’d like to stick to small, practical items but explore designs that are still enjoyable to make. Has anyone made a similar shift, and what items have you found to be both popular and fun to work on? I’d really appreciate any advice, suggestions, or insights from your experience. Thanks! Edited Sunday at 06:52 PM by Abdo grammar Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
