A few years ago, after seeing me frustrated with aspects of my job, my husband asked me what it was I wanted to do for a living. What was something I’d thought about but never pursued? While I love animals, and have had many jobs tending to different species (and am damn good at it), and secretly wanted to be James Herriot my entire life, I had always longed to do something with leather. And so, I ordered a box of scrap leather online with a few basic tools, and started playing. I watched countless videos online in regards to leatherwork and learned how to hand stitch. I made rudimentary card holders and journal covers, and sent them to friends. Eventually I had this idea of making tote bags, but the entire concept seemed so overwhelming. I remember trying my hand at a couple bags and ripping the stitching out in frustration.
Ah, but how we learn and grow when we make mistakes. I kept trying, and eventually made a successful first tote that I wasn’t offended by. And so, the Wild Tote was born.
The vision of the Wild Tote was to make a bag that can do it all. Pair the bag with a nice pair of jeans and sweater while you go out to dinner. Or, throw your crap in it on the passenger seat of the feed truck. Dress it up or dress it down, the Wild Tote can do it all. She’s got a perfect blend of grit and grace and doesn’t shy from hard work.
The Wild Tote body is made from 5.5 oz premium hide from Acadia Leather. The top edge is rolled for a more polished look, while the inner seams are double stitched for durability. There is an inner pocket, big enough for a cell phone and keys, with a brass lobster clasp hook for those of you prone to losing your keys to the abyss that is your bag. Sturdy handles are a must for my lifestyle, and we decided to use 13oz Hermann Oak Harness Leather, because while it’s tough, it is surprisingly soft and has the most delicious deep patina when used. We attached the straps to the bag with brass Chicago screws. Why not rivets? To be honest, if the straps ever needed to be replaced, tearing off rivets would most likely put a hole in the body of the bag. We stand behind the craftsmanship of our bags which is why we are happy to cover issues due to a manufacturer defect incurred during the lifetime of your bag.
