The "Amy"

Another one-of-a-kind bag inspired by its one-of-a-kind owner.  Funny, but this one almost made itself.  A simple tote, yet decidedly feminine, with just the right amount of style and function.  Its color reminds me of Amy, as much as it captures the fiery amber heat of late summer in Austin . . .

Horween Scotch grain cowhide with horsehide straps.  Jeremiah
Watt's Horse Shoe Brand stainless steel buckle.  Hand-hammered
copper rivets and burrs.  

And Now for Something Completely Different

I've been remiss in not posting my work here regularly this summer.  Partially because I've cut back production and partially because I've been lazy.  Enduring the suffocating 100+ degree heat day after day will do that to you . . .

What you see below are a sampling of pieces that depart from my norm.  Call them experimental, if you will, but it's what happens when the creative juices flow.

Small single shoulder backpack from
shrunken bison,  Horween horsehide straps
and solid brass hardware.

Backpack from Scotch grain Horween Chromexcel and horsehide
straps.  Solid brass hardware and antler buttons.

Especially for the lovely Jennifer: Small shoulder bag for a night out-
on-the-town.  Black shrunken bison and Horween Chromexcel.  Just
large enough for wallet, phone and keys.  No cosmetic storage required!

Big Apple Bag

Monica and I hit NYC last weekend for the first time in ten years, so I seized the opportunity to make myself a new bag for the trip . . .

Brown oil-tanned cowhide with red veg-tanned kangaroo
accents and pockets.  Horseshoe Brand hardware.  Brands
are authentic and tanned into the leather (not added).

Braved a cold and rainy Friday afternoon to swing by Leffot in the West Village to check out the finest in men's handmade footwear and accessories.  As luck would have it, they were having a Rider Boot Company trunk show and Ron came in from Richmond, VA to host.  Added another sweet pair of Ron's boots to my collection and loaded up on some of Steven's Horween belts and Abbeyhorn goodies while I was there . . .

Met up with Monica's sister Emily and her husband Michael, who flew in from Toronto to celebrate his 50th birthday.  We actually managed to surprise him by our presence--along with great tickets to Book of Mormon--and celebrated by gorging ourselves silly on fine wine, exquisite dining and "private time" at the hotel (with our respective spouses, I should add).  Quite the weekend . . .

Juli's Bag aka "The Herbivore"

Kind words just received in an e-mail message from my dear friend, Juli:

Made from the hides of buffalo, horse, and cow, and the antler of an antelope, I like to call this bag “The Herbivore”, which suits my wannabe vegetarian, but can’t quite commit to it, status perfectly.

The buffalo hide gives the bag a unique textured elegance, and its chocolate color is delicious. The wide inner pocket made from horsehide is a perfect place to easily stash and retrieve my keys. The thicker cowhide pockets are exactly the right size and placement for a phone, a lipstick, and a bottle of hand sanitizer. Big enough to hold a spiral notebook (or an iPad), but in no way bulky, the bag's dimensions are expertly scaled. When I throw the bag over my shoulder, the strap and buckle hang just the right way .

But, the design elements of the purse are what really make it special.  The antler closure couples with the detailed stitching to give the bag a look that is at the same time polished and relaxed. I feel great wearing it out to a hipster restaurant, to a work meeting, or just to a yoga class.

And despite my occasionally clumsy treatment – there’s not a scratch or pulled thread anywhere on the bag. It’s inexplicably getting better the more I wear it.

It’s much more than a pleasure, it’s a privilege to carry my DBS Handmade bag.

DBS Handmade bags benefit Caritas of Austin

*Lifted from the March 2011 installment of cariTALK:

The Caritas Board of Directors boasts talents ranging from law degrees to successful business owners. Adding to the list of those talents is President-Elect, David Sheldon. The real estate developer has a keen eye for style and is sharing his skills with Caritas of Austin.  Sheldon crafts fine leather goods, completely by hand, one at a time from the finest materials. He has been creating works of art such as those listed on his blog, since he was 16 years old in Houston when Sheldon says, "Urban Cowboy was big." 

Now, his handmade bags are available for sale and Sheldon is offering 100% of the gross proceeds to benefit Caritas of Austin.

For more pictures and information visit http://dbshandmade.blogspot.com/.  Stay tuned for more DBS Handmade bags exclusively available to Caritas donors.

*learn more about Caritas of Austin by following the link on this blog

Beth's Bag

A special bag for a very special lady.  Understated elegance.  Enough said (by me anyway) . . .

Dear David,
     I wanted to share, with gratitude, the life of my new bag this past week.  It was perfect for toting my notebook for the meetings.  Getting in the car no fewer than four times a day, I never lost my keys in the bottom.  My new cell phone fits perfectly in a side pocket.  The oohs and aahs (of coworkers) would have made you happy.  I only snapped it closed four or five times but know for safety reasons I will do that more often.
     Thank you for this lovely bag.  The stitching is gorgeous and I am proudly carrying it everywhere!
Fondly, Beth

Horween Scotch Grain Chromexcel leather with matching smooth-grain
horsehide accents on straps.  Supple horsehide interior pockets.

Is the Key Case Really Dead?

OK, maybe it is.  I would argue, however, that its extinction is confined generally to the public at large.  Similar to the fate of fedoras and bowties.  Todd Palin probably doesn't carrying one to the snow machine races, for example.

But Louis Vuitton is a fan, and so am I.  This ingenious little accessory prevents injury to vital organs when one carries one's keys in his front trouser pockets.   The ladies will note that the key case offers protection against the gouging of fine leather wallets, scratching of cell phones and that annoying racket created by loose key rings jingling around inside shoulder bags.  Besides, this is definitely not your father's key case . . .

• Genuine hand-painted stingray
• Horween horsehide lining
• Kangaroo lace border
• Hand-hammered copper rivet and burr

Made from three of the strongest, most durable natural hides on the planet, this stylish gem will provide generations of service.  At least until mechanical keys become obsolete . . .

Measures approximately 6 3/8" x 4"  open,  2" x 4" x 1 3/8" closed.

The "Holly"

Hippie Chic.  Casual Sophisticate.  Fashionista.  Quality Maven.

All labels--and more--apply to the lovely Holly.  Can you imagine the pressure involved in designing a bag for this woman?  Fortunately, she likes it:

WOW, it is beautiful! You are AMAZING! I have never had a bag named after me before; I am thrilled. It looks PERFECT for me. How did you know????!!! XXXOOO Holly

Body and straps made entirely from Horween Chromexcel leather.
Sueded inside pockets and waxed braided cord stitching.  

A shout out to my friends at Maverick Leather Co. in Northern California for hookin' me up with the sweetest leather on the planet.  You guys rock!

100% of the gross proceeds from the Harvey and Holly bags went to Caritas of Austin to fight hunger, homelessness and poverty.  Check it out under "Links" and stay tuned for my limited edition bags available exclusively to Caritas donors . . .

Travel Pouch

Where does one store one's jewels whilst traveling?  In this stylish and practical jewelry pouch, one might answer . . .

The body and tassels are made from a durable, yet exceptionally soft sage-colored suede cowhide.  The tie is dark brown Horween Chromexcel.  Saddle stitched with waxed linen thread.  Simple, functional, beautiful . . .

Harvey's Bag

Fresh off my workbench: A manly bag for a manly man, my brother-from-a-different-mother, Harvey.  Just the right size to carry his papers, iPhone, pens, shades, weapons and other essential accessories.  He's a busy guy with an important position, so he doesn't need to carry around much.  But what he does carry needs to go in style!  Enjoy, my friend . . .

• Horween Chromexcel body
• Soft-rolled veg-tan Horween horsehide straps
• Hand-hammered copper rivets and burrs
• Solid brass hardware
• Saddle-stitched with waxed braided cord and linen thread
• Herringbone and cross-stitch accents
• Alligator print cowhide interior pockets

Bracelets



Bracelets - top to bottom, left to right

1. Python backed with natural cowhide; kangaroo lace; cowhide snake overlay; stainless steel snap closure
2. Pebbled cowhide backed with natural cowhide; football stitching in deerskin lace; saddle-stitched with waxed linen thread; stainless steel snap closure
3. Black drum-died cowhide with hand-painted stingray inlays; saddle-stitched with waxed linen thread; stainless steel snap closure
4. Python backed with natural horsehide; bat-shape carved; stainless steel buckle
5. Round leather cord "barbed wire"; knot and loop closure



Belts



Belts - from left to right

1. Chocolate suede backed with natural cowhides; saddle-stitched waxed linen thread and buck-stitched kangaroo lace; hand-hammered sterling silver buckle with turquoise inlay by Tommy Jackson
2. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake backed with natural horsehide; saddle-stitched waxed linen thread; stainless steel Stohlman buckle



Bag Lady Rachelle in Lockhart, TX says:



• Lush hand-painted and glazed cowhide body
• Soft-rolled veg-tanned Horween horsehide straps
• Hand-hammered copper rivets and burrs
• Contrast running- and signature combination saddle/cross-stitching
• Sueded alligator print inside pockets
• Hidden snap closure 



Hi David, 

I was sitting down to write you a proper thank you note, but couldn't delay telling you what an insanely smokin' hot bag this is!  I absolutely adore it.  I love its straightforward, stunning beauty and the delicious leather smell.  I had no idea you were hiding this incredible talent and I cannot thank you enough for including me as part of the elite DBS Handmade clientele. 

All the best, 

Rachelle

Bag Dad Jerry (sorry, couldn't resist) from Durango, CO:

Hi David,


I've been using your belt pouch all the time.  My camera and iPhone fit inside perfectly.  The leather is soft and comfortable, but manages to hold it's shape so it's easy to open.  The antler toggle and bead are nice touches.  Together with the Bison and Kangaroo, I feel like a real mountain man!
  
We enjoyed your visit.  I've attached a photo of you and Steven [his son, my brother] at the ski area.  Still plenty of snow if you think you'll come out again soon.


Love, Dad

 

Left to right: Steven & David in Purgatory
It's not so bad, really . . .

Bag Lady Carole in Durango, CO says:

• Stone-oil tanned leather body and strap
• Alligator-print cowhide accents and inlays
• Hand-hammered copper rivets and burrs
• Horse Shoe Brand stainless steel hardware
• Saddle-stitched with waxed braided cord

Dear David:


A mother couldn't possibly ask for a better son than you.  Well, even if I could, I doubt it would do me any good.


I simply love my bag, and so does everyone else!  It's the perfect size and the style suits me to a "T".  The "M" brand under the flap is always a nice surprise when I open it up.  Makes me think of Michael [my son, one of her grandchildren], which I guess was the idea.  OK, OK, already . . . I promise to babysit more often.


I haven't used the two pockets on the back yet, but they're really neat and will come in handy when we travel.  Your dad and I think the strap's really neat too.


You can see from the photos that I've already messed up the stitching on the flap.  But like you said, it doesn't make any difference.  I will let you trim the threads when you come visit us again.  And how soon can we expect you?


The most thoughtful birthday gift ever.  Did Monica put you up to it?


Love,
Mom

The "Monique"

I decided a few things while making this bag for Monica, my beloved wife:

1. It would be called the Monique;
2. It should have a tassel; and
3. Monica knows a thing or two about bags . . .

Made mostly from chocolate "shrunken" Bison, the higher stress areas of the strap and the top edges near the brass zipper are Horween Chromexcel leather.  The tassel--one of the few design elements requested that I actually agreed to construct--is soft Horween horsehide.  Prominent, contrasting herringbone stitch details secure inside horsehide pockets designed to hold iPhone, pens, flashlight and a myriad of other small items.  Other stitching techniques include my signature contrasting combination saddle/cross stitch.  I also couldn't resist doing the matching color heart stitching to attached the handles to the body . . .

The result is a highly durable bag that's incredibly rich in color and texture, soft to the touch and a pleasure to carry everyday (at least so she says).  Stylish, sexy and smart.  Hence:  The Monique.

• Shrunken Bison and Horween Chromexcel
• Horween horsehide accents
• Brass zipper 
• Herringbone and signature combination saddle/cross-stitching

It's My Bag



• Horween horsehide
• Beavertail accent
• Horse Shoe Brand stainless steel hardware
• Hand-hammered copper rivets and burrs
• Baseball- and running-stitched with contrasting braided waxed cord

 























What kind of bag does a guy who makes leather bags carry?  Well, here it is . . .

Made from "tan" 5-7 oz. Horween horsehide (really a deep redish brown), with beavertail closure accent. Green 2-3 oz. Horween horsehide interior pen holders and pocket with deer antler button.  Horse Shoe Brand stainless steel hardware by Jeremiah Watt.

Five sections of hide are joined together with baseball and running stitches to form the body of the bag.  The leather is firm enough to keep it's shape, while remaining supple in its "pull-up" quality to patina nicely. Stitching is made from tan-colored waxed braided cord and brown waxed 3-ply linen thread.  Straps are secured by #9 hand-hammered copper rivets and burrs.   The adjustable shoulder strap is made up of multiple sections and layers.  This not only increases strength and limits stretch, but also contributes to comfort.

Big enough to carry an inch-thick wad of 8 1/2 x 11 papers, plus plenty of business cards, a couple of pens and other miscellaneous items.  Keys can be secured by the inside nickel-plated solid brass snap.