How I choose my Leather

I like this question because it actually answers how I choose a lot of my supplies. I like to source my materials locally, from small businesses and if possible not always new.

I have been collecting leather - like beads and yarn - for over twenty years. In France and Colorado.

A few months ago a friend asked me if I was interested in purchasing some leather from a friend of hers in Wyoming. The widow of a gentleman who had worked for Harley Davidson for a long time. He had actually given me two or three leather hides over fifteen years ago when I met him. I cherished them, made pouches and other leather goods with them until I got to go back to Wyoming with my friend and buy leather from Cinthya. I invested in a fairly large amount of hides.

Connections have helped me and my business. If it wasn’t for all my friends Melina Be would not exist.

It means a lot to me for my leather to be from a second hand source because I feel it is more sustainable this way and the impact on animals and the planet is not as great. I strive to be a craftivist as much as I can. At least it is something that I keep in mind every day when making my art.