Our Creation Process

Our Process

Creating a custom leather piece at Ink ‘N Hide Design Room is a journey of collaboration, creativity, and craftsmanship. Each step is designed to ensure your vision is brought to life with care, precision, and artistry. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Our process begins when you contact us with your idea. Whether you have a clear design in mind or just a concept, we’re here to help. You might share an image, describe your inspiration, or simply tell us what you’re looking for. During this consultation, we’ll discuss:

  • Your design ideas and layout preferences

  • Color schemes

  • The intricacy and complexity of the piece

If you’re unsure where to start, we’ll guide you through options to create something truly unique.

Step 2: Price Estimate and Deposit

Once we’ve discussed your vision, we’ll provide an expected price range based on the design’s details, materials, and complexity. This step helps ensure your expectations align with the possibilities of the piece. The first consultation is always free.

If you choose to move forward, we’ll collect a deposit, typically 25-50% of the estimated cost, to secure your order.

Step 3: Mockup Creation and Final Approval

With your ideas in mind, we’ll create a digital or hand-drawn mockup (preview) of the design. This allows you to visualize the final product and request adjustments before we begin production. After you approve the mockup, we’ll provide the final price for your piece.

Once the final price is confirmed, we move forward with crafting your custom leather item.

The Creation Process

This is where the magic happens. From start to finish, each piece is handcrafted using time-honored techniques and tools. Here’s how your leather item comes to life:

1. Cutting the Pattern

The leather pattern pieces are carefully cut by hand or laser, ensuring precise shapes that fit together seamlessly.

2. Tooling and Carving

Vegetable-tanned leather is dampened to prepare it for carving and tooling. Kayla uses a swivel knife to carve intricate designs into the leather, followed by hand tools to bevel, texture, and shape the image. Delicate "dress cuts" add dimension and intricate detailing.

3. Painting and Coloring

The piece is dried and handed off to Derik, who brings it to life with vibrant colors. Using a combination of hand-painting and airbrush techniques, he applies alcohol dyes, oil dyes, and specialty acrylics made for leather. Whether it’s a marbled tie-dye effect or precise freehand detailing, each piece is colored to perfection. Finishes are applied to seal and protect the colors for durability.

4. Antiquing and Finishing

After the initial coloring, an antique dye paste is applied to fill in the decorative cuts and textures. This creates a rich, outlined, and polished look. Once the antique layer dries, additional finishes are added for protection and shine.

5. Edge Finishing

The edges are carefully smoothed and sealed using burnishing tools, wax, or edge paints, ensuring a clean and durable finish.

6. Assembly

The pieces are assembled into the final product through sewing, riveting, and setting hardware. Every detail is meticulously crafted to ensure functionality and beauty.

7. Quality Inspection and Final Payment

The final piece is inspected for quality, ensuring it meets our high standards. We’ll then take detailed photos of the finished product and send them to you for approval.

Once you approve, we’ll send an invoice for the remaining balance. Upon payment, your custom leather creation will be carefully packaged and shipped to you.

The Time and Care Behind Each Piece

Creating a custom leather bag, wallet, or belt is a time-intensive process that requires skill, patience, and attention to detail. We hope this page gives you a better understanding of the love and care that goes into each creation.

Let’s bring your vision to life with a piece you’ll treasure for years to come.