Step 1: Prep 
Fresh hides are cured in salt for several days, then soaked in acidic then solution. The hair and flesh are removed.

Step 2: Splitting
The hide is separated into tow layers;
1. The hide quality Full Grain.
2. Lower quality split grain, which can be turned into Suede.

Step 3: Tanning
Hides recieve an initial soak in plant-based tannins, or a chemical equivalent. These tannins break down the collagen in the hide.

Step 4: Retanning
Hides are given a second round of tanning to preserve to preserve the colagen and add any dyes or conditioning agents.

Step 5: Deying/Rolling
Tanned leather is stretched, dried, and rolled by machines to soften the leather.

Step 6: Finishing 
Hides can be finished with a coating of pigment or polish, depending on grade and application.

This is my own bag design.

This summer, I have been back to my hometown, Thailand. I have been looking for the new inspirations for my leather works.
I have come up with this mini tote bag, I saw the leather-craft man displayed it in front of his shop in Bangkok. I felt in love with it, it looked very simple but functional. Once I came back to Cork Ireland, I then have started my project. All material I have are used leathers from my workshop.

The mini tote bag project was kicked off on 20th December, 2023. I made the pattern from my memory then cut and choosed the lether I like. I love deep red and black, I thought they would be a good combonation. I think I am right :) 
The hadles I like round style, they have a classic looked and timeless. I decided to have red fabric as a lining with one zipper poket and two open pokets inside, there is also one outer poket with zipper. All hardwear are in gold. The side trim I made it as stitch out and decorated by edging. The top trim I stitch leather with fabric lining and hide it instead of showing.

It is just a small little thing for many people but it was a huge achievement for me.

Finally, this bag, it was a Christmas Gift for friend of mind and I hope she enjoyed it :) xx