Pretty much all the work I do doesn’t come with a pattern or a set of instructions. Before I start I like to think a project through, work out a sequence of steps and make sure I have everything I need in order to proceed. I select the leather, in this case a lovely shoulder of burgundy veg tanned leather, check out my stock of buckles, and anything else I might need.

The downside of all of this is, as you think the project through to much, you end up dwelling on the difficulties, and there is a danger of designing out all of the problems, which leaves a very bland construction. Its the issues that test the skill of the maker, and its the skill my customers are buying. If it was simple everyone would be doing it. The more you think it through, the greater the difficulties become in your mind, the harder it actually becomes to start, so eventually you just have to go into the workshop, turn on the radio, and start. So that’s exactly what I did, and as with all bags you start at the top with the handle.

Now this project is a Gentlemen’s Briefcase. When I started working with leather 12 years ago, one of the very first projects I made was a brief case for me, looking back with the benefit of hindsight it was probably a very ambitious project, and its served me well for 12 years. Over these 12 years my skill level has gone up, and I have discovered some new techniques and methods, and you could argue its an important advertisement so I need a good one. Whilst the old one is structurally sound its beginning to look tired, a bit likes its owner, in need of a makeover. If I’m going that far perhaps I should I buy a new suit to go with it though that does seem a little rash, perhaps a new pair of socks, mustn’t get too carried away.