Person crafting with leather and needle, surrounded by tools on a wooden table.

ABOUT US

HEATHER Sullivan

Founder / Creator

My passion is for anything and everything natural.  My first experience with leather came out of the blue.  I purchased a simple leather clutch (not well made - not great quality). I loved it!  It was the perfect size for the essentials … keys, phone, sunglasses, wallet, done!  It was easy to grab and throw in a backpack, a beach bag, a shopping cart or simply under my arm.  This clutch became a part of me, it started to patina, it got softer every time I opened and closed it and it smelled wonderful.  Strangers would often ask me where I got it because they wanted one for themselves.  This simple, beautiful, and useful piece of leather led me to where I am now.

My journey started by learning everything I could about leather and leather working.  I was fascinated.   The more I learned the more I wanted to learn.  I’m so excited to share what I make for you to enjoy in your everyday life.  I hope you fall in love with your new piece of leather just like I did.

In addition, I am a wedding planner in Hood River, Oregon.  I am married with two teenage daughters.  Everything is made by hand for you in my home studio in the middle of a pear and cherry orchard with views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams … I am grateful, humbled, and inspired by my surroundings.


Close-up of two metal stamps with engraved designs on a wooden table, surrounded by leatherworking tools and materials.
Abstract illustration with sun, rainbow, cloud, and mountains.

Learn more About

OUR PROCESS

Everything is made 100% by hand. There are no machines used in any part of the process. Each piece is hand cut, hand stitched and hand finished. This is the way craftsmen have been making leather products for centuries. Giving respect and time to the leather is important to me.

OUR

WORK

MATERIALS

Three spools of thread in black, blue, and brown on a dark surface.

I use Ritza 25 Tiger thread for stitching. Tiger thread is considered superior thread among leatherworkers for its durability and strength. It is 100% polyester and lightly waxed making it UV resistant and dependable.


FULL GRAIN LEATHER

Rolls of brown leather in various shades

LEATHER TYPES


Full grain leather is the highest quality grade of leather money can buy. It comes from the top layer of the hide and includes all of the natural grain.

  • It is more expensive for manufacturers to buy and more difficult for them to work with. This is reflected in the cost to the consumer.

    The natural surface of full grain leather is unique - it tells a story and reveals natural imperfections, marks, and even light brands on the surface. Full grain leather is extremely strong and durable, as the natural grain contains the strongest fibers in the hide. While strong and durable, full grain leather remains extremely breathable, resulting in less moisture from prolonged contact.

    As full grain leather ages, rather than wearing out, it burnishes and beautifies, developing a much sought-after patina and unique character that cannot be easily duplicated. Truly, the more you use it, the better it looks and feels.

Close-up of stacked leather sheets in various colors on a grid-patterned surface.

THREAD


Veg-tanning is a natural, eco-friendly process that produces durable, exquisite leathers recognized for their depth of color and rich patina.

  • These leathers not only endure but get better with age. It’s called “vegetable” because of the natural materials used in the tanning process like tree bark. Vegetable tanning is one of the oldest methods of tanning known to man.

    The natural surface of full grain leather is unique - it tells a story and reveals natural imperfections, marks, and even light brands on the surface. Full grain leather is extremely strong and durable, as the natural grain contains the strongest fibers in the hide. While strong and durable, full grain leather remains extremely breathable, resulting in less moisture from prolonged contact.

    As full grain leather ages, rather than wearing out, it burnishes and beautifies, developing a much sought-after patina and unique character that cannot be easily duplicated. Truly, the more you use it, the better it looks and feels.

    I exclusively use full grain leather in my work.

Close-up of leather crafting tools including a spool of blue thread, an awl, and stacked leather sheets on a wooden surface.

Learn how to

CarE for your Leather goods

With proper care and love it will last several lifetimes.  Don’t go swimming with it and don’t leave it out in the rain.  Dry skin is unhappy skin and the same goes for leather, use leather balm to restore moisture.  If you want to reduce scratches, restoring natural oils is a great way to minimize them.  Scratches will happen but the good news is it adds character.  Smith’s Leather Balm is a non-toxic leather conditioner designed to restore worn leather and protect new leather goods.  It is 100% natural and can be safely applied by hand.

Abstract illustration of a sun, clouds, trees, and mountains with curved lines.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

  • “I’m obsessed with all my earrings from Pacific Leather Works! They’re so versatile and go perfectly with everything I wear.”

    Inga H.

  • “I have purchased several items from Pacific Leather Works and they never disappoint! They are great quality handcrafted pieces that never go out of style. I love my earrings, clutch, and wallet!”

    Camille P.

  • “I received a gorgeous pair of earrings from Pacific Leather Works. They are so delicate and well made. The attention to detail is amazing. I get compliments every time I wear them!!”

    Heather G.

BEST
SELLERS

Shop

NOW