Hard to believe December is here! Hopefully everyone had a good thanksgiving. I decided to smoke a turkey this year, and it was pretty dang good. After asking several folks and doing a bunch of research on the ol’ interwebs, I decided to wet brine it. I spatchcocked it, as well. It was definitely a lot of work, but the results were worth it.

I had a pop-up at a local boutique right before thanksgiving and a market the Saturday after. While neither one were what I would have considered super successful, the pop-up did give me some sales of pre-made items, a custom order, and a wholesale deal. Having my hot foil press on-hand was a good edition. I was able to personalize several of the items right on-site. Belts seem to be gaining popularity, and for good reason. It’s hard to beat a well-made leather belt.

With Christmas coming up, what handmade leather goods would you like unwrap on Christmas morning?

Do you start decorating for Christmas as soon as Halloween is over? It’s November 2 as I am typing this, and our trees, yes two of them, are up and decorated. Just a reminder that the Christmas season is here, or approaching quickly, depending on how you look at it. With that reminder is a note to say that if you plan on shopping small, please keep in mind that some of us need time to make or process your orders. I personally do almost all of my work as made-to-order, and typically require at least two to three weeks depending on the number of orders I am working.

This year I decided to sign up for a market. It was supposed to be November 1, but it got canceled. Heather managed to secure a pop-up spot at a local boutique here in Suffolk, Darla’s Downtown. That will be November 22, from noon to 2:00 PM. If you’re in the area, I’d love to see you swing by, if nothing just to say hi. I will have a slew of minimalist wallets, small notebook covers, key chains, flag patches, and I’m working on some key chain chap stick holders. If there is something you’d like to see from a leather worker’s market booth or pop-up, please let me know what it is. Depending on how this pop-up goes, I may try to do some more in the future.

Personally, I transferred off of my ship and am going to shore duty! I am stoked for this opportunity to have more time with Heather and the girls. I also wrapped up my first season of assistant coaching Harper’s 8U softball team. That was an absolute blast.

Unsurprisingly a month behind. July and August were spent mostly away from home. I did manage to get a few items made and working some stock for a market later on this year. I originally planned to do the market in September, but now thinking late October/early November. I got a promotion at my full time job September 1, and my wife got me some super sick coins made.

Reminder to get after your Christmas shopping! Especially if you are looking to get a custom made, or made to order piece, for your favorite people. Try to shop small and support your local craftspeople when you can!

Happy September and enjoy the cooler weather!