I made this dragon wallet as an example of what can be created entirely by hand. From carving and shaping the leather to painting, stitching, and finishing, every step is completed by hand from start to finish.

If you want something more personal than a traditional plain wallet, I accept custom commissions based on your preferred artwork, story, or personal meaning. We can discuss your idea together and develop it into a wallet made specifically for you.

Feel free to message me if you have an idea you would like to explore. What would you choose to have carved onto your own wallet?

My father passed away 20+ years ago and ever since my younger special needs brother has been using has wallet as a keepsake/functional item. He went to use it the other day and I saw that it is on it's very last legs. I offered to pay to have a new one made using as much of the original as is possible. It is well worn out and the leather is thin but I figured some bits could be used in the construction of the new wallet so that it is technically still my fathers even though I imagine 90% will be new material. Looking for a well made rather standard wallet but I'm open to creativity, possibly with his initials embossed. Hopefully someone can be creative in how to include the old bits.

A few weeks ago I shared one of my handmade cat coin purses here, and I honestly wasn’t expecting the response it received. The encouragement, feedback, and kind comments from this community were incredible.

Since then, I’ve completed these new custom orders, each with its own unique leather and thread combination. It’s been a lot of fun seeing everyone put their own spin on the design, and I wanted to say thank you to everyone who commented, shared ideas, or reached out.

Each coin purses is handmade from premium Italian Buttero leather and completely customizable.

If you would like to have one made for yourself, I sell these for $150 at the Etsy listing below:
https://whaleyatelier.etsy.com/listing/4510783681

Thanks again for all the support, it genuinely means a lot to a small maker like me.

We used small perforations to form the medallion pattern on the toe. The brown-to-blue patina adds depth to the leather and makes the pattern more visible under the light.

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping someone here can point me towards an artisan rather than a product.

I’ve spent months refining an idea for what will hopefully become my lifetime writing companion, and I think I’ve reached the point where I’m looking for the right craftsperson rather than continuing to search for an off-the-shelf notebook cover.

The project is intentionally simple.
It’s an A5 leather cover designed to hold a replaceable notebook, but I don’t want it to feel like a folio or organiser.
My goal is for it to feel like a beautifully made leather-bound object that happens to have a removable notebook inside.

Some of the features I’m hoping for are:
Full-grain vegetable-tanned leather.
Smooth leather-lined interior (no exposed suede).
Deep, structured pockets that securely hold the notebook.
The notebook sitting slightly recessed so the leather protects the page edges.
A firm, structured feel rather than floppy leather.
No pen loops.
No card slots.
No organiser features.
Minimal or no exterior branding.

Something designed to develop a beautiful patina over decades of use.
More than anything, I’m looking for exceptional craftsmanship and someone who enjoys collaborating on one-off commissions.
I’ve attached a concept image that illustrates the direction I’m thinking.
I’m in Australia, but I’m completely open to commissioning someone overseas if they’re the right fit.
Does anyone have recommendations for leather artisans or ateliers you’ve personally worked with—or whose work you admire—who might enjoy a project like this?
I’m much more interested in craftsmanship than brand names.
Thank you!

I’m not looking for the cheapest option. I’d much rather commission something exceptional once than buy five products that are almost right.

Im hoping to find someone who can make an unglazed natural shell cordovan (id prefer horween but im open to other tanneries). Looking for minimalist light brown/beige stitching, quick release springs, 20mm lugs that taper to 18. Id prefer to keep price under $150 but im flexible on price. For reference, its for a 38mm hamilton murph. Thanks!