Project description
I'm looking for an experienced leather craftsperson to design and hand-make a custom laptop/messenger bag that I'll use daily for work and travel. I've been unhappy with mass-produced bags that either don't fit my 15-inch laptop properly, fall apart within a year, or just look generic. I want something built to last, with real character, and made specifically to my measurements and preferences.
Here's what I have in mind: a messenger-style bag with a padded compartment that fits a 15-16 inch laptop plus a tablet sleeve, a couple of interior pockets for cables, a pen holder, and a separate exterior pocket for quick-access items like keys and a phone. I'd like the option to choose between full-grain vegetable-tanned leather (I like the way it patinas over time) or a more weather-resistant oiled/waxed leather — happy to hear your recommendation based on durability and how the bag will age. Color preference is a rich cognac or dark brown, but I'm open to suggestions.
Hardware matters to me — solid brass or antique nickel buckles and a sturdy adjustable strap that can handle being worn cross-body for a full workday. I'd also like a flap-over closure with a buckle or magnetic snap (your call on what's more durable and still looks clean), and reinforced stitching at all stress points, especially the strap attachment. For personalization, I'd like my initials hand-stamped or embossed discreetly near the flap, and I'm open to a custom interior lining in a color of your choice.
I'm not looking for the cheapest option — I want quality craftsmanship, and I understand that translates into a fair price for materials and hours of work. Please share examples of similar bags you've made, the leather sourcing you'd use, and a rough timeline. I'd love to see a sketch or mockup before you start cutting, and I'm fine with a couple of rounds of revisions on the design before production begins. Photos throughout the build process would be appreciated so I can follow along.
Budget and timeline are flexible for the right craftsperson — I care more about getting a bag that will genuinely last for years and only look better with wear. If you specialize in this kind of commission work, please reach out with your portfolio and any questions about the specs above.
Here's what I have in mind: a messenger-style bag with a padded compartment that fits a 15-16 inch laptop plus a tablet sleeve, a couple of interior pockets for cables, a pen holder, and a separate exterior pocket for quick-access items like keys and a phone. I'd like the option to choose between full-grain vegetable-tanned leather (I like the way it patinas over time) or a more weather-resistant oiled/waxed leather — happy to hear your recommendation based on durability and how the bag will age. Color preference is a rich cognac or dark brown, but I'm open to suggestions.
Hardware matters to me — solid brass or antique nickel buckles and a sturdy adjustable strap that can handle being worn cross-body for a full workday. I'd also like a flap-over closure with a buckle or magnetic snap (your call on what's more durable and still looks clean), and reinforced stitching at all stress points, especially the strap attachment. For personalization, I'd like my initials hand-stamped or embossed discreetly near the flap, and I'm open to a custom interior lining in a color of your choice.
I'm not looking for the cheapest option — I want quality craftsmanship, and I understand that translates into a fair price for materials and hours of work. Please share examples of similar bags you've made, the leather sourcing you'd use, and a rough timeline. I'd love to see a sketch or mockup before you start cutting, and I'm fine with a couple of rounds of revisions on the design before production begins. Photos throughout the build process would be appreciated so I can follow along.
Budget and timeline are flexible for the right craftsperson — I care more about getting a bag that will genuinely last for years and only look better with wear. If you specialize in this kind of commission work, please reach out with your portfolio and any questions about the specs above.
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