Firstly the leather itself is pricey to purchase compared to other fabrics. Rightfully so, if you know what goes into producing a hide. The shape when you buy it is obviously in the shape of the animal, we don't pay by square meter but by decimeter.
That covers all the angles of the hide. We need to account for the wastage as well.
Then we get to the tools and the machines that go into leather work. I am to afraid to start counting.
Working with leather is time consuming, the cutting, sewing and finishing is very labour intensive. Our work is not hard, once you know what you are doing, but the knowledge is a well kept secret. I have learnt a lot of different techniques, tips and ticks from a lot of different people.
Then there's branding, I've purchased a laser engraver as well as a hot foiling machine.
So you might say, this little notebook cover, how can you charge R550 ex VAT for this.
Well, if you take the time I took to learn my craft, the machines and tools it took to produce the notebook, the fact that it will last a long time and your name has been personalised on the cover, I would think that the price is a bargin.
Handmade products are generally more than the China alternative because it is hand made. The person that produces the product puts their heart and soul into every item they produce.
Until next time...
from The Leather Girl