Just's Leather
Hello and welcome to Just Leather, the leathercrafting project of Justin McKeating. Born out of the lockdown years and based in west Lancashire in the UK, Just Leather is where I design and create unique and striking handmade leathercrafted bags, notebooks and other things - I've also designed and made wallets, foraging pouches, belts, christmas decorations, costrels and more.
I approach my making in a few different ways. Firstly, I try to design things I hope haven't been seen or done before. I'm particularly proud of my leather football bags based on the design of panelled soccer balls. They're intended to be eye-catching conversation starters.
Secondly, I hope the things I make are the antithesis of fast and disposable fashion. I'm a big fan of solidity and reliability and the things I make are designed to last for years and years.
Lastly, I try very hard to make sure the vegetable tanned leather I use is from ethical and sustainable sources. I buy leather offcuts which would otherwise be thrown away and have recently started reclaiming and upcycling leather from antique and vintage riding saddles that have come to the end of their usefulness. When I do buy leather from merchants and tanneries, I take care to ensure that the leather is produced to ethical and sustainable standards.
Just leather?
Of course, it's not just leather than goes into making my leathercraft. I'm very particular about the other materials and components I use. I'm fond of solid brass hardware - studs, buckles and rings - which adds to the feel of reliability and longevity I look for.
I don't use any artificial chemicals to treat my finished products. To help the leather in my bags, notebooks and other things keep its beautiful characteristics I use only natural beeswax and neatsfoot oil. The leather in each object should age and change over time and with use until it is uniquely personalised to its owner.
The threads I use in my stitiching are made from polyester. Natural linen threads are very attractive and traditional but can rot over time which means seams and stitching can fail. Polyester thread ensures items will last for years to come.
I try hard to source the most appropriate paper for the handstitched notebooks I make for my leather notebook covers. Tastes vary wildly over what is the best! I also try to offer notebooks in different formats - blank, lined, dotted - on request.
I love big, chunky, heavy duty zippers. It's not just about how they look - I'm also aiming to (once again) ensure each bag I make is robust and reliable, and will serve their owner for years to come.
Look what I made!
I'm on a constant hunt for inspiration. Hopefully, the things I make are solid and reliable, will give years of useful service, and so will be cherished by their owners.