Handcrafting an Artisan Leather Purse with Barbara Chaffee

In a sunlit corner of her workshop, surrounded by shelves of leather hides, brass hardware, and hand tools, Barbara Chaffee begins the quiet ritual of crafting an artisan leather purse. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and deep reverence for traditional techniques, Barbara’s process is as much about honoring the material as it is about creating something beautiful and functional.

The Vision

This particular purse began as a sketch—a structured silhouette with a top handle, turn-lock closure, and a detachable shoulder strap. Barbara selected a rich, dark blue leather with a subtle sheen, pairing it with warm tan edges to create visual contrast and highlight the bag’s contours. Her goal: a timeless piece that could move effortlessly from everyday wear to special occasions.

The Process

Barbara’s approach is rooted in heritage craftsmanship. She begins by cutting each panel by hand, using a grid-marked cutting mat to ensure precision. The edges are beveled and burnished, then treated with Edge Kote for a smooth, polished finish. Stitching holes are punched with care, and the seams are sewn using a saddle stitch technique with matching blue thread—strong, elegant, and built to last.

Inside, she lines the purse with a gray fabric, chosen for its durability and understated charm. A gold turn-lock mechanism anchors the flap, while matching gold rings secure the handle and shoulder strap. Every component is hand-set, from the rivets to the strap hardware, reflecting Barbara’s commitment to quality.

The Workspace

Her studio is a blend of order and inspiration. A leather press, thread spools, needles, and leather scraps share space with other well-used tools such as her leather stamps. A cutting board bears the marks of past projects, and a pair of blue-handled pliers rests nearby—ready for the next adjustment. It’s a space that breathes creativity and invites experimentation.

The Result

The finished purse is a testament to Barbara’s artistry: structured yet soft, bold yet refined. It carries the signature of a maker who understands not just how to shape leather, but how to shape experience. Each stitch, each edge, each clasp tells a story of care, skill, and vision.

For Barbara Chaffee, leatherwork isn’t just a craft—it’s a conversation between material, maker, and wearer. And this purse speaks volumes.