To Infinity and Beyond

Quotes, expressions, mantras and personal messages are quick in becoming the latest trends amongst couples.  We offer several styles to accommodate everyones taste. My personal favourite are the braided signet set pictured below. 

We use only the finest leather available which is always supple and without blemishes. All our wristbands are hand-cut, hand-stamped and dyed to perfection. They are available in many dye colours but our buyers tend to gravitate towards the earth tone dye finishes - amongst them are: acorn (title picture), medium brown, dark brown and mahogany (pic. 3). 

I am pleased to announce that we have just aquired a wonderful cursive/script font that I am planning on using as soon as I can and will post the outcome for those interested. 

Our Infinity and Beyond series

His n Hers - Braided Signet - set of 2 - 5/8 inch wide

 

Adjustable His n Hers Signet Wristband

Custom His n Hers Ultra thin Braided -To Infinity and Beyond Wristbands  

The set above are 1/2 inch wide and can be dye in various colours.

To Infinity.. and Beyond - His n Hers - 5/8 inch wide - set of 2

This was our first set that sold very well.. and continues to do well. :)

Christmas is just around the corner and time is running short so if you haven't decided on a gift for that special someone in your life - take a browse at our shop and we will be happy to assist you.

Leather Made Nice

Our shop will be going on Vacation mid-night Novemeber 30th and will not be re-opening until Jan. 2, 2012.

Thanks for dropping by

Anne & John



Always Remembered ~ Never Forgotten

And then there are orders that break our hearts!

On July 16, 2011 Cpl Raphael R. Arruda died in the line of duty for his county. He was attached to the 416th Theater Engineer Command, U.S. Army Reserve, Ogden, Utah.  He was stationed in Kunar province in Afghanistan when his unit was hit by an improvised bom.

 He was only 21 years old.

 I received an email from a lovely lady by the named of Chelsey. She stated that her husband was deployed with a fallen soldier and wondered if we could make up several of our "I will remember you" wristbands.

Honored to be part of this we agreed. 

Before I started to hand stamp each wristband I said a little prayer to Raphael asking him to guide me... many times I teared up thinking of his family and their great loss.  I explained to my children the sacrific that Cpl Arruda and others like him made for his country and that we were very fortunate.

Above is the wristband me made in honour of him. It will be worn by members in his unit. 

Our hearts were heavy when we thought of his family. Together my husband, John and I decided to design this special commemorative bookmark especially for his mother.

It will never replace him but is a great reminder of his life.

May Raphael R. Arruda, and other fallen soldiers like him, find peace in the presence of God.

Thank you to the men and woman who serve our country

~ Canada and the United States of America . 

God Bless 

Anne & John 

To Paris with Love

In the 3 plus years that my husband, John and I have operated our leather business we never imagined, or even thought, how a postal strike would effect us.

On June 2 there was a rotating strike with the Canadian Postal workers. It didn't seem to affect us much for the first 12 days. It was hit and miss and we continued to send out packages as quickly as possible while keeping our standards at level of excellence. I believe it was the 14th that the workers were locked out and that's where our concerns set in.

We had 45 orders completed and packaged and ready to go. Each day we received inquiries from folks that didn't mind waiting to for their package and wanted to order regardless. After about 4 days of this our stress level reached new highs. I was getting sick to my stomach fielding calls and concerns from potential buyers. So, knowing that the strike could be indefinite and as not to frustrate our customers we put our shop on vacation. The inquiries continued to come in and my heart sank with every, "we will look somewhere else, thank you!" I was devastated. My husband, the rock, kept me balanced and optimistic.

One day a very charming lady by the name of Samantha contacted us and stated that she and her fiancee were going to be married in Paris. Her parents and sibling whom live in Toronto were going to make the trip to Paris for the auspicious occasion. It sounded so romantic and exciting. She wanted to order 3 sets of custom luggage tags.

Making them was not a problem - getting them to her parents in Toronto was. Alternative shipping in Canada is outrageous. I suggested against the expenditure and discussed another option with John. We offered to drive the package, a hour and a half, to Toronto if she would agree to pay for the gas.

Needless to say she was thrilled an accepted our offer.

I met Samantha's mother, Kim at a gas station and it was like meeting an old friend. We hugged and discussed the wedding. She showed me a lovely wedding rug, she hooked, that she was going to present to her daughter and son-in-law, Vincent on their wedding day - July 6, 2011

When we parted I had such a great sense of accomplishment. We had played a very small part in someones life. As everyone knows a woman's wedding day is a monumental occasion.

I asked Samantha for a photo of her on her wedding day and was pleasantly surprised when I received this and another photo in an e-mail.

These are the tags we made for Samantha and Vincent and would like wish them a happy and long marriage.

Just Married - His n Her - Luggage Tags

Mother and Father of the Bride - luggage tags

Custom Favourite quotes - luggage tag

(both tags below)

The wonderful people along the way

There have been some wonderful benefits from operating my own business on the Internet. One of these are the people you meet along the way.

Sometimes I am too focused with my own shop that I forget to take a look at what's around me. Morgan Moe of Morgan Chelsey Designs is one such example. She is the owner/operator of a lovely hand-made jewelry shop on Etsy.

It wasn't until recently did I really take notice to the gorgeous earrings and necklaces she makes. I was floored at the low cost of the items as well. She uses semi-precious gem stones, crystals and plated Sterling silver on all her goods.

I consider Morgan a friend of mine. Every time she visits our shop she brightens my day. I have never met such a courteous and ultra polite person as I have with her. She claims these attributes came from dealing with the public all her life. She reports that she refuses to be like some of the people that she has encountered in her life. For this I am greatly appreciative because most of us, if not all, have had our share of difficult patrons.

I bought this beautiful Chalcedony necklace from her shop just recently and can't wait to receive it. Maybe if you ask her she will make you one too! =]

LUCID - Chalcedony Necklace - SOLD

Pictured below are just a few pieces of the gorgeous work she does. Do visit her shop. It is an experience you wouldn't want to miss.

Treasured Earrings - Swarovski and Filigree - $12.00

REGAL Earrings - $15.00

SAFARI Necklace - $18.00

BLOOM Earrings - $12.00

Thanks for dropping by. It is always a pleasure to serve you.

Anne & John

Leather Made Nice - Etsy

Leather Made Nice . com

Two years strong

Tomorrow will mark our second year selling our unique and hand-crafted products on the Internet. We have come a long way from making a simple name band to designing custom portfolios and bow and arrow quivers.

As trends, styles and mediums have changed so have we. I was hoping to have completed a unique bag that I have been working on for some time but, and I will say fortunately, we have been rather busy to afford the time to finish it. Maybe next month I will be able to unveil it for you. *fingers crossed* However, this is what I have designed this year so far.

"For Your Eyes Only" wedding Edition

$27.00 Hand-crafted from tooling leather, beaded lace and white deerskin. The interior reads the bride and grooms names, date of marriage and "From this moment on"...,

Loving braided wristband as I do I designed this wristband for the romantic at heart. This design allows several options for the buyer, from a name band to a medical alert bracelet.

Personalized braided signet wristband

$15.00

The braided wristband below was commissioned by a university student for her friends as a keepsake/reminder of the great work they did for unfortunately family.

I have, for some time, wanted to create a wrapped wristband but was waiting for the right time and text to stamp on it. Thoughts become things when shortly after a young lady commissioned this very article. It is 10 mm wide and can accommodate up to 134 characters including spaces.

Personalized triple wrap wristband.

$24.00

My latest design is my favourite of late. This ultra thin braided wristband is only 1/2 inch wide. And although I love the mystery braid, the only width I have been making for the last two years is 1.25 inch wide. I have worn my "Family -BFF" wristband but wanted something less obtrusive. Something more delicate. So, after experimenting with a remnant piece of leather - I created this one. I wear constantly. I recieved a request for it but hadn't listed it until recently. This wristband can accommodate up to and including 15 words.

Personalized - Ultra thin - braided leather wristband.

$15.00

This one (mine) reads "He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge. Psalm 91:4"

If there is something that you have in mind but just don't know where to find it look no further.

You can either contact us , visit us at Leather Made Nice or Etsy .

Thanks for dropping by.

Anne & John =]

T.M.I.

It has been a long time since I have posted my last blog. I would like to say it was because we were terribly busy with sales but then I'd be lying. Actually, if the truth be told, I am enjoying a lull in the action if you will. John and I haven't had a holiday in a while. I think our trip to Disney 4 years ago was our last.

Anyway, John and I have taken this time to re-discover, create and re-new. Leisure time has become our playground. I was digging around in our leather supply and came across this very expensive piece of crocodile embossed leather. As anyone who knows our work, I readily thought of our "For your eyes only" series of wristbands. Here comes the T.M.I. part. I was looking at my dear husband working in the kitchen, oh yes, he cooks and like a god!!. Anyway I looked at him and thought, "I want you tonight". Dare I say more. *giggle to myself* Hence, my newest wristband.

I discovered, as I am sure most folks my age or wiser young people do, that life is too short to squander so I "carpe diem"( seize the day)! I made a matching set of FYEO wristbands for John and myself. He chuckled and thought it VERY interesting but I, as I sit and write this, am wearing my wristband. heehee!! SO!! I wish you all a good night. I am sure I will have one also.

P.S. I have created our own website ( still a work in progress) and if you feel so inclined to visit, we invite you to take a browse and leave your comments in our guest book section. Leather Made Nice or our Etsy shop

Night all!

Anne *evil grin*

VANCOUVER 2010 - Welcoming the winter Olympics

As a proud Canadian and a former athlete (many, many years ago) I am both thrilled and delighted that Canada is hosting the 2010 winter Olympics in beautiful Vancouver, Canada. Although I cannot be there personally I will be watching my favourite winter event on T.V.

As a young girl I watched Karen Magnussen (famous NHL brother, Keith - Chicago Blackhawks - defense) and Dorothy Hamil (I even got my hair cut like hers. LOL) float like angels on the ice. Like many girls, I dreamed that one day that would be me. Although I am much older now - I still dream.

I made these leather wristbands to commemorate the occasion. It is not limited to Canadians but a unique keepsake for fans, friends, family or participants of the Olympics.


After these wristbands were finished I checked the Internet to see if I could use the Olympic logo (the five rings) on my wristbands.

Unfortunately, I cannot. Any use of the logo, without permission, is an infringement of copyright laws. :(

However, I will continue to make and sell the following wristbands and any deviation there of, that a buyer can imagine (minus the logo) to create a special moment in time for you.

VANCOUVER 2010 - Leather wristband

I can stamp names, countries, events..., whatever it is that makes this momentous occasion special for you.


Let the games begin!!!

Contact us with your ideas and we can discuss the possibilities.

Thanks for viewing,

Anne & John

Leather Made Nice

It's in the bag

I am quite excited about this artisan. I am not really sure where exactly it was I met her but I fell in love with her deerskin waist bags instantly.

I would like to introduce Linda, my new friend and owner of HighsmithStudio . She is the creator of these very practical and gorgeous waist bags.

I am particularly fond of deerskin. It is a wonderful medium to work with. I have always been reticent to use the rough edges of a hide but after seeing her work I may have to re-think my decision. I am sure I have a long way to go before I can create something as stunning as Linda's waist bags. But with practise and imagination one never knows. :D

As a motor bike rider Linda created this style of bag for hands free convenience. There are spring clasps on the side of each bag so it can be attached to a belt or pant loops.

The white deerskin bag below is my personal favourite. She utilizes the entire deerskin to create these one-of-a-kind bags.

As you can see, her work is very well thought out. I like her use of contrasting colours and placement of feathers and heart cut outs - quite striking actually. I find myself staring at each bag and examining every little detail. Just beautiful.

Linda has not been a member of the Etsy community for very long so I invite you to visit her shop and take a browse. You won't be disappointed - I wasn't.

Thanks for viewing,

Anne

Leather Made Nice

A Knife Sheath Like No Other

If there is one thing I learned about men, especially sportsmen, is that they take their knives seriously. Over the years I have had all kinds of knives in my home while my husband handcrafted a custom sheath for them. Some of them quite impressive while others I wouldn't use in my garden. But all of them have something in common. Sentimental value to the proud owner.

I slipped once, while at our local Farmers Market, when an avid knife collector brought three knives to our table. They were wrapped and bounded in layers of soft cloths. I looked on as the owner gingerly unwrapped each one and recalled the story behind the knife. With cautious consideration he handed my husband, John, one of his Bowie knives. John with the same care handled it like it was gold. I slipped, something I will never do again, and stated rather quietly, "it's only a knife". If ever I felt small it was then. The gentleman gave me a look that would freeze alcohol.

I have since learned to respect and understand the value of one's prize possessions. In retrospect it is like comparing an aluminum camping pot to a set of Lagastino cook wear. The user will know the difference.

That said, I will show you some of the awesome custom knife cases John has made for some very satisfied customers. Only recently has John found the time to make the sheath below for a knife he has cherished for over 40 years. Both knife and sheath were handed down to our son, Chris.

The next case was one of several made for a collector - the gentleman I previously spoke about at the Farmer's Market. The buyer choose the sheath to be able to slide on his belt. He also choose the stamp pattern and dye colour.

The next two cases, which will be used to house the pictured knife, are used for underwater divers. I personally wouldn't suggest leather for underwater but the owner was okay with it. The sheath was hand formed around the knife to give it a fitted appeal.

One case was customized with the owners surname and the other with wolves.

The following cases were handcrafted according to the owner's specs. One for a left handed person and the other a right handed person. Every detail right down to the thread and snap colour are left to the buyer.

When John makes each case he actually creates a new pattern, a new design. As I have seen there have never been two the sheaths the same. And that is the beauty of a custom case.

What John has been doing lately is making cases from knife outlines. As we all know it is virtually impossible if not insane to attempt to send a knife over the boarder. So in an attempt to fulfil orders he has been working with cardboard cut outs. We are happy to report that it has been successful thus far.

For the most part the majority of knives John has created cases for are antiques. There is nothing quite like it to see the face of a customer when John hands him/her their knife in a new case. It is like they have just received fine crystal and mustn't drop it. I have asked John to wait for me to be home when a buyer drops by the house to pick it up. If you can imagine it can be rather spiritual. But only someone on the receiving end will understand. I can only aspire that people receive my work with that kind of reaction. Luckily John is a very modest man so I will do the bragging for him.

The sheath below, in my opinion, has to have been one of John's favourite ones to make. It was made for a Bowie knife that has no hilt. Many hours of planning and pondering went into this one. The owner didn't want snaps on the back of it because he is a hunter and felt it would most likely fall off when he bends down. As a matter of practice now, John hand stitches all his sheaths rather than snap closures over belts.

Each one of these knife cases are unique and as individual as one's finger prints. I have not attempted to make one yet, and maybe I won't too soon. But for now I will leave this aspect of our business to the true master - my husband, John :D

'Nuf said. If you would like to chat with us about having a knife case custom made please do not hesitate to email us. We are always happy to create something special for you.

Thanks for stopping by and do visit our shop Leather Made Nice

Anne

Celebrating fellow artisans!

I promised myself that this year I would be more active in the appreciation of fellow artisans. I often sit in amazement at the skill and talent that goes into these works of art.

Today I came across one such artisan. The shop is Miamiamia designs and the wonderful creative force behind these original pieces is, Esen.

My jaw dropped as I browsed her shop.


Some of the most intricate and stunning beaded cuff bracelets I have ever seen were on sale for a fraction of the already inexpensive price. Esen is closing her shop but will be re-opening another under the name Mystic Fibers.


I have "hearted" several pieces that I have added to my wish list. But the way things are moving they won't be available too much longer.

I invite you to view her awesome shop and possibly pick up one of her designs for a song.

The pink and silver surf style peyote beaded cuff below was in the sold file. Sorry ladies.

This peyote beaded bracelet was featured on the from page of Etsy. I just love the mix of solid to translucent beads. I drooled over this one many times today - It was just sold!! *sigh*

This is one of Esen's signature designs which I think is stunning also. Again she combined various beads to create this fascinating and brilliant look.

The last time I looked this hot pink cuff it was still available for only $30.00. What a steal!!! I'm hoping that when she opens her other shop she will have more of these lovelies for us ladies that missed out on this opportunity.

All of Esen's items are shipped to you in a lovely organza gift bag.

I know I will be going back to visit her shop.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Anne ^i^

What would you do?

When I began this Internet business in leather crafting I swore to myself and my husband that everything that left our home would be my best. It is, and will remain, our slogan., "Where quality, craftsmanship and excellence meet."

The "For Your Eyes Only" leather wristbands series was designed exclusively by us. It was our brain child and we wanted every buyer to be part of the process in creating this unique and personalized keepsake that could be looked back on for many years to come.

The contents of each piece comes from the hearts of the person buying it. Only they and the recipient know the true value of the text. It is our honor to be part of something so special and we treat is as such.

Recently, I received a negative feedback to our Etsy shop. I was devastated to say the least. I make a point of reading and responding to all of our convo's and emails from general inquiries to buyers messages. Being a romantic at heart I put my heart into my work - moreover my passion.
To my dismay the buyer sent me an email telling how disappointed she was with her wristband that I made for her. She claimed that the text was slanted and the text went into the stitching. She believed it was "slopped" together. We asked her to send us a picture of it because I know what every item looks like when I send it out. If either John or I disapprove of any aspect of it, it doesn't leave the house. The buyer was very adamant and when we received the picture I could not see what it was that upset her so much. Below is a picture of a similar item that is listed in our Etsy shop.


The picture below is what the buyer sent to us. Both John and I examined the item carefully and couldn't see what she saw. If anything the accent, over the "o", which is above the text was in the stitching. The text appears even and centered.

Knowing how much this meant to the buyer we offered to make her a new one, against our store policy. Because time was an issue - the replacement wristband would not have been received by her in time for Christmas - we suggested that she give the one she had to her husband for Christmas and IF he didn't approve of it we would gladly replace it once she returned the one she had. The buyer was very upset with this proposal. She wanted us to replace the wristband immediately and she would cut up the one she had. We did not concede to this. I had numerous other buyers waiting on their purchases so I thought my suggestion was most feasible considering all factors involved.

As part of my standards I invite your opinion as to what you might think would work best for both parties involved.

I look forward to any suggestions you might have.

Anne

It's a wonderful Life!

December is a month of milestones for us.

My son, Chris, turned sixteen years old. My youngest daughter, Renee, turned thirteen and my dear husband, John turned sixty. Amanda, my oldest daughter will be eighteen in January.

I met my husband in 1989 - well I didn't actually meet him; we worked at the same police station but on opposite shifts.

I remember going to the stations hockey games and watching John goal tend when they made the play-offs. I was in the middle of my "I hate men" period in life when John spoke to me for the first time. He offered me some chocolate covered almonds he had just bought, while I was in the guard room waiting to parade for duty. I ate the entire box. A few days later, to my surprise, he invited me to dinner.

I have to laugh. I told my escort that shift, that John had asked me out. I remember Freddy saying, "go out to dinner with him. You don't have to marry the guy." LOL

Never, in my wildest dreams, could I have imagined that I could love a person as deeply as I do John. He has always treated me with love and respect.

I think the success to our marriage can be attributed to knowing when to stop talking, leaving the room when opinions are at a stalemate and never going to bed angry. We hold true the same beliefs that family always comes first and good times can be had even with empty pockets.

I thank God everyday for my life, my wonderful family and my loving husband. Happy birthday, sweetheart!! May God bless me with many more loving years with you.

John pictured here with my oldest daughter, Amanda in 1992

John pictured here, as handsome as ever, with our youngest daughter, Renee.

May everyone be a blessed as I am.

I would like to wish all our friends and acquaintances a Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year!

Anne ^i^

Horse Brass Mounts

Dating as far back as 527 - 565 AD in Emperor Justinian - a roman emperor - horse brasses were prevalent. They were used as harness straps on horses.

It wasn't until Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887 did the horse or pub brass straps come into popularity. It was Mr. Crawford, who was a robe maker and designer of coats of arms and heraldic banners, that made this possible.

Being married to a history enthusiast and Englishman made me familiar with horse brasses. Nary a pub or fireplace in England would you find without a horse brass mounted.
Over the years I acquired some beautiful horse brasses but couldn't find the leather strap to house them. Luckily for me and John we worked with leather. Our first project was that of a 5 tiered strap from a buyer at our local farmers market. Once we designed and created it there was no stopping us. I had a china cabinet full of these wonderful treasures and nowhere to put them. It is often the desires of others that compels us to make these things for ourselves. With the pattern we created I made several other straps for our brasses. My personal favourite is the Prince Charles and lady Diana collection. I was her age and back in 1981 when the fairy tale romance began. I, like many other girls that age, wanted the dream. I got my prince in shining armor. How about you?

If you find yourself in a quandary about where to have a custom horse brass strap made - look no further. We can accommodate your very needs. Contact us or visit our sites.

Leather Made Nice - Etsy

Leather Made Nice - Artfire

Anne ^i^

ADOPT- A- FAMILY

About this time twelve years ago I was happy with three young children, a wonderful husband and a thriving career in law enforcement. Having a double income lifestyle made everything comfortable for us. I was preparing to return to duty after my maternity leave when life presented a unexpected change. My career ended and my husband and I found ourselves with half the income we had previously enjoyed for several years.

Christmas Ornament Earrings - Box set of 2 - $9.50

I was devastated. The commitments that we easily met before were difficult to fulfill. Things like coffees, take-out and buying clothes became luxuries to us. There came a day that buying milk for my youngest daughter, approaching her 1st Christmas with us, was non-existent.
Worried for the welfare of our children we did the only thing we could. We visited our local food bank sponsored by the Salvation Army and received a box of food and a $25.00 food voucher.

It was a humbling experience, but we were grateful it was available to us. Christmas wasn't as elaborate as we had wanted and our children were confused because it was so lean. We explained to them, in a way a child could understand, our circumstances.

Box set of 2 pairs of Earrings

Miraculously, our situation worked out in the long run. It was a long, tough road ahead but we survived. The following Christmas we saw a Christmas wish tree in the mall. It was then that we decided to pass it forward. We picked two names from the tree, a boy and a girl, to buy gifts for. It filled our hearts knowing that some child, like ours, would have a Christmas.

Last year I started selling glass ornament earrings at our local farmers market and donated the proceeds to Adopt-A-family. The results were overwhelming. With every $50.00 we raised, our money provided a turkey with all the fixings and a small gift for the children in the house.

Glass Ornament Earrings - box set of 2

As I write this I feel overjoyed about the recipient families. This is a time to help one another and what better way than purchasing a gift box that includes 2 sets of ornament earrings and helping to give a Christmas to another family.

You can either contact me (type "Adopt-a-family" in the subject box and I will invoice you) OR click on the title link to purchase this set Or visit our shop at Catch A Shining Star.
Please note that the earrings will vary in design (glitter and pattern) so when you order please advise what colour you want.

I will post the amount raised each week on this blog. 50% of the proceeds (the rest to cover the cost of materials) will be delivered to the Town of Cobourg Women's services via the LCBO drop off.

Thank you and God bless,

From our family to yours!!

Anne & John