NWT Arts

I’m the founder of Rupertsland Hide and Awl, a leather working company. Anything to do with various types of leathers I can make, with a focus on working with hair-on hides. I have made sheaths, wallets, bags, purses and various custom objects such as kitchen knives cases and map holders. I also make and sell my own leather conditioner.

I grew up playing hockey as a goalie, so my dad showed me early on how to repair any holes that would appear in my equipment. I did a lot of mending over the years, with all sorts of materials. In 2020, when the pandemic hit, I wanted to find something to do with my time besides sitting at a computer, so I began working with leather.

I started by making small personalized keychains. Then, I made knife and ax sheaths for friends. I eventually branched out into making wallets and belts. Now, I make purses, as well as duffle or messenger bags. Whenever I see a pattern that catches my eye, I am eager to take on the challenge.
I primarily use top-grade veg-tan leather, made by using natural tannins to create durable processed leather and the best quality grain. I mostly work with hair-on skins, processed in a way that keeps the fur intact. I use cow leather often, but also branch out to other interesting hides, such as bison or ostrich. I even made a wallet for my son out of stingray!

For each project, I’ll either create the design myself or purchase a pattern through a Romanian designer I love to work with. I will first lay the hides on the floor, tape the pattern paper onto the leather, and cut each piece as needed. Then I’ll choose thread and metal hardware colours, planning each personalized details. Then I sit down to put everything together. I do most of my work after the kids go to bed: I put on music and stitch. It’s relaxing at the end of the day.
I love to play around with accent pieces whether it’s using beaver fur or harper ring seal, which I particularly like for its northern aesthetic. I think seal is a beautifully unique hide because it complements so many different colours of leather.

What I love the most about creating is the return to valuing the quality that exists in a products, and the connection I create with the people who will be using them. So much of our society is centred around consumerism. Through my craft, I enjoy being able to understand individual needs in order to make customized lifelong objects. I guarantee that what I make will last a lifetime!

My initial inspiration to do leatherwork comes from a deep desire to hone a trade. I want to be someone who can create things of heirloom quality. When I visit museums, it amazes me to see what people in the past have created out of hides — especially when you see that those items stood the test of time. Being a part of such tradition is incredibly motivating to me!