About Us
It all started with an axe, and a piece of property that needed a lot of cleanup. Early on, I got an ax, but needed a sheath and decided to make one. I figured, as long as I was going to make the sheath and strap, I may as well decorate it, so, I came up with a design, got a basic set of tools plus one specialty stamp, and some veg-tanned leather from the craft store. It has exploded from there, and I now offer
- Hand-tooled custom leatherwork
- Bespoke leatherwork
- Leather tooling classes
Why Ravens?
They're pretty amazing animals really, and I have always appreciated them. Intelligent, playful, creative tool makers and users, they are culturally affiliated with life, light and creation on one side, and trickery, mischief, battle and death on the other. But, as much as anything, it's a play on words. It just makes me smile!
Learn MoreOur Values
Handmade is Better
In a world of disposable, bulk-made, all the same, I believe handmade allows me the attention to detail and craftsmanship my customers deserve.
- Hand-rounded edges are more comfortable.
- Hand-rubbed finishes sink deeper into the leather, last longer, and age and patina with use and time.
- Hand-stitched means it will hold, even if a thread breaks, until you can get it repaired.
Durable
I pour my heart, soul, blood sweat and tears into my work - why would I want that thrown away?
You spend your valuable time to make hard earned money to buy something amazing. Don't you want it to last?
Repairable
I want you to be happy, not just when you walk out the door, but 20 years down the road. If it breaks, I want to fix it, so you have your purchase for years to come.
Respect
My customers become friends and family. I want to respect:
- People - You deserve my best work.
- Materials - I only use premium leathers - no pleather, no cheap imitations - just the good stuff that will last.
- Environment - I avoid waste, by keeping the work small, close-cut, and re-use scraps for other purposes than the landfill.
Service
I am honored to extend a 15% discount to veterans and active duty alike, whether military or civil, as well as to educators. You folks protect, serve, inspire and teach. Thank you!
Services
What we do offer
Custom Leatherwork
Take a standard offering, like a blank purse, and make it more "you." Custom designs and colors can be put on most anything you might wish.
Bespoke Leatherwork
Start with you, add a dash of conversation, a heaping spoonful of my work, and you have a unique, made to your desires, item that is truly one of a kind.
Leather Tooling Classes
Join me at the local Port City Makerspace, in Portsmouth, NH, for a class or two in tooling and carving leather!
Portfolio
What we've done
- All Work
- Belts & Slings
- Bags & Cases
- Specialty & Bespoke
Pricing
Prices will vary depending upon the work. These are premium, and luxury goods, so, please do not expect "cheap."
Standard Offerings
$
- Basic wallets
- Basic belts
- Basic purses
Custom Work
$$
- Custom colors
- Custom tooling and design
- Send me your design
- Specialty lining
- Buckstitching
Bespoke Work
$$$
- Shoes
- Purses
- Upholstery
- Coachwork
Classes
Join me at Port City Makerspace
$
Currently offering:
- Basic Leather Tooling
- Intermediate Leatherwork
- Advanced Leatherwork
F.A.Q
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the difference between custom and bespoke?
Custom work adapts an existing master pattern to your specifications—selecting leather shades, thread colors, hardware, or adding tooled imagery and monograms.
Bespoke work starts from a blank drafting board. We design the dimensions, pattern, pocket layout, and leather selection specifically for your intended purpose. It takes longer and involves deeper collaboration, producing an entirely unique piece.
-
What kind of leather do you use?
Primarily premium North American vegetable-tanned cowhide. Veg-tan leather allows for precise hand-tooling, deep burnishing, and develops rich character and patina with age.
For specialty projects, exotic hides (such as ostrich, stingray, or bison) can be sourced as accents or lining materials depending on your project requirements.
-
Why invest in handmade leather over department store alternatives?
Commercial belts and bags frequently use bonded leather or split hides coated in polyurethane that crack and delaminate within a year or two. Hand-stitched full-grain leather is repairable, ages gracefully, and holds up to decades of everyday use.
-
How does the custom commission process work?
1. Inquiry: Share your concept, functional requirements, or reference photos using the contact form below.
2. Design & Quote: We finalize sizing, materials, and tooling artwork, then establish a fixed quote and deposit.
3. Crafting: Your piece is hand-cut, tooled, dyed, and stitched in the shop.
4. Delivery: Hand-finished, conditioned, and shipped directly to you or arranged for local pickup.
Who is the Raven Lunatic?
Justin Williams
Owner, Artist, Craftsman
Contact
Contact Us