Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Where do you get your leather? Mainly from online suppliers in Italy and the U.S. See our Blog Post that details where we buy most of our amazing vegetable-tanned leathers and great tips for getting started in leather working!

  2. What kind of machine do you use to do hand-stitching? No machine is used when sewing by hand! We hand-sew leather using a technique called saddle-stitching, which involves pre-punching holes with a special tool, then using waxed thread and harness needles to create a very strong (and beautiful!) row of stitches.

  3. Can you make a bag (or wallet) just like the one I used to have? Unfortunately, we are do not offer that kind of custom service.

  4. Do you have a store where we can shop in person? We do not have a physical store or a public workshop. We do participate in juried artshows around the Pacific Northwest area where you can shop in person. Sign up for our Newsletter and check our About page for upcoming events.

  5. Is this vegan leather? Heck no! We are using real cowhide leather that is a by-product of the meat industry and processed without the use of heavy metals. Vegan leather is a man-made, petroleum based material that is heavily and falsely marketed as a sustainable material by the fast-fashion industry, when in fact it is comprised of plastic. Read more about the true sustainability of vegetable-tanned leather at the link at the bottom of this page.

  6. Can you take my old leather bag or saddle and make something out of it? We are unable to take on these kinds of custom requests, but can hopefully steer you in the right direction to find a crafter that does just that.

  7. Are you importing your leather goods from Italy? All of our handmade goods are crafted by a single artisan in our Seattle workshop.

Store Policies, Leather Care and What is veg-tanned?

  • Shop Listings are ready-to-ship, unless specified as a made-to-order piece. Regular processing times for ready-to-ship products are 1-2 business days and shipped via USPS Express Mail (usually 2-3 days transit time for lower 48). Rush Overnight Shipping is not available. Please contact us for any Made-to-Order items for an accurate turn-time estimate.

  • Shipping to all 50 states including U.S. Military bases in Europe, Pacific and the Americas. No other International shipping.

  • Custom Orders We are not taking any new custom or bespoke orders at this time.

  • Wholesale Orders Unfortunately, we are not able to provide wholesale rates for our handmade leather goods.

  • Returns or Exchanges are not available for our handmade goods. Please contact us right away with any concerns and we will do everything possible to make it right.

  • Refunds may be given for damage due to shipping. All of our packages include insurance for damage. Please contact us right away upon receipt of your handmade item with photos and proof of purchase as soon as possible. We are not responsible for packages shipped to undeliverable addresses or lost in the mail.

 

About Leather and Leather Care

Leather is a natural product that may have hiding markings, like scars, scratches, brand marks or crease lines, which makes every piece unique. All of our handmade goods are made from full-grain, cowhide leather— meaning the whole hide is being utilized. Vegetable-tanned leather that will naturally develop a shinier and slightly darker patina as it comes in contact with the oils in your skin and exposure to the sun.

We recommend to store your unique leather piece in a cloth bag, like a pillowcase, and never in plastic! Treat your leather from time to time with a conditioner like Smith’s to keep the finish looking fabulous!

 

What is Veg-tanned leather?

Vegetable-tanned leather is processed with natural tannins such as seeds or bark, is a slower process of tanning and the oldest, performed by skilled artisans. The resulting leather will be firmer, have a silkier feel and will develop a darker, softer patina over time. Most important of all, the vegetable-tanned process of tanning is more environmentally friendly. All of Sunshine & Rain’s products are proudly made of full-grain, veg-tanned leather.

 

Find out more about the Consortium of Vegetable Tanned Leather Tanneries in Tuscany, Italy.