Details on Brady’s personal favorite: The Traffic cone. The metallic python skin perfectly suits the reflective strips of a traffic cone.��

Brady’s creative ingenuity truly shines through in his bolo tie creations, each one a testament to his craftsmanship and imaginative flair. His patchwork emblems, the centerpiece of these ties, come in an eclectic mix of shapes—ranging from an Ochre star to a playful tomato, and his personal favorite, a traffic cone.

��During his breaks, Brady sifts through the test scraps from our splitter machine, discovering thin and lightweight leather pieces that are ideal for his intricate projects. These small bits of leather become the canvas for his art. Using his friends as inspiration, he drafts patterns for each shape on paper, carefully cutting out the shapes from the tiny leather scraps. He then meticulously glues these pieces together, marks each hole for careful hand stitching, and prepares and opens each hole for hand stitching with an awl. He adds a flexible brass strip to the back for the tie slots and covers any visible stitching with an additional leather piece. The finishing touch involves using leftover cording from our other bags, like the Braided Angle Tote, to create the ties. His designs aren't limited to just the bolo ties either, check out his custom-made pouch below. Each piece is a unique blend of creativity and skill, embodying Brady’s personal touch and dedication to his craft.

Our #5 Pouch adorned with custom patchwork figures including a metallic python skin fish. The interior is fully lined, and the zipper was originally mis-cut and unusable for our products but upcycled by Brady to fit this pouch.��

Outside of the leather studio, Brady leads a fascinating life rooted in his passion for art and craftsmanship. Originally from California, he journeyed to Rhode Island to study sculpture at RISD, where he embraced a diverse range of mediums, from textiles and woodwork to metalwork. His love for textiles stems from their intricate detailing and the dedication required to create something truly unique. This appreciation for detail is mirrored in his personal projects, where he dedicates about a month to crafting each elaborate knit tapestry. In contrast, his bolo ties and pouches, made during lunch breaks at work, offer a gratifying sense of completion in just a few days, satisfying his desire for quicker, tangible results. At �IJ���̳, Brady's role in assembly and stitching leverages his previous sewing experience, which dates back to his childhood fascination with Project Runway and creating doll-sized dresses. Today, he finds immense satisfaction in customer repairs, particularly when transforming a worn bag into a beautifully restored piece. This aspect of his job allows him to combine his love for hand stitching with the joy of revitalizing cherished items, making every repair a rewarding project.

Right: A patchwork cocktail made by Brady for a coworker.

��At �IJ���̳, we take immense pride in fostering a work environment that not only values our team’s professional skills but also encourages their personal passions. Our studio’s supportive culture allows employees like Brady to merge their artistic interests with the expertise they gain from their roles, resulting in truly unique and inspiring creations. Stay tuned for more stories that showcase the intersection of personal passion and professional skill. If you’re interested in owning a custom piece crafted by Brady, whether a distinctive bolo tie or an embellished �IJ���̳ piece, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@lotuffleather.com. We look forward to sharing more of our team’s creative adventures with you!

What sets �IJ���̳ apart is not just the material it uses, but the ��to traditional craftsmanship that is a hallmark of its products. Every stitch, every seam, and every detail is carefully considered and expertly executed by skilled artisans in the heart of the USA. This commitment to quality shines through in the finished product, ensuring that each briefcase is not just an accessory, but a piece of art that will stand the test of time.

The Vegetable-tanned leather used by �IJ���̳ is not only of the highest quality but also environmentally friendly, as it is processed using natural tannins extracted from plants. This sustainable approach not only adds to the allure of the product but also resonates with conscientious consumers who value ethical production practices.

Owning a �IJ���̳ briefcase is not just a statement of style but a testament to a legacy of craftsmanship that has been honed over generations. The rich heritage of American leatherworking is evident in every stitch, reflecting a tradition that values quality, durability, and timeless elegance.

In a world where mass-produced goods dominate the market, �IJ���̳ stands as a beacon of authenticity and excellence. Each briefcase is not just a functional accessory but a work of art that embodies the spirit of American craftsmanship at its finest.

So, if you are in search of a briefcase that is more than just a place to store your belongings – a briefcase that tells a story, reflects your values, and exudes timeless elegance – look no further than �IJ���̳. Experience the legacy of American craftsmanship, embodied in every stitch and every detail of a �IJ���̳ briefcase.

As time went on, the monogram trickled down to artisans and craftsmen who left their mark on their work with their monogram. By Victorian era, it had hit the masses. It was on items both��sartorial��(shirts, pants)��and residential (sheets, curtains).

Ancient Roman coins with the monogram of Emperor Theodosius sit next to 19th century French monograms

Over its history, the monogram has taken on different forms. Historically, the letters in a monogram have been interwoven, with each one hugging the other in wriggling form. Embellishments have wavered from the minimal to the extreme. But no matter its design,��the monogram has always marked a��form of ownership of something outside the self.��

Yet the 20th century rise of the instantly recognizable logo, often meant to evoke luxury and prominence, put the monogram in a supporting role. It was no longer��the vehicle to say "this is who I am!" to the world. Something else less personal and more ephemeral had usurped it. The replacement representation brought disparate people together on the shaky pretense that they shared a taste for something similar. But it was a hollow familiarity, a false idea that a logo separate from the self��could come to be that person.��

A gradual rejection of the overly branded and vulgar has brought the personal touch of a monogram back in fashion. Its a personal touch that we love. When we refer to a monogram on a �IJ���̳ bag, we're being a bit deceptive. The letters are not intertwined, nor does the surname take a larger, more prominent role in the middle.

Ours is a minimal, modern take on the classic monogram. The letters are the same font and the same size. Discretion conquers gaudiness, while still being a mode of self expression.��

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It is our recognition that the most prominent branding on a great leather good should be its owners initials. As this generation gradually gives way to the next, a third-party logo or brand will most likely have little importance. But something with the monogram or its original owner is, like a name itself, something that��transcends time more than an impersonal, third-person representation.��

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The �IJ���̳ bags, accessories, and briefcases pictured below are perfect for the season. Leather's��simplicity is comforting; it's a universally pleasing material. The origins of this craft remind us of the organic ways our ancestors fulfilled their needs. Walking out your front door with �IJ���̳'s vegetable-tanned leather is befitting any era.

The magazine represent an arsenal of ideas. Fittingly, our handmade leather bags are displayed with a vast array of leather goods, in these four publications celebrating the return of Fall.

Vanity Fair Magazine. �IJ���̳ Backpack in Chocolate. "Perfect bags for any occasion, whether he’s on his way to the boardroom or the racquet club."

GQ Magazine. Leather Lock Briefcase in Green

Bloomberg Businessweek Leather Zip-Top Briefcase in Chestnut

"The New Briefcase! 16 Structured Satchels for Men and Women. This season’s best bags are big enough to hold more than 'just the essentials.' They’ll withstand any commute’s abuse, thanks to thick leather, locking metal clasps, and reinforced top handles that lend some retro charm."

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Man of the World Magazine.��See if you can spot the �IJ���̳ iPad Mini Case and Zipper iPad Pouch in Tan among the organized chaos of handsome men's accessories.��

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Johnson ventures to say, “the video, seen exclusively here, is loaded with sunbaked desert vibes, complemented perfectly by the dusty grit of a spaghetti Western and some good old-fashioned rugged Americana.”

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Our friends Sarah and Stefaan from Miles and Miles grabbed a few of our bags and hit the road down to Marfa, Texas and the surrounding west Texas countryside. We paired them up with The Window over at Barneys New York and they documented their journeys for a Barneys exclusive spring 2014 look book.��

From peeking inside an abandoned 19th century schoolhouse to pitching an overnight tent in the middle of the stark, unforgiving terrain, ��Sarah and Stefaan mastered the art of adventure travel with our bags in tow.��

Travel with them and read an interview with Joe �IJ���̳ and Lindy McDonough over at .��

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Amanda recognizes��that �IJ���̳'s commitment to quality takes these pieces to a league all their own. She writes, "This simple, traditional bag is made in entirely in New England by experienced artisans, which gives the piece a sense of place and history that a more mass-produced bag might not have."

Taking pride in your handcrafted bag will undoubtedly add to your travel experiences this Spring and Summer.

Enjoy the entire article��.

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