A Complete Guide for Handcrafted Leather Bags, Shoes & Accessories

Our products are handcrafted from genuine full-grain cowhide leather. Natural leather is a living material that evolves over time, developing a unique character and patina through use. With proper care, your leather goods will maintain their beauty, durability, and elegance for many years.

General Leather Care

Keep leather away from excessive moisture, direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, alcohol-based products, perfumes, oils, cosmetics, and harsh cleaning agents.

To remove dust and everyday dirt, gently wipe the surface with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. For light cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth and allow the leather to dry naturally at room temperature.

Never use a hair dryer, heater, radiator, or direct sunlight to dry leather, as excessive heat can cause cracking, discoloration, stiffness, and premature aging.

Handbag Care

When not in use, store your handbag inside its protective dust bag. Avoid plastic bags, as leather requires airflow and natural ventilation.

To help maintain its shape, fill the interior with soft tissue paper, clean fabric, or a bag insert. Avoid using newspaper, as the ink may transfer onto the lining.

Do not overload your handbag. Excessive weight may stretch handles, distort the structure, damage stitching, and permanently alter the shape of the leather.

Light-colored leather should be kept away from dark fabrics, particularly denim, as color transfer may occur.

For minor surface marks, gently wipe with a soft damp cloth and dry immediately. For ink stains, oil marks, deep scratches, or significant damage, professional leather care is recommended.

Shoe Care

Leather shoes should be allowed to rest between wears. Avoid wearing the same pair on consecutive days whenever possible, as the leather and lining need time to release absorbed moisture and recover their natural shape.

After each use, remove dust and dirt with a soft horsehair brush or dry cloth. Regular cleaning prevents buildup that can dry out and dull the leather.

Using cedar or wooden shoe trees is highly recommended. Shoe trees help maintain the original shape of the shoes while absorbing internal moisture.

Do not store leather shoes near heaters, radiators, damp areas, or inside sealed plastic bags.

If shoes become wet, insert white tissue paper or a clean cloth to help maintain their shape and absorb moisture. Allow them to dry naturally at room temperature before applying any leather care products.

How to Properly Polish Leather Shoes

Regular polishing not only enhances appearance but also nourishes the leather, restores color, protects the surface, and extends the life of the shoes.

Step 1: Clean the Shoes

Remove the laces and thoroughly brush away all dust and dirt. If necessary, wipe the leather with a slightly damp cloth and allow it to dry completely before polishing.

Never apply polish to wet or damp leather.

Step 2: Choose the Right Product

For smooth leather shoes, use a high-quality leather cream or wax polish.

Leather cream nourishes the leather, restores color, and maintains softness.

Wax polish provides additional shine and a protective surface layer.

Choose a polish that closely matches the shoe color. Neutral polish can be used on delicate shades, though matching colors generally provide richer results.

Step 3: Test First

Before full application, test the product on a discreet area of the shoe to ensure compatibility with the leather finish.

Step 4: Apply the Polish

Using a soft cloth or applicator brush, apply a small amount of cream or wax in gentle circular motions.

Spread the product evenly across the leather, paying special attention to flex points such as the toe box and vamp.

Avoid excessive product buildup. Several thin layers provide better results than one thick application.

Step 5: Allow Absorption

Leave the shoes for approximately 10–15 minutes to allow the leather to absorb the conditioning agents.

Step 6: Brush and Buff

Using a soft horsehair brush, buff the surface to remove excess polish and create a natural shine.

For a higher-gloss finish, polish with a clean cotton cloth using light, rapid movements.

Step 7: Finish the Edges

Pay attention to leather edges and heels. Apply edge dressing or a small amount of matching polish where appropriate, avoiding contact with rubber soles or non-leather materials.

Caring for Leather Bags and Accessories

Unlike shoes, handbags and small leather goods should not typically be treated with traditional shoe polish.

Instead, use a premium leather conditioner, leather balm, or leather cream specifically formulated for luxury leather goods.

Apply a very small amount using a soft cloth, allow it to absorb naturally, then gently buff with a clean cloth to restore the leather’s natural appearance.

Always test any leather care product on an inconspicuous area before full application.

For suede, nubuck, and specialty leathers, use only products specifically designed for those materials.

Conditioning Leather

Natural leather can gradually lose moisture over time. To maintain flexibility and prevent dryness, apply a quality leather conditioner every 6 to 12 months, depending on climate and frequency of use.

Use conditioner sparingly. Over-conditioning may darken the leather, attract dust, or leave a greasy finish.

Allow the leather to absorb the product naturally in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight.

Water Protection

Leather is naturally water-resistant but not waterproof.

To provide additional protection, a specialized leather protection spray may be applied periodically. Always test on a hidden area first, as some protective products may slightly alter the leather’s color or finish.

Protection should be renewed regularly depending on environmental exposure and frequency of use.

Products to Avoid

Never use alcohol, acetone, bleach, household detergents, strong soaps, disinfectants, baby wipes, olive oil, coconut oil, petroleum jelly, hand creams, perfumes, hairspray, or multi-purpose cleaning products on leather.

These substances may cause discoloration, staining, dryness, cracking, stickiness, or irreversible damage.

Scratches and Surface Marks

Minor scratches and natural markings are part of the beauty and character of genuine leather.

Light surface marks may often be reduced by gently buffing the area with a soft dry cloth or applying a small amount of leather cream.

For deep scratches, tears, significant color loss, or structural damage, professional restoration is recommended.

Long-Term Storage

Before storing any leather item, ensure it is clean and completely dry.

Store products inside their dust bags in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Use shoe trees for footwear and soft filling materials for handbags to help preserve their original shape.

Avoid stacking heavy objects on top of leather products and keep them away from materials that may transfer color.

Natural Characteristics of Leather

Variations in grain, texture, tone, pores, creases, and subtle surface markings are natural characteristics of genuine leather and should not be considered imperfections.

Each leather piece develops its own unique patina through use and time, making every product truly one of a kind.

With proper care, your handcrafted leather goods will continue to age beautifully and accompany you for many years to come.