Kevin's Story Time

We’ve been adding some SLC flare to our video studio, and little by little- it’s coming along quite nicely! Check out the photos below for a quick visual tour.

Here at SLC our jobs just keep getting bigger and bigger! This demands even more equipment so we can meet your needs, and our newest edition to our not-so-little machine family is a Camoga industrial splitter! This gorgeous beauty comes from Campbell-Randall Leather Machine Company, and Rusty and the rest of us are very excited about how much more splitting we can get done for you!  

So why a new Splitter? Well, we here at SLC have a large splitter and two small ones, which is amazing, but when it comes to medium-sized leather we have to put them through the large splitter, which puts that much more of a load on the big ol’ guy. So, our Camoga solves this problem by being a medium-sized splitter: Taking some of the work off of our large splitter and splitting medium-sized leather at a higher quality! It’s a win-win! Check out the images below of our exciting unboxing and the sight of our new Camoga’s home: 

You did it, you pulled the trigger and purchased that beautiful hair-on hide rug you'd been eyeing for months! They’re gorgeous, and a great centerpiece to any room in the household. But...like anything we walk on in our house, cowhide rugs demand general maintenance to keep them in tip-top shape. Not only is this a pricey investment, but if taken care of correctly it's something you can pass on to your kids and grandkids. These rugs are very durable and have a lot of misconceptions about their care. They really aren't that needy, and no you won't have to run your lint roller over it every night. Here's a few tips and tricks for your new hairy friend.

How do I clean my hair-on cowhide rug?

If you wish to vacuum your rug, we suggest either using a robotic vacuum (like a Roomba) or putting your traditional vacuum on the lowest setting, and then gently vacuuming from the center out, careful not to get the ends of the rug caught in the brush. An alternative to vacuuming is to take the rug outside and beat it to clear dust and dirt the old-fashioned way.  

But, what about spills? While hair-on cowhide rugs are naturally resistant to stains, it is important to act quickly if you spill something that can risk leaving a permanent mark. If the stain is liquid, carefully clean it with a little water and a damp paper towel or sponge, being careful not to rub the stain or water into the rug, as liquids can get trapped underneath and cause problems later. For pet stains, follow this procedure but add an additional step of taking some vinegar or mild soap to the stain. Most methods that you use to clean your own hair will work on these rugs as long as you care to not let the water seep in. If the stain is oily and the above process does not work, you can also use eucalyptus oil to help lift the stain before rinsing it again. And finally...for food stains or stains that have particles in them, it's important to scrape up the particles first, going with the grain of the hair as you do. Then you follow the previous steps to finish the cleaning.  

If none of the above helps remove stains from your rug, it's best to look into a professional cleaning service to come to the rescue!

Now that basic cleaning is done, what do I do if my cowhide rug is curling on the sides? This usually tends to happen when the thinner sides of the hide have been exposed to too much heat. In this case, it's best to remove it and store it in a cooler room or remove it from direct sunlight to give it time to uncurl. When you need to store your rug away for a time, it's best to roll it up instead of folding to avoid creasing, and to store it in a box in a cool, dark place that stays dry.

As you know, Kevin...the great outdoorsman, and his trusty sidekick Rusty never ceases to amaze us with finds only great hunters like them can wrangle up!!

This adventure might top the list! You may not be aware that Southwestern Missouri once had a great many Elk, an ancient herd that somehow vanished without a trace under mysterious circumstances. Legend had it that the herd was holed up in a secret valley in the middle of the Mark Twain Forest that was only accessible through a secret cave entrance. It turned out that the entrance to that cave was behind Kevin’s house! One morning, his wife’s dumb dog made the normal morning doody trip out back and discovered the entrance behind a bush. And from the depths of the cave there came a bellow that sent that dumb dog sailing into momma’s arms as though she had been bitten!!

Well as soon as Kevin heard the news he roused Rusty to meet him there just as soon as possible. Lantern in one hand and his trusty sling shot in the other Rusty rode up in a hurry on his valiant steed named Speedy! Stupid dog had discovered the “lost herd”!!!

As you can imagine as soon as the herd saw Rusty and Kevin, they took off in full stride.... heading for none other...then the Bering Strait...that's right...they headed to Alaska to make a great escape to Siberia!!!

Well Kevin and Rusty didn't think twice…they mounted up along with stupid dog and gave chase!  As the herd bounced from The Alaskan Peninsula to the Diomede Islands, Kevin, Rusty, and stupid dog were hot on their heels. With temps close to -50 below zero it was only a matter of time...this herd must be stopped...as they headed for the Yenisei River Kevin devised a plan. He pulled from his satchel...his trusty Paul Bunyan flannel shirt, let out his best Tarzan yell (which is sort of pathetic) and he and the blue ox he was riding disappeared over the horizon followed by stupid dog...Rusty was left dumbfounded...(of course).

The next thing you know, Kevin appears driving the entire Elk herd in front of him with stupid dog running around keeping the strays in line.  Kevin and Rusty began the long trek home, knowing that they had the monumental job of slaughtering, skinning and distributing meat to the poor in front of them. On the bright side…boy…they’ve got a great bunch of elk leather to sell!

When a customer sees a beautiful leather purse, they may not notice much beyond the craftsmanship and leather. There are parts of the item that are unseen, unnoticed by the untrained eye, but we know that the products you use behind the scenes to put your amazing projects together are just as important as the leather itself! That’s why we pride ourselves not only on leather, but on things like glue. We want the best for your projects, which is why we’ve brought in a new line of glue that is eco-and shop-friendly!  

Sir Clayton, in our latest YouTube video, tells us all about our new, non-smelly, water-based glues from Renia. Gone are the days where everyone suffers the smells of a glue! The earth, and everyone else in your shop, will thank you for it!

First up is Klebfest. Simply apply Klebfest to the flesh side of oil tan leather. You can use our Silicone Flat Brush to achieve a thin layer of glue (you don’t need a lot!). Apply to both sides of the leather you are adhering together and then let dry. After it’s dried, you'll find a tight and strong bond! This also works for veg tan leathers. Our Klebfest is available here on our website.

Next, is the Aquilim 315, which we offer in three sizes: gallon, 32 ounces, and 8 ounces. This glue is fantastic for veg tans! Clayton likes to use the Renia Small Glue Brush to apply Aquilim. Most of the time you’ll want to place the glue on the flesh side of veg tan leather. If you need to place it on the grain side, rough it up a bit before placing the glue on. Spread this glue on your leather thinly and then wait for it to clear before adhering to another leather. Get Aquilim on our website: available in 1 Gallon, 32 oz., and 8 oz bottles.

Clayton has also tried out the Atom Superglue, which stays flexible when dry. This works great for even oil tan leathers! All you have to do is simply place the glue on leather and apply pressure for about a minute. This creates a strong, yet flexible bond which is great for leather working! Atom Superglue is here on our website.

Last in our line is a new glue accessory called the TS Boy Glue Pot. This is a handy auto feed glue pot that can hold your glue and brush inside. Once sealed, the glue in the pot and even on your brush will stay wet until you need to use it again! Awesome! Get the TS Boy Glue Pot here.

Sometimes a little elbow grease is just what is needed to create usable products from something seemingly useless. Take this leather for instance. Just take a look at it. See all these ugly wrinkles? Looks pretty bad, huh? Some might call this total junk and pitch it, but here at Springfield Leather we like a challenge!

Turns out when you ask Sir Clayton to help figure out how to “fix” wrinkled leather, he can work things out in a jiffy and make a problem just disappear! Who would have thought you could simply iron leather...well maybe it’s not that simple. Let me explain.

Clayton discovered and demonstrates two methods (essentially the same method, but with two different working solutions) of removing wrinkles from leather using a basic household iron.

Trending Colors: Empower your spring line with vibrant hues, as well as some fundamental tried and trues.

New York Fashion Week has rolled out the most trending colors for Spring 2019, and we’re so excited we decided to share!  We hope you enjoy the inspiration!

We’ve checked out their top 15 colors and searched the warehouse and showroom for many corresponding leathers. From odd lots, to kidskins this is about finding those colors that will pop for all your spring fashion.

Under each color swatch, you’ll find links to leathers in the same (or really close to it!) color.

Inventory is limited on a handful of these leathers, so if you see something you like- nab it now!

Turmeric

Add that spice and life to your collection with this medium to dark orange.

http://springfieldleather.com/Shrut-and-Asch-Kidskin-Finished-Tangerine

Princess Blue

Regal and royal representing the classic blue.

http://springfieldleather.com/Shrut-and-Asch-Kidskin-Finished-Royal-Blue

http://springfieldleather.com/Suede-Cosmic-Blue-Sapphire

http://springfieldleather.com/Sensation-Upholstery-Hide-Electric-Blue

Sweet Lilac

Soft and sweet, and perfect for a spring neutral.

http://springfieldleather.com/Shrut-and-Asch-Kidskin-Finished-Lt-Pink

http://springfieldleather.com/Ostrich-Print-Cow-Sides-Hot-Pink

Pink Peacock

A deeply saturated and bold pink.

http://springfieldleather.com/Shrut-and-Asch-Kidskin-Finished-Fuchsia

Pepper Stem

Add a little flavor to your colors with this yellow-green hue.

http://springfieldleather.com/Shrut-and-Asch-Kidskin-Finished-Lime-Green (little too neon, but is pretty close!)

Living Coral

Quiet and subtle, this coral brings a bright cheer without being in your face.

http://springfieldleather.com/Shrut-and-Asch-Kidskin-Finished-Coral

Eclipse

Deep purple meets rich navy blue.

http://springfieldleather.com/Shrut-and-Asch-Kidskin-Finished-Navy-Blue

http://springfieldleather.com/Venetian-Upholstery-Hide-Navy

Fiesta

Embolden yet approachable and exciting red.

http://springfieldleather.com/Shrut-and-Asch-Kidskin-Finished-Cardinal-Red

http://springfieldleather.com/Sensation-Upholstery-Hide-Flame

Jester Red

A bold and intense red which still seems to keep it classy.

http://springfieldleather.com/Shrut-and-Asch-Kidskin-Finished-Magenta

http://springfieldleather.com/Venetian-Upholstery-Hide-Red

Aspen Gold

Joyful and bright this yellow-gold is sure to stand out in the crowd.

http://springfieldleather.com/Shrut-and-Asch-Kidskin-Finished-Canary-Yellow

http://springfieldleather.com/Leg-Ostrich-Glazed-Buttercup

Toffee

Rich and elegant with a natural feel.

http://springfieldleather.com/Shrut-and-Asch-Kidskin-Finished-Lt-Brown

http://springfieldleather.com/Kangaroo-Veg-Tan-Glazed-Brandy

Terrarium Moss

A classic deep khaki green.

http://springfieldleather.com/Oxford-XCEL-Sides-Kelly-Green

Sweet Corn

Sleek and simple elegance.

http://springfieldleather.com/Shrut-and-Asch-Kidskin-Finished-Bone

https://www.springfieldleather.com/Split-Boar-Hide-Beige

Soybean

A warm taupe with a comforting appeal.

http://springfieldleather.com/Shrut-and-Asch-Kidskin-Finished-Beige

Brown Granite

A strong and bold essential brown.

http://springfieldleather.com/Shrut-and-Asch-Kidskin-Finished-Dk-Chocolate

https://www.springfieldleather.com/Chocolate-Tango-Calfskin

Article inspiration:

It’s finally happened... Kevin has passed the torch on to the next generation. On December 19, 2018 Kevin announced that he’s stepping aside and named Rusty Darnell President and Commander in Chief of Springfield Leather Company!

And no... it’s not because Rusty is his favorite. There are actually a great number of reasons why Rusty Darnell is more than qualified to tackle the undoubtedly daunting task of running a company as unique, diverse, and continually growing as Springfield Leather! Having known Kevin for 25 years and being married to Kevin’s daughter Lindsey, he’s no stranger to this business. In case you’ve been living under a rock and didn’t know this, Rusty has actually been an employee of Springfield Leather Company since 2008 and has worked in just about every department within the company.

During his tenure, Rusty has accumulated plenty of leather and leather processing knowledge. He’s taught himself how to make holsters, wallets, and cases, how to hand stitch, and he’s learned nearly everything there is to know about sewing machines. He’s even made shoes! He’s practiced and mastered the uses of dyes, stains, and finishes, as well as their various application techniques. Saying that Rusty has a vast amount of product knowledge, is actually an understatement. He understands the tanning process almost as well as the tanneries themselves. Like Kevin, he has also established strong relationships with our vendors, and he’s learned hands-on (from the best) how to communicate with them.

The leather/leather processing knowledge Rusty has accrued and the way he is able to articulate how Springfield Leather Company operates is extremely beneficial when it comes to making deals and buying leather! He’s been an integral part of getting many of the fantastic (and less than fantastic) leather deals we’ve been able to offer you. He’s also got a thing for machines... leather processing machines, to be specific. Rusty Darnell has introduced many different facets to our business over the years. The biggest thing yet is the ability to split sides of leather. Purchasing industrial machinery, such as a large leather splitting machine, was never something Springfield Leather had ever considered. Now here we are, splitting leather sides like we know what we’re doing, because thanks to Rusty, we actually do!

Rusty does what it takes to get the job done and is trying to steer us into the modern age. From laser engraving to automated packaging machines, from hot-foil stamping to CNC machinery, from increasing our in-house production to private label production to sourcing custom hardware and tools; Rusty has worked hard, alongside Kevin to bring us to a point that we are pretty much self-sufficient, and there’s even more to come!

It should also be said that it turns out Rusty does pretty well in front of a camera! He’s become a familiar face with leather crafters from all over by sharing his knowledge in our educational videos, alongside Kevin. So to sum it up, Springfield Leather Company now has a new, very well qualified, fearless leader. Congratulations Rusty.

WHAT’S KEVIN DOING? Many of you might be wondering what Kevin plans on doing with himself, now that he’s loosened his grip of the wheel. He’s still the OWNER of Springfield Leather Company. His role will be more along the lines of owner/consultant. But did you know that he is an actual rock hound? It’s true! He loves rocks! He’s been collecting rocks since he was a kid back in Iowa! He’s so knowledgeable, he can look at an unpolished rock and tell you what kind of stone it is. He (along with several other employees) go to Tuscon every year to buy rocks, beads, stones, specimens, etc. It’s actually pretty incredible to think of Kevin, who we all know for his leather knowledge and leather work, as the guy who can tell you the difference between agate and jasper, or if something is quartz or carnelian. He used to do some hand slicing and polishing back in the day, now he has a bunch of machines/saws that cut/slice and polish stones! A couple of those machines are BEASTS! They’re huge and make a ton of racket when he’s running them, but the folks on the Retail Showroom floor don’t seem to mind a single bit!

Sir Loin’s time with us at SLC started back in September 2018. Rusty and Kevin had just bought a large amount of stuff (“stuff” includes everything from fine leathers, to tables with cow horn legs, to essential hardware--- and everything in between), and Sir Loin was part of that stuff!

As we sifted through the new inventory we came across the magnificence which soon came to be known as: Sir Loin.

Since his arrival Sir Loin has been a social media rock star. He even got his name from a Facebook Post- beating out even some of the most pun-filled options like: Beau Vine, Rawhide, and Tiny.

On Tuesday, November 6th, 2018 at 9:02am Sir Loin was knighted with his name tag adornment and remains a mainstay in the SLC showroom to date.

Since Sir Loin is such a celebrity, we decided to have some more fun with him. Introducing the Sir Loin Selfie! Each time you visit our showroom you can enter to win a $10 gift card by doing the following four fun steps:

1)Take a selfie with Sir Loin.

2)Post said selfie on Facebook.

3)Use hashtag #SirLoinSelfie

4)Tag Springfield Leather Company in your post.

That’s all! Once we reach 20 entries we will select a winner at random once a month. So, come see us and get yourself entered!

Some of the SLC staff got in on the fun too.

A while back, we shared some images from a customer, Jason, who used our pre-cut hexagon shapes to make one buzzin’ bag! While we don’t know all of his secrets, we’ve done our best to give you some tips and tools to make a similar bag on your own. 

The original bag was a gift for Jason’s wife. Here are some of the things he used and a few we recommend trying to put your spin on this project. 

There are lots of ways you can choose to seal the deal on your leather project, but it can be tough figuring out the best one for you. Sometimes you need to make sure your project won’t get scratched, while other times call for flexibility to come to the forefront. We’re going to give you the highs and lows of some of the most common ways to seal a leather project. 

Keep in mind that while things like antique paste can be considered finishes, this article focuses on products that will seal your work! 

Hey folks! We just wanted to let you all know that we will be closed Tuesday, December 25th and Tuesday, January 1st! 

We will operate as usual around that time though. 

As you know, we love working together with our longstanding Hermann Oak and Kevin has a message regarding our latest collaborative effort in this open letter shared on Kevin’s Storytime!

When great companies work together, great things happen!!! And they happen for their customers as well. Those things are known as win-win situations, and the main beneficiary of these win-win situations is always the customer. The benefit to the companies comes later as it flows from happy customers to innovative companies.  It’s well known that “Customer First” has been the long-standing policy of great companies like Springfield Leather Company and Hermann Oak Leather.

Having said that, leathercrafters across the board have long-desired a HERMANN OAK DOUBLE SHOULDER.  And SLC and Hermann Oak feel that this would be a tremendous addition to the leather industry in this country for manufacturers, hobbyists, belt makers and all sorts of other leathercrafters.  But confronting the production problems that came along with creating this seemingly simple cut of leather were far more daunting than the average person would realize. It would require a small book to explain them!  

So…recently, Hermann Oak and SLC have teamed up, and worked together extensively to try to solve these difficulties.  And, (amazingly enough) we feel that between us, we think we have it whipped!!! Another benefit of this production has been realized. Not only will we have a Hermann Oak double shoulder, but we’ll also have a double culatta!!!  Initial research has shown that using double shoulders and double culattas can result in AS MUCH AS 40% YIELD INCREASES FOR VARIOUS END USERS!

With all of these things having been said, production samples are in hand!  Testing is in place. Grading and pricing are being discussed. We’re very excited to have a part in bringing this wonderful new product to our customers! And certainly want to express our gratitude and thanks to Hermann Oak for being willing to not only change the way that they think, but for taking the time and effort required to make this colossal project a success.