As I have said previously, I like to create my own designs and templates for our "Unique" leather products. One of my favorites, which has also become a favorite with my customers, is the Can Koozie with a Handle.

When  I first created them I called them the "Got a Handle on your Beer?" Koozie. But there are so many things that you can do with designs on leather, we put collegiate logos and anything that our customers could think up and have requested. As such, the can koozie with a handle has become one of our most popular items.

"It's the Handle that makes the difference." It truly is. Because of the arthritis in my hands,I designed the handle so that a full can of beer or soda feels lighter when you pick it up by the handle rather than pick the can up by itself with your fingers and thumb. Most people are surprised by how much lighter the can feels with this handle. I also designed the can koozie and a Velcro Tab to make it easier to remove the empty can and it will also tighten around a bottle of beer or water as well. AND one more thing, since leather is a natural insulator, these Koozies will keep your beer or soda cool and your hand comfortable while sitting out on the deck with friends.

​We are always happy to do a made-to-order custom item for our customers. I enjoy discussing what the customer wants and then creating it for them. A customer took a picture of the can koozie, pictured below, that I made for him after he saw them on our website and wanted one with his initials on it. He gave us a nice Google review and here's what he had to say...
"I received my Leather Can Koozie and wow am I Impressed. The handle on the Koozie is what makes this product so special and unique. If its a beer bottle or can or even a water bottle this Koozie does the trick. I absolutely love it. Frank was able to get my initials on the side and made it personal! Really appreciate it!"

That makes it all worthwhile and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Until next time, All the best.
Frank, the KC Leather Guy

Many Leather crafters look for patterns when they want to make something out of leather. Tandy leather has patterns for a variety of leather products from knife sheaths, to holsters to purses and more. What I learned about patterns is that someone originally came up with that pattern based on something they wanted to make or something someone wanted them to make.

A friend and customer of ours, the one who purchased the 8x10 picture frames back in July, ordered a business card holder after she saw the ones that I made on our website. I came up with the idea for those business card holders when I saw the Tandy pattern and decided to come up with a pattern of my own. I came up with a pattern for both the 2"x 2" business cards, like those for American Leather Crafts, and expanded the pattern/template for the 2"x 3-1/2" business cards. In order to be able to sculpt a picture on the front of the business card holder I made the circle as shown below in the picture. This allows me to put a picture or design on the holder depending on what the customer would like to have sitting on their desk or table.

My customer took the first picture and posted on our Facebook page. Here is what she had to say, "Look at my new beautiful business card holder I bought from my friend Frank at American Leather Crafts! It is a huge improvement over the old box I had them in!"

I always enjoy hearing that kind of feedback, that is why I do what I do.

​Until next time, All the best.
Frank, the KC Leather Guy