The Frigate Bag
Made for a competition, when designing this bag, I wanted to create something truly unique while paying homage to some of the most classic Western elements.
The hand-sculpted cow skull is the centerpiece of this thoroughly modern Western bag, and the heart that I designed the rest of the bag around. In keeping with the timeless western look, I cut lace from the same hides used for the body and hand-braided cord to lasso around the cow skull, securing the bag closed.
With you in mind, the exterior features a pocket large enough to hold your phone, wallet, or other life essentials. On the inside, you’ll find a small snap for conveniently securing keys. A 2mm foam reinforcement that adds just a touch of padding and body to the strap without excessive bulk.
From there, it was about bringing everything together: I laid every stitch by hand with Ritza thread, painted the edges a bright sky blue with Vernis edge paint, and selected all solid brass hardware that will never chip while developing a beautiful patina along with the leather. This bag was entirely handmade with no shortcuts and I know you’ll be able to see the care and dedication in every stitch and fold.
This piece went on to win multiple categories in the DS Leathergoods Frigate Bag Challenge, taking home:
Best Craftsmanship
Best Western Vibes
Most Unique No-Hardware Closure
Runner-Up: Best Leather Combination
Here’s what the judges had to say:
“From the choice of colors to the pop of the painted edge—and the folded/molded leather cow skull on the front—everything just comes together on this bag. It transcends what one typically expects to find in western-inspired leather, and importantly, it nails the basics: straight stitching, clean cuts and creases, topped off with some beautiful brass hardware. Really excellent work.” — Brad @leftfootleather
“We were fascinated by the closure – a truly unique and artistic element that gives the bag a distinct identity. Its sculptural presence and flawless craftsmanship demonstrate a high level of creativity and technical skill, making it the true focal point of the piece.” — Ivona & Sreten @craftandtool
Materials & Details
Exterior: Ortensia Pueblo with Olmo Pueblo accents
Strap & molded closure: Wickett & Craig mid-brown harness leather
Closure: Hand-braided Ortensia/Olmo Pueblo lace with handmade leather bead toggle
Stitching: Ritza thread, entirely hand-sewn
Edges: Finished with sky Vernis edge paint
Interior: Snap closure for keys
Dimensions: 26 × 18 × 9 cm (≈10 × 7 × 3.5 in)
This will remain the only Frigate Bag of its kind.
The Frigate Bag
Made for a competition, when designing this bag, I wanted to create something truly unique while paying homage to some of the most classic Western elements.
The hand-sculpted cow skull is the centerpiece of this thoroughly modern Western bag, and the heart that I designed the rest of the bag around. In keeping with the timeless western look, I cut lace from the same hides used for the body and hand-braided cord to lasso around the cow skull, securing the bag closed.
With you in mind, the exterior features a pocket large enough to hold your phone, wallet, or other life essentials. On the inside, you’ll find a small snap for conveniently securing keys. A 2mm foam reinforcement that adds just a touch of padding and body to the strap without excessive bulk.
From there, it was about bringing everything together: I laid every stitch by hand with Ritza thread, painted the edges a bright sky blue with Vernis edge paint, and selected all solid brass hardware that will never chip while developing a beautiful patina along with the leather. This bag was entirely handmade with no shortcuts and I know you’ll be able to see the care and dedication in every stitch and fold.
This piece went on to win multiple categories in the DS Leathergoods Frigate Bag Challenge, taking home:
Best Craftsmanship
Best Western Vibes
Most Unique No-Hardware Closure
Runner-Up: Best Leather Combination
Here’s what the judges had to say:
“From the choice of colors to the pop of the painted edge—and the folded/molded leather cow skull on the front—everything just comes together on this bag. It transcends what one typically expects to find in western-inspired leather, and importantly, it nails the basics: straight stitching, clean cuts and creases, topped off with some beautiful brass hardware. Really excellent work.” — Brad @leftfootleather
“We were fascinated by the closure – a truly unique and artistic element that gives the bag a distinct identity. Its sculptural presence and flawless craftsmanship demonstrate a high level of creativity and technical skill, making it the true focal point of the piece.” — Ivona & Sreten @craftandtool
Materials & Details
Exterior: Ortensia Pueblo with Olmo Pueblo accents
Strap & molded closure: Wickett & Craig mid-brown harness leather
Closure: Hand-braided Ortensia/Olmo Pueblo lace with handmade leather bead toggle
Stitching: Ritza thread, entirely hand-sewn
Edges: Finished with sky Vernis edge paint
Interior: Snap closure for keys
Dimensions: 26 × 18 × 9 cm (≈10 × 7 × 3.5 in)
This will remain the only Frigate Bag of its kind.
