[ FAQ's & Leather care }
Beyond the Stitch
Find answers to common questions about leather care, product details, and sustainability. Beyond the Stitch is Sondera 1974’s FAQ hub.
Sondera 1974
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Who designs & makes Sondera 1974 leather goods?
Hi, I do! My name is Beth and I am the artist, designer and owner behind Sondera 1974. Thanks for stopping by and your interest in Sondera 1974 leather goods. Read more about me here.
How did you get started in leather working?
10 years ago I happened upon some leather scraps while I was out buying other art supplies. I loved the raw edges, markings and textures. I took those scraps and just started making things. Even without the proper leather working tools, patterns or general knowledge. It was free form, organic. Off the cuff. Just letting my creativity flow… Nothing stopped me as I forged ahead. Over time, experience has led to more knowledge in the craft. Refining processes without relinquishing the original, rustic aesthetic. A journey of pure heart and discovery that never disappoints. I’m an artist and leather is my medium.
How are Sondera 1974 leather goods made?
I am inspired by the shapes, organic textures, brand markings, scars and other rustic bits on any veg tan hide I get. Those pieces will be used before the interior portions because they are where the beauty and the story lies. Up until recently, I never sketched ideas, I just let the leather tell me what to make. Now, I blend the two approaches. Each piece is distinctively designed, hand cut (no die cutting or cricuts here), hand punched, hand stitched and hand finished by my two hands.
Can you custom make something for me?
I am currently not taking custom orders. I am heading into a new phase of 1974 where I will explore thematic, limited release collections. There will only be possible 6-12 pieces per collection and will be exclusive and one-of-a-kind. My hope is these drops will happen every 6-8 weeks or so. Sign up for the newsletter here to gain first access.
Where are Sondera 1974 leather goods sold?
All products are currently sold online only via this website. I will occasionally do a local festival or pop up shop, so please follow on social for updates or subscribe to the Sondera 1974 email list. All links are listed below in the footer.
Are Sondera 1974 products available for wholesale or consignment?
I would consider opportunities to have 1974 represented in boutique hotels, spas and other luxury shopping experiences. Please inquire here.
Do you offer repair work?
Only on my products if they should need it. Out of ten years, I’ve only had to restitch one of my earlier made card holders. I try my best to make them super solid while infusing love and care in each piece and every detail. Should you need a piece tended to, please reach out via the contact form.
Do you sell leather scraps?
I occasionally do. It’s always best to watch my social pages for this type of event. If you are looking for donated scraps to use at your school, art camps and such, please reach out as I do this often as well.
Can I have you ship to another person as a gift?
Absolutely. Just list their info in the shipping section. There is also a section for order notes… so please also list there or send me an email and I will put extra love into it for you.
Can you take an old jacket of mine and make something of it?
I am no longer doing these types of projects because it never failed, every time I would pull leather away from the lining (be it a skirt or a jacket, etc) or even a couch frame, the leather was almost too thin to do much with. It’s a lengthy process to pull apart a piece and then reconfigure it into something new. It doesn’t really produce the desired effect you may be hoping for. On rare occasions, it does work out well. My best suggestion is to seek out your local maker community and ask if anyone is an upcycler and specializes in using old materials and giving them new functionality and life.
Will you donate a Sondera 1974 piece to a silent auction or fundraiser?
Please reach out with more information. I will consider all requests. :)
explore Sondera 1974
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The River Series
A study of edges, flow, and connection. This inaugural leather goods series draws...
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The MenFolk Series
For the rugged, the rooted, and the quietly bold. This Series is...
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Ready to Ship
Small batch, one of a kind leather goods made by artisan Beth...
a trail-marked letter…
slow. quiet. intentional. it bears a cadence that mimics the artisan ways of life at Sondera… and it’s always worth opening. You’ll receive different kinds of notes from me...stories, process, rituals, rare finds. They’re not on a schedule, just stitched into the rhythm of the month.
Not everyone’s meant to be here… but if you feel it, Letter No. 1 arrives when you do.