PLEASE NOTE: At the moment, this item can only be shipped within the United States (Lower 48 + Alaska & Hawaii).
***See Cory's entire process of creating these leather covers by hand, along with photographs he took along the way, over at this blog post!
I'm proud to introduce the PhotoMemo Leather Cover, made 100% by hand by Cory Miller of Left Hand Leatherworks in Columbus, OH. I was excited to work with Cory on this project, as he is not only a talented and inspiring craftsman, but he is also a photographer who shoots with film, just like you and I.
The PhotoMemo Leather Cover is created completely by hand using vegetable tanned leather from Hermann Oak tannery--one of the few remaining producers of leather in the United States, producing what is widely regarded as the finest available since 1881.
Hides from Hermann Oak are finely selected and have very few flaws. The pattern is carefully cut by hand, using fixed-blade Stanley knives stropped to attain the highest level of sharpness.
Dyed a medium brown using professional water-based dye, leaving an even finish that does not bleed out of the leather. After being allowed to dry for at least 24 hours, a coat of pure neatsfoot oil is applied to the flesh side to condition it.
Barge cement is use to hold the parts in place, and a diamond shaped chisel is used to punch holes for the stitching. Each piece is hand stitched using the saddle stitch method--a process that cannot be duplicated by machine, resulting in an incredibly durable stitch. The edges are trimmed flush, beveled, sanded through many grits, and burnished.
Finally, they are finished using a combination of leather conditioners, giving them their final appearance and providing protection from the elements and buffed with a horsehair brush.
Oh, and of course, the PhotoMemo logo is embossed on the front.
Care and Feeding: from time to time your PhotoMemo cover will need to be conditioned. The leather will appear dry and it will become less flexible. Just about any leather conditioner will do, but stay away from “waterproofing” products and mink oil. Products that I use and like include: Venetian Shoe Cream, Chamberlain’s Leather Milk, and Aussie Leather Conditioner. If you’re in a pinch or don’t want to purchase a bottle of leather conditioner, coconut oil does a good job too. The key to remember with all leather products is a little goes a long way! Don’t overdo it. Apply a thin coat to the leather and give it a few minutes to soak in. Finish by buffing the leather with a soft towel or horsehair brush. If the PhotoMemo Cover gets wet, remove the books and allow the cover to dry flat. After it is dry apply a coat of the conditioner of your choice. I hope you enjoy your PhotoMemo Cover and I’m confident it will give you many years of reliable service!
