REPURPOSED SADDLE BAGS
Imagine a bag crafted from weathered leather, once part of a vintage saddle that bore witness to countless journeys and tales of the past. Each stitch tells a story of rugged Australian landscapes traversed and powerful bonds formed between horse and rider. The leather, aged to a rich patina, exudes a sense of history and resilience, reminiscent of an era when craftsmanship and durability were paramount. Creek Leather's repurposed saddle bags carry with them a legacy of this adventure and endurance, making them unique and cherished pieces that speak of tradition and timelessness.
Having your own saddle turned into such a bag is a deeply personal and meaningful process that breathes new life into a cherished piece of your equestrian history. Each scratch, crease, and mark on the leather tells a story of rides taken and memories made, and transforming it into a bag allows you to carry those memories with you in a new, functional form.
The process begins with you sending your saddle to us, where we carefully disassemble it, treating each piece with the respect it deserves. We meticulously assess the condition of every component, selecting the best sections of leather for use in the bag. Once the pieces are chosen, they undergo a thorough cleaning to remove years of dirt and grime, revealing the beauty beneath. Our custom leather balm is applied to restore essential oils to the leather, rejuvenating its texture and sheen. Next, the leather is hand-cut to the precise sizes and shapes required, then, using the traditional saddle stitch, we hand-stitch each piece together, ensuring durability and maintaining the integrity of the original craftsmanship. Elements such as stirrup leathers and reins are repurposed into functional buckle and shoulder straps, while buckles, dees, clips, and other hardware are cleaned and integrated into the design, providing a touch of authenticity and continuity.
The final product is a bespoke bag that is not only practical and stylish but also a tangible connection to your riding history. It’s more than just a bag; it’s a tribute to the adventures, challenges, and joys you've experienced with your saddle. This unique transformation allows you to carry a piece of your equestrian journey with you, creating a beautiful legacy that blends the past with the present.
Our premier design, The Bellinger, is a classic bag that embodies timeless elegance and history. Crafted from the outer saddle flaps, each bag showcases the unique wear patterns that tell the story of years of loving use. The gusset and flap are constructed from either stunning new full-grain leather or repurposed saddle flaps or seats, while the shoulder strap is made from salvaged reins or stirrup leathers, each displaying the rich patina of their years. The bag's flap is secured by a rare earth neodymium magnet, strong enough to function through the sturdy saddle leather. The Bellinger measures 25 x 20 x 9 cm and is priced at $295, with a $20 flat rate for registered post within Australia. Please contact us for international shipping details.
To transform your cherished retired saddle into a classic Bellinger, the cost is $275 plus $20 for registered post within Australia. For an additional $35, we can add a custom lining made from any material you choose, such as your dad's old flannel shirt. To discuss your custom bag and arrange shipping, please contact Katherine directly.
We also create smaller items, such as card wallets and keyrings, using the saddle seat, panels, and bridles.
Having your own saddle turned into such a bag is a deeply personal and meaningful process that breathes new life into a cherished piece of your equestrian history. Each scratch, crease, and mark on the leather tells a story of rides taken and memories made, and transforming it into a bag allows you to carry those memories with you in a new, functional form.
The process begins with you sending your saddle to us, where we carefully disassemble it, treating each piece with the respect it deserves. We meticulously assess the condition of every component, selecting the best sections of leather for use in the bag. Once the pieces are chosen, they undergo a thorough cleaning to remove years of dirt and grime, revealing the beauty beneath. Our custom leather balm is applied to restore essential oils to the leather, rejuvenating its texture and sheen. Next, the leather is hand-cut to the precise sizes and shapes required, then, using the traditional saddle stitch, we hand-stitch each piece together, ensuring durability and maintaining the integrity of the original craftsmanship. Elements such as stirrup leathers and reins are repurposed into functional buckle and shoulder straps, while buckles, dees, clips, and other hardware are cleaned and integrated into the design, providing a touch of authenticity and continuity.
The final product is a bespoke bag that is not only practical and stylish but also a tangible connection to your riding history. It’s more than just a bag; it’s a tribute to the adventures, challenges, and joys you've experienced with your saddle. This unique transformation allows you to carry a piece of your equestrian journey with you, creating a beautiful legacy that blends the past with the present.
Our premier design, The Bellinger, is a classic bag that embodies timeless elegance and history. Crafted from the outer saddle flaps, each bag showcases the unique wear patterns that tell the story of years of loving use. The gusset and flap are constructed from either stunning new full-grain leather or repurposed saddle flaps or seats, while the shoulder strap is made from salvaged reins or stirrup leathers, each displaying the rich patina of their years. The bag's flap is secured by a rare earth neodymium magnet, strong enough to function through the sturdy saddle leather. The Bellinger measures 25 x 20 x 9 cm and is priced at $295, with a $20 flat rate for registered post within Australia. Please contact us for international shipping details.
To transform your cherished retired saddle into a classic Bellinger, the cost is $275 plus $20 for registered post within Australia. For an additional $35, we can add a custom lining made from any material you choose, such as your dad's old flannel shirt. To discuss your custom bag and arrange shipping, please contact Katherine directly.
We also create smaller items, such as card wallets and keyrings, using the saddle seat, panels, and bridles.
These items are currently sold out, but more are on the way.