Today we’re excited to be connecting with Beth Dryden again. We’re excited to feature one of their products in our gift guide – learn more below and we encourage you to use your gift budget to support small businesses & creatives whenever possible.

Beth, we loved learning your story, but I think our audience is going to appreciate learning about the product side of your story as well. So, maybe you can help bring everyone up to speed?
I’d love to share the 1974 Leather River Collection… A distinctively designed collection inspired by the raw, rustic, organically shaped edges found on any tanned leather hide. Sometimes those edges are slightly darker in color than the rest of the hide and often show more texture, depth, and beauty. No two will ever look the same. On each design throughout the collection, two edge pieces are joined by a central piece that mimics the way a river would look from a birds-eye view. A connection is created at this moment, similar to the flow of our life’s journey and how the people we meet, the places we go, and the things we learn weave us into the unique humans we become. Never linear. Never perfect. Never stays the same.

They are sturdy and strong. Modern, yet vintage infused. Where stories have seeped in, dwelling in each piece of leather before it’s even made into the heirloom it will become. Where the distinctively designed and handcrafted rise above a sea of mass-produced, stamped-out patterns. How textures, scars, and markings from the past become the highlight of each piece made today. Each piece will arrive from my hands to yours, ready to be a trusted companion on your uniquely textured journey.

Also huge to note is that all pieces at 1974 are made from sustainably tanned Italian leather hides. These Tuscan tanneries are part of a leather consortium that has strict guidelines regarding the environment, how the hides have to be a by-product of the food industry, that they possess an ethical work environment and many other important points. This is huge to me as a leather artisan to work with plant-based tanned leather (less toxic chemicals) and also to know the animals were not killed just for the leather.

Who is this product for and who is it probably not a good fit for?
1974 leather goods are for the storytellers. The dreamers. The doers. Indie-spirited…

Those who possess a wise heart and an individualist soul and are not into following the masses. They are conscientious of what they allow into their lives. Materialistic or otherwise. They seek functionality that won’t sacrifice that sense of style they’ve made their own. A piece with an artisan profile that will spark every fiber of their being. Slow made with detailing that gives it a one-of-a-kind, heirloom vibe. Quality over quantity. They’ve got grit for this journey and for making it seamless in their own unique space, place, and time. Forging a way whilst knowing how to live lightly… love fiercely… their heart of gold emblazons every soul they meet.

1974 will be a trusted companion… ready to ride alongside them. These products already possess a rustic, lived-in feel to them… they are not pristine, or something you should stow away in a bag. They are ready to be used every day as a trusted companion. It’s for those who appreciate the sustainability aspect of slow made, that the leather was sourced ethically. 1974 is not a good fit for those who want a leather bag to stay pristine with no patina or character and also for those who are vegan.

Have you tried any fun, non-traditional marketing ideas? If so, we’d love to hear the story and details.
Something that is on the horizon for 1974 is small batch exclusivity. I’ll be designing and making small, hyper-focused, functional art collections that are somewhat thematic. The traditional way of selling my work via festivals, wholesale, and e-commerce seems boring and predictable. This new path is somewhat of an unconventional method of selling that I’ve seen become very successful for other artisans who make high-end products. It allows me to grow and flow with my creativity as an artisan so that I don’t become stagnant and my customers won’t get bored. It’s a much more sustainable business model and combined with a sense of urgency, I hope that it becomes a successful new way of life here at 1974.

What are you most thankful for?
I’m so thankful for those who appreciate my work as a leather artisan. Those who resonate with my style, vibe and mission. Those who share, buy, love, and use my work as each of these pieces are meant to be. They are proud to carry a 1974… the quality and uniqueness make them stand tall on their individuality and that they trust me to make them is the biggest compliment.

Image Credits
All photos were taken by me, Beth Dryden, owner & artisan of 1974 Leather