We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kimmie Cave. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kimmie below.

Kimmie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Learning leatherwork is an ongoing process. I was taught by a friend to burn wood plaques as a hobby. I had a lot of craft hobbies. One day a co-worker asked if I could do that on leather, like bracelets? I said I didn’t know, let’s find out. I bought 2 vegtan hides at Tandy Leather and I haven’t looked back. Most in the leather business use vegtan to stamp very impressive images into. I found I didn’t have the patience for that so I continued to burn my images into the leather. We create custom leather journals and recently have branched out into purses, wallets and other small gifts. It also takes some patience in learning to control the burn, something I still work on. Then I learned about different stains and what each can accomplish in the looks I try to create. As I have progressed, I have learned about new tools, new products, and I am always striving to create new designs.

Knowing what I know now, I might have watched more YouTube. This may sound funny but, I am constantly learning new things in videos put out by leatherworkers all over the world. I have learned that you don’t need the most expensive tools or leather to create amazing products. I started small and as I get the hang of new tools and if they are used enough, I may then purchase an upgraded version. An example, we are considering purchasing a cobblers sewing machine as everything we currently make is hand stitched. We also learned how to Tye Dye leather this year.

A project in mind is what you need to get started. It can be anything, start simple, pick up a kit or design your project. Make a list of materials needed. If you are going to stamp or burn practice on scrap. The best place to start is diy YouTube videos.

Cost can be the biggest obstacle. However, start small and build from there if you enjoy it. The only other obstacle is mentality. If you want a fun hobby, leather is fun and can be as basic or as expressive as you want. If you fall in love like I did, it could become a career.

Kimmie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am the spouse of a 30 year Navy veteran. As such, moving was a big part of our lives and crafting hobbies could go anywhere with me. When a co-worker asked if I could burn on leather I decided to give it a try. After making bracelets I decided to try a book, then another and another. Soon I had too many books to count and had to sell some. I started on ebay, they sold quickly, then I started custom journals and covers for people that contacted me through my ads. Pretty soon I had all kinds of design requests for journals. My daughters have joined the business to help in areas I lack experience or time. Adriana Watson helps with design and product development. Rayven Travis helps with marketing and scrap usage. We try to use even the smallest amount. Keychain and earrings are a great examples.

We create a completely custom experience. We create and/or use requested designes to burn into leather journals, wallets, purses, and other small gifts. Basically, anything that is not copyright or a portrait. We also create our own dragon, map, honey bee, steampunk, etc… designs for use on every product we make.

Our process helps customers create one of a kind items to fit exactly what they are looking for.

We are a small family business and focus on customer care and satisfaction. We are very honest about what we can and can’t do. I think this is why our customers love our product and keep coming back.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Shopping local businesses and artists is the best way society can help us survive. It may be a little more expensive but you get a personal touch with each transaction. Hold or attend local craft events. Even if you don’t buy from every vendor, if more people show they will continue to have the events.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Youtube is the resource I wish I had know about early on. I started seeing leather videos just a few years ago since then I have learned so much about different leathers, tools, and products.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.CaveKreations.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=1bdkujk5eeace&utm_content=3vgbdgi
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/CaveKreations/
• Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/cave_kreations

Image Credits
Cave Kreations and Abigail Burge