LeperNYCLeatherworks

Noah’s first leather tools came to him in a kit from his brother Daniel at Grateful Threads in Kalamazoo. The idea was, that if Noah could get the hang of leathercraft and enjoyed it, they would collaborate on customized motorcycle seats. So, he started small, learning the basics of hand-stitching, paint and dye, finishing, hand-carving and tooling. Then COVID hit NYC. The pandemic ripped through the city. Noah and his family took refuge in their Astoria apartment and waited for the world to end. In some ways, it did. While the city hid, Noah looked to his leather for distraction from the daily COVID reports and the unending sound of sirens. His technique improved and he started to develop a style all his own.

In November of 2020, Noah and his family relocated to his parent’s Michigan basement. For three months they resided in a high-end blanket fort, complete with leather shop. After locating an apartment, the leather shop moved to his bedroom. Now that they have a house of their own, the leather shop has a permanent space in the basement and is a testament to how far Noah has come both personally and in terms of his skill.

In the summer of 2021, Noah and his family took his work to Schmidty’s Ramp and Camp in West Lafayette, Indiana. He sold over $300 worth of goods. The warm reception of his art inspired him to keep going, and a few months later he landed a contract at Chicks with Sticks in Kalamazoo, Michigan for a bulk order of shawl cuffs. His other work includes a customized wallet made from vintage baseball gloves, and a GoPro cuff used in skate and music videos.

Noah’s inspiration comes from his sketchbook, current events, and the love and nature that now surround him. His hippie/street style comes alive with each hand-carved, abstract design, and no two pieces are the same.