J Wood Leathers

In this blog, you’ll learn: How to properly store, handle, and condition vegetable-tanned leather sides to maintain their quality. Which products and tools to use – and avoid – when cleaning or finishing veg-tanned hides. Easy, practical tips to preserve colour, texture, and workability over time. Vegetable-tanned leather is a favourite among traditional leatherworkers for good reason. It’s durable, natural, and develops a beautiful patina as it ages. But like any high-quality material, it deserves and requires the right care and attention. Whether you’re storing full veg-tanned leather sides in your workshop, preparing them for tooling, or finishing off a …

Read more

In this blog, you’ll learn: How to incorporate reindeer hides into your home décor, from living rooms to entryways. Design inspiration from Nordic and Scandinavian interiors to create natural, textured spaces. Practical tips for using reindeer skins to add warmth and comfort to any room. At J. Wood Leathers, we understand how the right materials can elevate a space – and very few do this as effortlessly as reindeer skins. With their rich textures, natural tones, and organic shapes, these hides are a favourite among interior designers looking to add warmth, contrast, and a sense of authenticity to their work. …

Read more

At J. Wood Leathers, we know that the success of a leather project often starts with one decision: choosing the right hide. While terms like “butt” and “shoulder” might sound interchangeable to the untrained ear, the differences between the two cuts can have a big impact on your work. From strength and stretch to grain consistency and tooling performance, understanding how each cut behaves can help you select the best material for your specific project. Whether you’re crafting a timeless toolbelt, a traditional satchel, or any other high quality leathergoods, this guide will walk you through the pros and cons …

Read more

When it comes to purchasing leather, one of the most common questions we hear at J Wood Leathers is: How much do I need? Whether you’re a professional leatherworker, a hobbyist or someone sourcing materials for a specific project, understanding how much is measured and sold is key to making the right choice. Unlike fabric, leather doesn’t come in uniform, rectangular sheets – each hide is unique in shape and size, which can make estimating your needs a little tricky. Understanding measurements Unlike textiles sold by the metre or yard, leather is typically sold by the square foot. However, the …

Read more

For hobbyists and artisans, choosing the right craft leather is essential to achieving the perfect balance of durability, flexibility, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re making small leather goods, bookbinding, or working on intricate tooling projects, selecting high-quality leather from a trusted supplier ensures your creations stand the test of time. At J Wood Leathers, we offer a diverse range of premium leather, along with special offers and stock lots for budget-friendly options. Whether you’re a beginner exploring your craft or an experienced maker refining your skills, here are our top picks for the best craft leathers available from stock, carefully …

Read more

At J Wood Leathers, natural vegetable-tanned (veg tan) leather and dyed through veg tan leather are among our most popular offerings. Known for their sustainability, durability, and versatility, these leathers are staples for artisans and leatherworkers worldwide.  In this blog, we’ll explore what makes these leathers special, their uses, and how they align with the growing demand for eco-conscious materials.  What is Natural Vegetable-Tanned Leather?  Natural Vegetable-tanned leather is crafted using a traditional process that submerges animal hides in natural tannin-rich solutions derived from plant materials. This creates a sustainable, biodegradable leather that offers exceptional durability and a beautiful, natural …

Read more