Handmade gifts are truly the best. Travis Minnie, a local leather artisan, has created a variety of handmade leather goods for folks for many years and I want to share one I had him make.
Every Christmas, I tend to choose one person to find a special gift for even though I’d love to give to many. My middle son and daughter-in-law recently moved to Montana and I knew the transition had been tough. She’s only ever known what it’s like to have her sisters and mom near so moving off to the Montana “wilderness” with no friends or family was a big change. She had been reading the book, Lonesome Dove, falling in love with the storyline and characters, expressing how she would it in a hardback version and that’s when it came to me.
One of the first “western” things I bought, years ago, was the Lonesome Dove book in a hardback. It was something I wanted as decor in my home after watching the movie. You might find it interesting that I have never read the book nor do I intend to. ha!
I reached out to, our friend, Travis of TBarM Leather Works. He hadn’t ever received this sort of request so, I think, he was excited about the challenge! I wanted him to be creative with it but I did ask for it to not be too flashy and to keep it classic and classy. Ohh look, I’m a poet and didn’t know it! Anyways, in just over a month, he sent me progress pics and I was impressed from the start. Even after seeing them, I was still blown away by the final piece.
Travis was amazing in getting this done in time for me to ship to Montana and I’m just tickled to share the final product. If you know me, you know I like to take vintage or dark & moody type photos. I took this out to my husband’s tack room and played around with it on his Robert Mitchell saddle and his leggins’ that he just recently retired.
If you want a great gift idea, consider a leather book cover for that bookworm’s favorite book! And if you need an excellent leather craftsman, I highly recommend Travis at T Bar M Custom Leather Works!
If you’re wondering if my daughter-in-law liked her gift, decide for yourself. She commented this on a post I shared on FB..”I am completely blown away by the talent and detail that went into this work of art. Aside from my engagement, this has to be the best gift I’ve ever gotten!” Oh, and she teared up when she opened it.
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