Hi, I do! My name is Beth and I am the artist, designer and owner behind 1974. Thanks for stopping by and your interest in 1974 leather goods. Read more about me here.

10 years ago I happened upon some leather scraps while I was out buying other art supplies. I loved the raw edges, markings and textures. I took those scraps and just started making things. Even without the proper leather working tools, patterns or general knowledge. It was free form, organic. Off the cuff. Just letting my creativity flow… Nothing stopped me as I forged ahead. Over time, experience has led to more knowledge in the craft. Refining processes without relinquishing the original, rustic aesthetic. A journey of pure heart and discovery that never disappoints. I’m an artist and leather is my medium.

I am inspired by the shapes, organic textures, brand markings, scars and other rustic bits on any veg tan hide I get. Those pieces will be used before the interior portions because they are where the beauty and the story lies. Up until recently, I never sketched ideas, I just let the leather tell me what to make. Now, I blend the two approaches. Each piece is distinctively designed, hand cut (no die cutting or cricuts here), hand punched, hand stitched and hand finished by my two hands. I’m in the process of battling a learning curve with an industrial sewing machine as I’ve hand stitched for 10 years, but even when they eventually are machine stitched, they will still be detailed and hand finished by me.

I am currently not taking custom orders. If you would like a leather color you do not see, please reach out as I can most likely help with that.

All products are currently sold online only via this website. I will occasionally do a local festival or pop up shop, so please follow on social for updates or subscribe to the 1974 email list below.

I would love for 1974 to be represented in boutique hotels, spas and other luxury shopping experiences. Please inquire here for wholesale/consignment options. I also offer wholesale direct via my sister shop, Ginkgo Leather > shop on Faire. It's a bit different vibe - upcycled leather goods with a bohemian vibe, but still the same quality as you would find here. If you're interested in client gifting, I do offer volume discounts. Please inquire and check out this blog post.

Only on my products if they should need it. Out of ten years, I’ve only had to restitch one of my earlier made card holders. I try my best to make them super solid while infusing love and care in each piece and every detail. Should you need a piece tended to, please reach out via the contact form. 

I occasionally do. It’s always best to watch my social pages for this type of event. If you are looking for donated scraps to use at your school, art camps and such, please reach out as I do this often as well.

Absolutely. Just list their info in the shipping section. There is also a section for order notes… so please also list there or send me an email and I will put extra love into it for you.

I am no longer doing these types of projects because it never failed, every time I would pull leather away from the lining (be it a skirt or a jacket, etc) or even a couch frame, the leather was almost too thin to do much with. It’s a lengthy process to pull apart a piece and then reconfigure it into something new. It doesn’t really produce the desired effect you may be hoping for. On rare occasions, it does work out well. My best suggestion is to seek out your local maker community and ask if anyone is an upcycler and specializes in using old materials and giving them new functionality and life.

Please reach out with more information. I will consider all requests. :)