Just got word our hot stamp is in! That means the San Francisco mini clutch is ready to go, with the Etxe logo embossed on the back. Here's a look inside the storefront of Western Storex, where we are manufacturing our first product! They have everything you could possibly need for leather goods and their quality and craftsmanship is absolutely superb. I can't wait until you can hold the 100% top grain cowhide leather good in your own hands! Check it out on our online store here: http://shop.etxe.co/
wallet
Behind the Scenes: the San Francisco Wallet IS the J, L and N lines
in TRAVEL, IN THE STUDIO
The San Francisco wallet is not just any wallet. Besides being 100% Cowhide leather, handcrafted locally in the Bay Area and with an wrist strap you can clip around anything, it is also custom die cut.
When working with leather, it is best to cut using a cutting die. It basically cuts the leather out in one sharp slice, much like a cookie cutter cuts out cookie dough. Many leather manufacturers have dies in house, but we designed a specific die to create a wallet that is shaped like...the lines of the San Francisco Muni!
Yes, the Muni can be extremely annoying. And we've all heard stories of humor, hate and utter ridiculousness (if you haven't, read the Muni Diaries or my own bus drama here). But we still love it. It gets me from point A to point B, and sometimes then to point C and D. Living in San Francisco, I have a healthy transportation diet of Muni, Bart, foot, bike, cab, Lyft, Sidecar, Über...but Muni is often the connector. Or the one I debate the most--to wait for Muni or not to wait for Muni and walk in the same amount of time (yet, maybe up a steep hill after which you will be sweaty and still cold). That's living in SF.
My favorite line is the J. It is the prettiest ride (if you start up in Noe and go inbound). Whether I am taking it to meet friends in Dolores or going all the way to the Embarcadero, it is always a fun ride for me. It reminds me of a rollercoaster for some reason. Hence, the front flap of the San Francisco Wallet is the J line. See pattern development below:
The right edge of the wallet is effectively the T, which gets you to Giants' games and the Dog Patch. Then there's the K and the M, which, honestly, I have never taken, but take you to SF State and City College Main campus. The bottom pocket is the L line, which takes you to the zoo! And the top pocket is the N, which is my second favorite because it takes you through the Sunset to Ocean beach, my favorite lazy day ride. I usually walk back. See? Healthy transportation diet.
So there you have it, the San Francisco Wallet isn't only inspired by the public transportation and lifestyle of San Francisco, but it is literally modeled after it (to scale!).
The San Francisco Wallet is only available online here: http://etxe.tictail.com/
leather neurosis...
the Mission. May. 2013.
I've heard some things about SH Frank & Co., but it wasn't until this week that I actually went by. I followed all the rules (like ringing the bell, standing behind the stop line) and ended up spending some time making wallets with Larry.
He told me lots of things about leather and his die cut and his tools, but he also told me I wasn't allowed to ask questions, which was actually a nice practice for me as I am normally asking a ton of questions.
He showed me how to use all the tools (he sells a kit for around $120.00 that comes with everything you need), and told me the secret mix for that stuff you see that seals off the sides of leather (I tried to do it at home today, it is working quite well).
SH Frank & Co. has a good selection at pretty reasonable prices, but I'm still on the look out for what I need. It seems they get in new stuff often, so I'll be checking it out again soon.
The whole experience just confirmed my theory that people want to teach you things that they love and care about. If you are nice and personable, a whole new world will open up to you. (real) People respond to sincerity. Sometimes people are neurotic or seem strange, but deep down a person is a human being with life experience and creativity to share. Fake people may be easier to work with, but they usually don't know much nor have any kind of perspective.
SH Frank & Co.
3075 17th St
(between Treat Ave & Folsom St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 863-6244
Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am - 4 pm