Custom Handcarved Handtooled Leather Items
Prince Custom Leather began as a desire to work with the things I love most, which is my family and our horses. If you are a horse lover too, you know if you have horses, you must have saddles and tack - and sometimes things break or simply wear out. Since I am a "do it yourselfer", I set out to learn how to repair my equipment. From that came my desire to learn the art of hand carving and tooling my own things; and from there it led to family and friends requesting that I make something for them or fix something that was broken. Thus my business began.
It was an honor to make this
custom guitar strap for Zac Brown in 2010.
I specialize in handcarved and handtooled western leather goods and custom made leather goods. I can also do other types of custom made leather goods such as motorcycle/biker items. If you have a specific item in mind, send me an email and we'll discuss your idea.
I use #1 veg tanned leather for my projects and all the items are hand cut. I do not use pre-assembled kits. I do all the work myself, from the cutting, carving and handtooling to the dying or staining and the completion of the finished product which can be either hand sewn or laced. I make a high-quality product which will last for years to come.
My work is unique and no two items will be exactly alike as they are all made one item at a time. Variations in the leather such as wrinkles, scratches or brand marks all are conditions of natural leather and add character to each piece; however, the durability and quality of the leather is without question.
My craftsmanship is guaranteed and I stand behind my work. If any item is found unsatisfactory due to workmanship, please return it within 7 days, (less s&h) and I will repair or replace the item or refund the purchase price. Since I custom make all the items, I have decided to work one on one with my customers as far as ordering and payment arrangements, so please email or call me and we will discuss your idea/project.
and actively practicing creating leatherwork for 19 years. I continually study and create in order to master my craft. I am blessed to be able to create items for people to use and enjoy for generations to come. I am a long standing presenting folk artist and member of the Village of Yesteryear at the NC State Fair in Raleigh since 2019.
It brings me joy to interact with customers who then return with their family and friends to share with me the pleasure that their items bring to them.
I have been traveling to craft shows, music festivals, art shows and fairs throughout the years demonstrating the art of leatherwork and selling items I've made. I have entered juried shows and won 4th place Honorable Mention at the Lexington BBQ festival in 2013. I am a 2-time recipient of the North Carolina Arts Council - Artist Support Grant through the North Carolina Arts Council in 2021-2022 and 2023-2024.
I am a long standing presenting folk artist at the Hiddenite Center's Celebration of the Arts and The Heritage Fair since 2006. I am also a presenting artist in the Folk Life tent at MerleFest in Wilkesboro, NC and have done so since 2010. I hand make a variety of items such as Bible covers, journals, wedding and photo albums, binders & cases, belts, wallets, guitar straps, rodeo & drill team chaps, leather jewelry and much more. I also custom make items as requested.
"The Hiddenite Arts Heritage Center announced that Yolanda Prince is the winner from Alexander County of funding through grant requests for the 2023 NC Art Council Artist Support Grant. Prince is a leather worker and traditional artist. The ability to create beautiful and useful items from leather by hand is becoming a lost art. The art of leather work dates back to the earliest known civilizations in Europe and also in North American Indian culture and the original colonists. Prince has been creating leather items for 19 years in her leather shop. Her desire to learn the art of carving and tooling onto leather started by signing up for a belt-making class through the Hiddenite Center many years ago. She arranged private lessons with Mike Lowe and continued to study and master her craft. Lowe became her mentor and friend and the art of leather working became passion. Her business, Prince Custom Leather, has been traveling to craft shows, music festivals, art shows, and fairs for many years. As a long-standing presenter at the Hiddenite Celebration of the Arts, NC Heritage Fair, Rockyfest Heritage Pavillion, Merlefest, and the Villages of Yesteryear at the NC State Fair, Prince takes time to educate people of all ages and share her love of creating practical items and art using leather. Among items she creates and sells are jewelry, watches, chaps, wallets, belts, cellphone cases, Bible covers, journals, gun holsters, gun cases, spur straps, and guitar, mandolin, and dobro straps. She also does saddle and tack repairs and custom motorcycle seats. Prince plans to use the funding to expand her equipment to make more unique and customized leather products.
To learn more or to place an order, visit princecustomleather. com."
“A group of artisans showing each year at the NC State Fair. Preserving art of the past for generations of the future.”
I'd love to hear from you!
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