3Ws – David Quilty

I make durable leather goods by hand for my company Quilty Co. It was something I was always interested in, this idea that one could take a raw “ingredient” and turn it into something tangible that would last a long time, so I started teaching myself using leather scraps from Michaels craft stores. Now I’ve got a full workshop and I make wallets, notebook covers, key holders, bracelets, and assorted other things and I am slowly growing the business.

I have always created, whether it was music in high school, movies in college, or by writing a blog for 8 years, so I guess it’s just there as a requirement for me. My mom is an artist, so I may have gotten that from her somewhat. As for my leather goods, I really strive to make something that someone can appreciate and keep for a long time, and know that it was made by a human and not a machine. So many goods we buy today are made by computers and machines, and they barely last long enough for us to pay off the purchase price. I wanted to offer a product that was made by hand, affordably priced, and would actually get better with age. Hopefully I am achieving that.

Quality. I know that sounds a little “open” but that’s what I look for in everything I read, watch, wear, eat, drink, and make. It doesn’t matter if whatever it is is not my cup of tea; if it’s done well, I’m interested. I’m a big fan of Tumblr for amazing inspiration (both life and work) and the new breed of “maker” magazines like Refueled and FOLK. I strive to spend as much time as I can outside, as nature is where it’s at for all things good in the world.