{"title":"Bargains and Prototypes","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0685\/5665\/2598\/files\/Learning_Moments_Image_-_Bargains_and_Prototypes.png?v=1782059154\" alt=\"\" width=\"295\" height=\"161\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis section is all about scoring a deal on something that may not fit our usual standards.  It may be a prototype of a new design, where we learned some valuable lessons about how to make it better next time.  Or it might be something that just didn't come together as expected - the stitching may have been a little off, or the edges didn't line up properly, or any number of other nitpicky things. And sometimes the get halfway through a project and notice a blemish in the leather that we didn't catch when cutting out the pieces.  Leather is a natural material and there are always going to be blemishes, but we try to work around the ones that may look too rough.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will do our best to disclose the \"features\" which caused us to place each item in this section, so you'll know exactly what to expect.  We are selling all of these items extremely discounted because of this...many time just covering our materials costs.  So we really can't offer refunds on these.  We hope you understand. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut, the good thing here is these items are still fully functional and should still last a long time because they are still high quality leathers and materials.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's a win-win really - you get a unique, handcrafted piece at a bargain price, and we get to cover our expenses to help us make a better piece next time. \u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"handmade-blue-leather-tote-bag-purse","title":"Handmade Blue Leather Tote Bag \/ Purse (prototype)","description":"\u003cp\u003eHandmade blue leather tote bag\/purse, made from top\/full grain leather from the Tannery Row in Chicago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis leather is incredibly soft to the touch, while still being very sturdy and durable. The interior had been lined with brown suede, and the tote handles are vegetable tanned Horween leather. The exterior has 1 small pocket, and the interior has 2 pockets - all pockets are also lined with brown suede. The handles are attached with antique brass rivets and have leather \"washers\" on the inside for added stability (shown in pictures).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs this is a natural product, leather can sometimes have minor blemishes, which adds to the natural character. This is a one-of-a-kind piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize of the bag is roughly 16\" tall (excluding handles) x 14-1\/2\" wide. Handles have a roughly 13\" drop, so carrying as a tote bag or over the shoulder is very easy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReason this is a bargain:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSelling at a discount because this was a prototype and learning project.  The pocket on the outside is a little small for my liking, and you'll notice all our newer tote bags have larger pockets.  The overall size is also fairly large, so it makes the bag a little on the heavier side.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43941279432758,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0685\/5665\/2598\/files\/1e07f96c-il_fullxfull.6703231440_s60a.jpg?v=1753749351"},{"product_id":"handmade-minimalist-leather-card-sleeve-or-wallet-brown-with-brown-suede-lining-machine-stitched-prototype","title":"Handmade Minimalist Leather Card Sleeve or Wallet, Brown with brown suede lining, Machine-Stitched (prototype)","description":"\u003cp\u003eHandcrafted minimalist card sleeve or wallet made from brown, chrome-tanned, full-grain cowhide leather and brown pigskin suede liner. Machine stitched with bonded-nylon thread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis item is being sold at a lower price as this was a prototype version. As this is a natural product, leather can sometimes have minor blemishes, which adds to the natural character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions are approximately 4.25” x 3”\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43941282054198,"sku":"2025-014","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0685\/5665\/2598\/files\/1114e4e6-il_fullxfull.6924864710_c8zg.jpg?v=1753749363"},{"product_id":"handmade-minimalist-leather-wallet-horween-leather-english-tan-hand-stitched-prototype","title":"Handmade Minimalist Leather Wallet, Horween Leather, English Tan, Hand Stitched (prototype)","description":"\u003cp\u003eHandcrafted and hand stitched minimalist wallet made from vegetable tanned Horween leather (specifically Dublin, in English Tan color) from the Tannery Row in Chicago. This leather will patina and darken beautifully with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe exterior has 3 card slots, and the side opens for folded cash or additional cards. Thread used is high durability Ritza Tiger .8mm waxed-polyester thread. Exterior edges hand dyed black and burnished to seal edges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis item is being sold at a lower price as this was a prototype version, but being Horween leather, it will still age and patina beautifully. As this is a natural product, leather can sometimes have minor blemishes, which adds to the natural character. This is a one-of-a-kind piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions are approximately 4.24” x 3”\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43941282086966,"sku":"2025-013","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0685\/5665\/2598\/files\/b73028f8-il_fullxfull.6924827922_jjwh.jpg?v=1753749359"},{"product_id":"foldover-and-snap-wallet-horween-english-tan-leather","title":"Bi-fold Wallet with coin pouch - Horween English Tan leather (prototype)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCrafted from exquisite Horween English Tan Dublin leather, this bi-fold wallet epitomizes timeless elegance. Its minimalist design features a refined coin pouch and carefully constructed slots for two easy-access cards, two hidden pockets for additional stacked cards, alongside a generous cash pocket. Each detail is hand-stitched with Ritza Tiger waxed thread, showcasing an artistry that elevates functionality to a luxurious experience.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReason this is a bargain:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a prototype.  In fact, it's a pretty good piece, but it was an early wallet build, so we were still learning.  Some edges don't line up as well as we would have liked, but they are all finished edges and will stand the test of time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44292484399158,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0685\/5665\/2598\/files\/317590CE-195E-4767-B6BF-5C09160C0960.jpg?v=1773365824"},{"product_id":"rustic-valet-tray-wood-and-leather","title":"Rustic Valet Tray - wood and leather","description":"","brand":"The Board Room, Ink, and Fortissimo Leather Goods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44393431957558,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0685\/5665\/2598\/files\/1E7EF8BF-4FF3-4EFB-8455-CB594A3F4E0B.jpg?v=1764821961"},{"product_id":"dual-zipper-crossbody-bag-horween-leather-prototype","title":"Dual-zipper crossbody bag - Horween leather (prototype)","description":"\u003cp\u003eCarry essentials in style with this classic crossbody bag, designed for everyday functionality. Two spacious zippered main pouches offer secure storage, while a magnetic center pouch provides quick access to keys, phone, or other frequently needed items. Crafted from premium Horween ChromeExcel leather in rich dark brown with warm golden undertones, this bag develops character and patina with age. The adjustable crossbody strap distributes weight comfortably, making it ideal for hands-free wear throughout your day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: approximately 12\" x 8'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReason this is a bargain:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a prototype of a pattern using a construction I have not done before this one.  (This is modeled after a Springbok Leather design, but I created my own pattern for this and made a few adjustments to the strap, size, and zipper.) The zippers were a little too long so the tail ends don't lay quite as flat as they should - they still function perfectly well, but there is a small ripple near the tail of the zipper.  \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Board Room, Ink, and Fortissimo Leather Goods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46640880812086,"sku":null,"price":95.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0685\/5665\/2598\/files\/FA007124-9C78-48F0-B487-697A20A53CE3.jpg?v=1782063811"},{"product_id":"sling-bag-crossbody-bag-horween-leather-prototype","title":"Sling bag \/ Crossbody bag - Horween leather (prototype)","description":"\u003cp\u003eCarry just your essentials in style with this classic crossbody bag, designed for those times your only want to carry the basics. One main pouch with a snap closure at the top for the larger items, and open pocket for those fast-grab items like your phone to catch those great concert moments, and a secure zippered pouch for the critical items like your ID, cards, or cash. Crafted from premium Horween Rio Montblanc leather in medium natural\/golden color, this bag will go with just about every outfit. Inside, everything is lined with a luscious tab calfskin.  The adjustable crossbody strap is in a cotton webbing, to help keep this light and airy on those hot days. Great for hands-free wear throughout your day, whether that involves a concert festival, travel, hiking, or just a day in the park. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: approximately 8\" x 5 \"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReason this is a bargain:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a prototype of a pattern designed by us, inspired by a bag I saw out in the wild one day.  There are a few flaws with this one, so it's highly discounted!  :-(  The stitching is a little uneven in spots (my machine was giving me fits that day...it happens) and it's especially noticeable at the top D-ring holder, but luckily the worst parts are only on the inside and not visible on the outside.  Also, the lining on the middle pocket didn't glue very well to the leather, so it separates slightly, but it's also stitched down so it won't come apart fully.  Overall, I just wasn't happy with lining this leather - it's makes for a slightly stiff bag, which I know will soften over time, but still...when you're not happy with something, it's just hard to get past that.  I plan on making more of these designs, with some adjustments from these \"learning moments\" because I think there's value to the functional design here.  \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Board Room, Ink, and Fortissimo Leather Goods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46641255841846,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0685\/5665\/2598\/files\/1A7062CB-292F-43E1-BFED-614A83188C34.jpg?v=1782070753"},{"product_id":"oversized-leather-wallet-with-zippered-removable-pouch-bargain","title":"Oversized Leather Wallet - with zippered removable pouch (bargain)","description":"\u003cp\u003eOversized wallet designed to keep your purse or large bag organized. Features a matching zippered pouch for additional convenient storage. Handcrafted leather construction. Perfect for consolidating cards, cash, and essentials in one stylish duo. 100% hand stitched using Ritza Tiger waxed thread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMade of Horween Dublin Leather in English Tan, and lined with silky calfskin, this item is both sturdy and luxurious.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: approximately 5\" x 3.5\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReason this is a bargain item: \u003c\/strong\u003eThis leather was a little too thick and when I added the lining it became too rigid for my liking.  Plus, the additional zippered pouch should be able to insert within the larger pouch, which it technically can, but it's so stiff it can't close with that inside. Lastly, the zipper tail didn't sit inside the coin pouch as I wanted it to.  Too bad, because it's really good leather, so I was bummed with how I executed this one.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fortissimoleather.boardroomink.com\/products\/oversized-leather-wallet-with-zippered-removable-pouch\"\u003eThis version turned out better\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46641796907062,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0685\/5665\/2598\/files\/69049D53-2902-45CE-910B-2D861C07D5C5.jpg?v=1782075285"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0685\/5665\/2598\/collections\/Learning_Moments_Image_-_Bargains_and_Prototypes.png?v=1782059189","url":"https:\/\/fortissimoleather.boardroomink.com\/collections\/bargains-and-prototypes.oembed","provider":"The Board Room, Ink, and Fortissimo Leather Goods","version":"1.0","type":"link"}