Help In Blue Handmade
In Blue Handmade is a woman-owned, living-wage certified leather-working team in Asheville, NC!
Project Description
In Blue Handmade is a woman-owned, living-wage certified team of artisans in Asheville, NC!
We make leather bags, wallets, guitar straps, and more. We reside in a large converted warehouse on Asheville's West side, where laughter mingles with the hum of sewing machines, and children and dogs add to the creative chaos. Here, our team of talented artisans come together, their hands crafting not just goods, but a future where fashion is fair, sustainable, and empowering.
At In Blue, we believe leather can be better.
Traditional leather tanning harms the environment, and regulations are loose on chemicals and conditions at both tanneries and farms where it is produced. This is a process we intend to flip on its back. This is where the DECLARE label comes in! The Declare label ensures the highest animal welfare standards for the farms we work with and the highest worker conditions for both farms and tanneries. It guarantees NO HARSH OR DAMAGING chemicals are used in the tanning process. This, coupled with state-of-the-art water filtration systems at the tanneries we work with, means we can introduce a FULLY CARBON-NEUTRAL tanning process to our raw materials. We can help pave the way to normalizing BETTER LEATHER.
The journey to better leather starts with you.
So, what challenges do we face in making our better leather dreams come true? Number one is purchasing this (rightfully so) more expensive leather and shipping this fully sustainable line to our warehouse! In order to convert all of our leathers to this fantastic standard, we need to order large quantities from our distributors in advance. This allows us to control the color and hand to these leathers and ensure we have enough to go around! This is a significant shift in our cash-flow process, and we are asking for help to get this done! We are good to go once the process is started, but in the meantime, we need to raise the funds to get this leather into production just for us. Traditional funding won't work for this; your typical bank does not care about eco-friendly leather. But we are hoping YOU, who share our passion for sustainable fashion, do care!
Our team is part of the better-leather chain.
Another challenge we face in this process is balancing these new bulk leather costs with the increasing living wage certification standards in Asheville for our ten local artisans. In Blue has been committed to meeting the rising living costs, but the rapid growth is hard for our small business. We are predominantly female-identifying, 100% LGBTQIA+, and many of our team members are parents. To make a colossal supply shift and meet these requirements simultaneously, we need a boost from folks who understand that living wages are the bare minimum.
Your donation, no matter the size, will make a HUGE difference to the amazing artisans who work here AND our customer base. It's about more than just the rewards we are offering (which include items not available online, working with us on custom creations, and more!) If we can meet our goal, we can ensure that our team continues to work at a place that matches their morals, that we are practicing what we preach, and that we are taking all the steps we can as a small business to make the world we sell in more equitable and environmentally friendly.
Thank you so much for your support, superstar!
We appreciate anything you can give or purchase. We know you work hard, and your donation means more than we can ever articulate. Have questions? Feel free to reach out! We're sending all of our love and energy to you; thanks for making our day better by checking out what we do! Sharing is caring, folks!
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
When will my reward arrive?
- Depends on the award! Some will be able to be sent as soon as this summer, others not until the fall!
What does living-wage certification mean?
- Living-wage certification varies significantly from county to county nationwide. According to JustEconomics in WNC, Asheville, NC, will rise from $20.50 an hour to over $22 an hour in 2024. We believe that our team deserves to work ONE job and comfortably pay for their rent and groceries. We insist on meeting these standards as the bare minimum for our team. Everyone deserves a life outside of work!
What is the DECLARE label for leather?
- The DECLARE label ensures the lowest eco-footprint possible with NO HARSH chemicals and meeting the highest standards of excellence in leather tanning. This means our distributor's tanning and farming processes meet the highest humane practices with the farms they work with and state-of-the-art water filtration systems and labor practices with the tanneries that work with these farms! We are so excited to introduce you to this leather!
Just Because I Care
Thank you so much for contributing! Get one of our amazing key fobs, with antique brass hardware, a beautiful antique brass snap, and gorgeous, eco-tanned leather!
What could make our best-selling medium waxed canvas pouch even better? A one-of-a-kind applique* from our amazing artisans! The little waxed canvas coin pouch is water resistant and made from our 20-oz heavy-duty waxed canvas. Unlined and raw, this is the perfect utility pouch! The zipper color may vary, but it will remain neutral with our awesome waxed canvas colors. The leather side pull is ideal for clipping to your favorite bag or keychain!
Medium Dimensions:
6 in wide, 4.75 in tall, about an inch deep
*You will not find these available for purchase anywhere, each pouch will be unique in color of canvas and style of applique, these one-of-a-kinds are a THANK YOU for helping us further our eco-journey!
These beauties are stainless steel, 6 oz flasks with an applique leather sleeve! You will not find these available for purchase anywhere, each pouch will be unique in color of canvas and style of applique, these one-of-a-kinds are a THANK YOU for helping us further our eco-journey!
Our classic journal, the OG that brought us into the leather game in the first place - applique style! You will not find these available for purchase anywhere, each pouch will be unique in color of canvas and style of applique, these one-of-a-kinds are a THANK YOU for helping us further our eco-journey!
Each journal is 100 pages, acid-free sketch paper, and 150 gsm weight. It is suitable for pen and light wet media. The journal is an A5 book (the internal refillable sketchbook is 5.8 in x 8.3 in), unlined (sorry, we do not have lined books right now), and made from recycled paper in a sustainable factory! These journals are refillable/replaceable. You can find this size refill at any local craft or book store, or contact us for more!
This is our Vintage strap! We love the racing stripes on these, adding an element of style. Our strap is available in our classic Mahogany, or we have added a new Dusty Blue colorway (shhhhh, it isn't available on our site!) as a THANK YOU for helping us further our eco-journey! Our straps are meant to travel, be used on the road, on stage, around a campfire, and at home. Each strap will also come with one of our classic card wallets, whether you need to stash your train pass or carry a few extra bills, our small leather wallet with card slots and money area is the perfect solution.
Guitar Strap info:
In Blue Handmade outfits many musicians, and we have been studying the use of our straps on tour for years.
We are currently offering a banjo strap modification. This modification changes the regular peg holes designed for acoustic and electric guitars to solid brass quick-release clips that clip right onto your banjo!
Our straps are not just about style; they're about you. Ranging from 40" to 50", we can customize the length to your preference. Need a longer strap? No problem. Prefer a wider shoulder pad? We've got you covered. Looking for a shorter strap? We can do that too. Your new partner in musical awesomeness is just a message away.
Wallet info:
Our card wallet is designed with practicality in mind. It's spacious enough to hold multiple cards and some cash, ensuring you always have your essentials on hand. Its simple pocket leather wallet design makes it a great fit for all.
You just cannot decide which one-of-a-kind applique to get. Do you want all three for your outstanding support? This fantastic package includes everything appliqued from above—pouch, flask, and journal!
You will not find these available for purchase anywhere, each pouch will be unique in color of canvas and style of applique, these one-of-a-kinds are a THANK YOU for helping us further our eco-journey!
Pouch info:
The little waxed canvas coin pouch is water resistant and made from our 20-oz heavy-duty waxed canvas. Unlined and raw, this is the perfect utility pouch! The zipper color may vary, but it will remain neutral with our awesome waxed canvas colors. The leather side pull is ideal for clipping to your favorite bag or keychain!
Medium Dimensions:
6 in wide, 4.75 in tall, about an inch deep
Flask info:
These beauties are stainless steel, 6 oz flasks with an applique leather sleeve!
Journal info:
Each journal is 100 pages, acid-free sketch paper, and 150 gsm weight. It is suitable for pen and light wet media. The journal is an A5 book (the internal refillable sketchbook is 5.8 in x 8.3 in), unlined (sorry, we do not have lined books right now), and made from recycled paper in a sustainable factory! These journals are refillable/replaceable. You can find this size refill at any local craft or book store, or contact us for more!
Like to live on the wild side? Let us create a mystery box for you! We will ensure there is one bag (any size, style, color—how exciting!) plus four of our leather or waxed canvas accessories. This means it could be fobs, tassels, wallets, pocketbooks, or waxed pouches—oh my!
Build a bag with us! You can choose any bag from our website as a base or chat with us about your dream bag! Choose from a few different shapes and applique designs, your choice of the printed lining (the sky is the limit—pick one we don’t currently offer!), tassel, and straps! This can be wild and colorful or streamlined and ultra-professional! Let us do what we do best and spend time creating your dream bag together!
WOW! We don't know how to thank you, but we will try!
This fantastic package includes:
- One eco-leather key fob
- Everything from our applique bundle - Pouch, Flask, and Journal! You will not find these available for purchase anywhere, each pouch will be unique in color of canvas and style of applique, these one-of-a-kinds are a THANK YOU for helping us further our eco-journey!
- One custom bag of your choice, built with and for you. You choose everything, and if we can do it, we will!
Design your own package—want something other than a custom bag? That's okay! We are happy to build out the reward of your dreams with you. Your support will help us keep our dream alive! If you choose this package, we will be in touch to discuss all of your options! Have ideas? Hit us up!
Rewards
Just Because I Care
Thank you so much for contributing! Get one of our amazing key fobs, with antique brass hardware, a beautiful antique brass snap, and gorgeous, eco-tanned leather!
What could make our best-selling medium waxed canvas pouch even better? A one-of-a-kind applique* from our amazing artisans! The little waxed canvas coin pouch is water resistant and made from our 20-oz heavy-duty waxed canvas. Unlined and raw, this is the perfect utility pouch! The zipper color may vary, but it will remain neutral with our awesome waxed canvas colors. The leather side pull is ideal for clipping to your favorite bag or keychain!
Medium Dimensions:
6 in wide, 4.75 in tall, about an inch deep
*You will not find these available for purchase anywhere, each pouch will be unique in color of canvas and style of applique, these one-of-a-kinds are a THANK YOU for helping us further our eco-journey!
These beauties are stainless steel, 6 oz flasks with an applique leather sleeve! You will not find these available for purchase anywhere, each pouch will be unique in color of canvas and style of applique, these one-of-a-kinds are a THANK YOU for helping us further our eco-journey!
Our classic journal, the OG that brought us into the leather game in the first place - applique style! You will not find these available for purchase anywhere, each pouch will be unique in color of canvas and style of applique, these one-of-a-kinds are a THANK YOU for helping us further our eco-journey!
Each journal is 100 pages, acid-free sketch paper, and 150 gsm weight. It is suitable for pen and light wet media. The journal is an A5 book (the internal refillable sketchbook is 5.8 in x 8.3 in), unlined (sorry, we do not have lined books right now), and made from recycled paper in a sustainable factory! These journals are refillable/replaceable. You can find this size refill at any local craft or book store, or contact us for more!
This is our Vintage strap! We love the racing stripes on these, adding an element of style. Our strap is available in our classic Mahogany, or we have added a new Dusty Blue colorway (shhhhh, it isn't available on our site!) as a THANK YOU for helping us further our eco-journey! Our straps are meant to travel, be used on the road, on stage, around a campfire, and at home. Each strap will also come with one of our classic card wallets, whether you need to stash your train pass or carry a few extra bills, our small leather wallet with card slots and money area is the perfect solution.
Guitar Strap info:
In Blue Handmade outfits many musicians, and we have been studying the use of our straps on tour for years.
We are currently offering a banjo strap modification. This modification changes the regular peg holes designed for acoustic and electric guitars to solid brass quick-release clips that clip right onto your banjo!
Our straps are not just about style; they're about you. Ranging from 40" to 50", we can customize the length to your preference. Need a longer strap? No problem. Prefer a wider shoulder pad? We've got you covered. Looking for a shorter strap? We can do that too. Your new partner in musical awesomeness is just a message away.
Wallet info:
Our card wallet is designed with practicality in mind. It's spacious enough to hold multiple cards and some cash, ensuring you always have your essentials on hand. Its simple pocket leather wallet design makes it a great fit for all.
You just cannot decide which one-of-a-kind applique to get. Do you want all three for your outstanding support? This fantastic package includes everything appliqued from above—pouch, flask, and journal!
You will not find these available for purchase anywhere, each pouch will be unique in color of canvas and style of applique, these one-of-a-kinds are a THANK YOU for helping us further our eco-journey!
Pouch info:
The little waxed canvas coin pouch is water resistant and made from our 20-oz heavy-duty waxed canvas. Unlined and raw, this is the perfect utility pouch! The zipper color may vary, but it will remain neutral with our awesome waxed canvas colors. The leather side pull is ideal for clipping to your favorite bag or keychain!
Medium Dimensions:
6 in wide, 4.75 in tall, about an inch deep
Flask info:
These beauties are stainless steel, 6 oz flasks with an applique leather sleeve!
Journal info:
Each journal is 100 pages, acid-free sketch paper, and 150 gsm weight. It is suitable for pen and light wet media. The journal is an A5 book (the internal refillable sketchbook is 5.8 in x 8.3 in), unlined (sorry, we do not have lined books right now), and made from recycled paper in a sustainable factory! These journals are refillable/replaceable. You can find this size refill at any local craft or book store, or contact us for more!
Like to live on the wild side? Let us create a mystery box for you! We will ensure there is one bag (any size, style, color—how exciting!) plus four of our leather or waxed canvas accessories. This means it could be fobs, tassels, wallets, pocketbooks, or waxed pouches—oh my!
Build a bag with us! You can choose any bag from our website as a base or chat with us about your dream bag! Choose from a few different shapes and applique designs, your choice of the printed lining (the sky is the limit—pick one we don’t currently offer!), tassel, and straps! This can be wild and colorful or streamlined and ultra-professional! Let us do what we do best and spend time creating your dream bag together!
WOW! We don't know how to thank you, but we will try!
This fantastic package includes:
- One eco-leather key fob
- Everything from our applique bundle - Pouch, Flask, and Journal! You will not find these available for purchase anywhere, each pouch will be unique in color of canvas and style of applique, these one-of-a-kinds are a THANK YOU for helping us further our eco-journey!
- One custom bag of your choice, built with and for you. You choose everything, and if we can do it, we will!
Design your own package—want something other than a custom bag? That's okay! We are happy to build out the reward of your dreams with you. Your support will help us keep our dream alive! If you choose this package, we will be in touch to discuss all of your options! Have ideas? Hit us up!