Italian Leather blog

June 18, 2009

Leather for Book Binding

Filed under: Gifts — Tags: , — admin @ 11:05 am

Book Binding with Leather

Books have always been a close part of a gentleman’s repertoire who view them as not merely vehicles for instruction, but as part of their daily life. Many different techniques have evolved to care for them, and the most precious books are honored with leather covers. Leather as a book binding material has always been reserved for those books which have a special meaning to a person, and few gifts are more appreciated than a beautifully leather bound book.

Over the years, the art of book binding with leather has evolved into a highly skilled process. Different patterns and means of embellishing books were developed along with the usage of various supplemental materials like gold on the edges. Parisian book binding has historically been the most prized form of book binding and connoisseurs hold that it has never been surpassed.

Advantages of Book Binding

The unique properties of leather make it ideal for bookbinding. Leather is truly one of the best protectors that never goes out of fashion. Durability, and it’s suppleness have long made it a choice for those who wish to give their precious books that additional touch.

Image Credit: ~Brenda-Starr~

Leather book binding

Leather book binding

Apart from some protection against the natural environment and temperature, leather also protects the book from the hardships it may face when it’s in your hands. Water spilling over it, or a fall to the floor can all spoil a book.

Leather books also make for great displays. Almost everyone has at one time or another seen a bible that looks as if it’s come down from the old Roman cathedrals themselves, and has wished to hold it and cherish it. Such is the power of splendidly bound books. They can turn anyone into a bibliophile.

Caring for leather bound books

Before leather bound books are shipped to you, they are treated with a solution that keeps them soft and supple for many months. During this time, it’s merely necessary to wipe them gently with a soft cloth. Ensure that your leather books aren’t tarnished by direct exposure to the rays of the sun as they might discolor. Other enemies of leather bound books are high temperatures and humidity. Little can be done to prevent what some people call “red rot” which is the slow but inevitable deterioration of leather. Oil application has not been found to be efficacious.

Summary

In conclusion, binding your books in exquisite leather can be one of the best gifts you make to yourself, and your book. With proper care, your treasure trove will last for decades of faithful service.

May 14, 2009

Leather Cell Phone Accessories

Filed under: Gifts — Tags: — admin @ 10:35 am

All about Leather Cell Phone accessories

Overview of the importance of the cell phone while conveying your image, as well as an understanding of which leather cell phone accessories to use.

What your phone says about you

Cell phones being as ubiquitous as they are, have come to represent a person’s personality – and predictably so. This is evinced by the fact that teenagers and other “hippy” types carry around brightly colored phones and the more serious people’s phones are somewhat sober. The same goes for leather cell phone accessories. Are you aware of what your phone says about you? If you’re reading this article, you probably are.

Good choices of phone that go with beautiful leather accessories are those that are slick and darkly colored – matching the color of the leather. Business phones like the Blackberry are examples of this type. The iPhone would have been a good choice, but it’s overall image is that of being trendy rather than professional.

Types of leather cell phone accessories

There are just two or three standard types of leather accessories for cell phones on the market. Let us take a look at them.

Leather Cell phone cases

Cell phone cases are certainly the most visible of all accessories. Moreover, they are absolutely necessary, and so while you will inevitable make a choice, you might as well make one that is stylish and representative of your personality and image. Cell phone cases come in two types – hip cases and those that you carry around in your pocket.

Hip cases are generally not recommended for those seeking sophistication. They give a sort of swashbuckling impression reminiscent of the cowboy – and while this is appropriate for certain types of people, not many can carry it off without seeming too aggressive and unsophisticated. Also, the exposed nature of the case makes it vulnerable to damage and scratches. And that certainly isn’t a good idea.

Pocket cases are the ones to go for – preferably one that’s kept in your breast pocket. Slick and elegant, they’re ideal for conveying just the right image you want. They can be brown or black or in between depending on your taste, but not any other color.

Cell phone chargers

These are also nifty accessories. Car chargers and regular cords don’t leave much for customization. But there are certain chargers on the market that can charge all your devices at once, and these can be very elegant. No one’s going to see it though, so it’s mainly for your own personal enjoyment – but the real man never does anything solely for others anyway!

Summary

Leather cell phone accessories are a simple, but effective way to convey the right impression. It’s also easy to go wrong, and therefore it’s worth a bit of money to make sure you come across in the way you want to come across – stylish and sophisticated.

May 12, 2009

Facts about Italian leather and fine leather accessories

Filed under: Gifts,Leather Wallets — Tags: , — admin @ 12:42 pm

“Awesome Italian leather”

There is much confusion about what Italian leather is, and why it is called the best in the world. While it is true that many types of the finest leather are created in Italy, there are other countries that produce exceptional leather as well.

What exactly Italian leather is, is also a matter of debate. Many factors can lead to a piece of leather being called Italian. Hides that are processed in Italy (though they originated elsewhere) can be called Italian leather. Also, some firms that are registered in Italy, call their products Italian leather though there may be no connection between the final product and Italy!

Great leather is largely determined by the quality of the rawhide – and that in turn depends on the health and the quality of the animal from whom the hide was taken. Most leather comes from cows, but much of the fine Italian leather is actually Ostrich hide.

Regardless of what the definition is, Italian leather has come to be synonymous with quality. So what are the qualities of this magical leather that is superior to all others?

Full Grain Leather

The skin of an animal is made up of several layers. The outermost layer of the hide is the strongest and the most beautiful. You can clearly see the grain of the skin and it is therefore called Full grain leather.

The best leather is always made of Full grain leather and it also the longest lasting. With proper treatment, it can be tough or soft depending on the use. As it ages, it acquires a lovely sheen that adds value to the object. It can be used in high end furniture and carefully crafted leather accessories.

No Markings

The best quality leather has no blemishes. Several factors such as injury can create marks on an animal’s skin that don’t affect it’s integrity, but takes away from it’s status as a perfect product. The finest Italian leather is always blemish free.

Accessories

These characteristics make Italian leather suitable for high end purposes. Let’s take a look at some of the applications they can be put to:

Wallets and Purses

Wallets and purses are ideally suited to fine Italian leather. This is because they are luxury items that can be taken care of, thus ensuring that the leather remains unblemished. They can be viewed as status symbols and only the finest Italian leather is worthy of being the best.

Shoes

Designer shoes that come from the best fashion houses are all made of genuine Italian leather. Once more, they are meant to be taken care of, otherwise they can get tarnished and spoiled.

High End Furniture

The best furniture can come covered with Italian leather to add to it’s luster and luxuriousness. You sometimes find antique furniture that is coated with quality leather and they are highly prized. Furniture is easier to take care of than shoes with regard to scratches, and so they are ideally suited for being adorned with Italian leather.

April 16, 2009

Leather accessories – 5 gift ideas for Fathers Day

Filed under: Gifts — admin @ 12:03 pm
One doesn’t usually think it necessary to get a gift for their father on Father’s day. Indeed, he may not even notice if you don’t. However, it’s a very touching gesture to let him know that you appreciate all the work he’s done in bringing you up and being an influence in your life. You’d never get a better opportunity to do this than on Father’s day.

Leather accessories are easily one of the best gifts to give your dad since you can be sure he would appreciate it. There are several choices of gifts and depending on what type of man your father is, you can choose the most appropriate gift. So here are a few ideas.

A Leather wallet

As cliched as it might sound, these never go out of fashion. It’s also one of those gifts that combine utility with beauty. You can be sure that his thoughts are never too far away from you if he’s carrying around your gift.

The type of wallet will vary depending on his taste and even his age. Older people like to keep their papers more organized and appreciate a more elongated wallet with greater room, like a pocket case. You can get one of those wallets with a dedicated plastic placeholder for a nice sized photograph as well.

A Leather golf bag

If your dad is the golfing sort, it’s hard to go wrong with a high quality leather golf bag for Father’s day. People who play golf are more apt to enjoy the finer things in life. A sleek leather golf bag to keep his clubs and other accessories in will make his play that much more enjoyable. He’ll also be able to brag to his buddies about his son’s gift!

Leather Watch box

A leather watch box is a little case which has indentations for safely storing a watch when not in use. They also have placeholders for other tiny accessories such as cuff links and rings. A very dinky box to have around. It allows a man to keep his important and precious belongings safe. It’s also very easy to travel with.

Leather Flask

Ideal for a long walk, or a train journey, a little curved leather bound flask will store a convenient amount of any liquid such as water, liquor, or a reviving swig of juice. Easy to transport, stylish and elegant, a leather flask is an excellent gift for the right person.

Leather Pen Holder

If your father likes to carry around his pens in different colors or with different types of nibs, then a sleek pen holder is an ideal and thoughtful gift for him. It will ensure that he is able to carry them safely without misplacing them. These cases are designed for easy access as well and so they are perfect for dedicated pen lovers.
These 5 gift ideas are just a small set of what you can actually give. With leather, there is no such thing as too much choice. So go and get set for Father’s day, and let your father know how much you care.

April 10, 2009

10 Leather Accessories Gift Ideas – For the man who loves leather

Filed under: Gifts — Tags: — admin @ 10:08 am
Giving gifts is always difficult, especially when you don’t know the person well. Sometimes however, even knowing a person doesn’t mean you know what they would appreciate. In these situations, find out what the man in question appreciates. If he likes leather, then here are some great gift ideas to make him jump with joy!

A leather diary

A genuine leather diary is a very tasteful gift to give to a leather lover. Along with the beautiful soft cover and the feel of the pages, a diary encourages a man to be communicative with himself. If you know that the person has a soft spot for the delicate things in life – pens, watches and reading, you can’t go wrong with a leather diary.

A leather passport holder

During times of travel, it’s nice to have all your stuff neatly arranged in a stylish leather case. For those tricky situations where you need to show your ID and keep your tickets from falling out, a leather passport holder shows how much thought has gone into the gift.

A leather luggage tag – with a coat of arms

To pander to a man’s ego, show him that you feel he’s special. You can custom engrave leather luggage tags with a stylish coat of arms to make him feel distinguished. Not many people will have their own laser engraved luggage tags!

A leather coaster set

A beautiful set of leather coasters – perhaps with a display case for them included lends a nice touch to the home of a man and shows his taste – customize them with a message for even better personalization.

Leather flowers

This might seem a bit odd, but leather flowers are actually very unique looking – a far cry from the plastic ones you find. They surprise the person who touches them with their velvety texture.

A leather wine holder

To enable a man to show off his wine collection with aplomb, gift him a leather wine holder that will enchant his guests and make him feel truly special.

Leather photo display

A stud glass photo display case with a leather base allows a man to showcase what’s important to him in a prominent place without seeming overly sentimental.

Leather Map

To complete the sophisticated image, nothing is more enchanting that a genuine leather map of the old world. Specially if there are other nautical items around!

Leather Bracelet

To add a dash of personalization for the unconventional man, a leather bracelet with a head of sterling silver always gets the desired effect. Stylish and extremely masculine, this is sure to remind him of you.

Leather Recipe holder

For a man who likes to make his own food, give him an easy and enchanting way to keep his recipes all together in one place. With a slick leather recipe holder, he will never be afraid of messing it up or losing his precious recipe cards.

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