Our story
About the Maker
After an award-winning graphic design career working with clients like the Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Natural History, Colleen Shea brings her considerable skills to the art of hand-crafted leather goods.
Colleen starts with the best sustainable materials and gives painstaking attention to every cut, stitch and burnished edge. Small, easily overlooked details elevate a piece from good to great. From the full grain, vegetable tanned leather to the meticulous hand stitching, her care and craftsmanship creates an heirloom quality piece that will last a lifetime.
Quality, simplicity and craftsmanship are the heart of Gus Leather Goods.
Why Gus Leather Goods?
Gus Leather Goods is named for my grandfather.
A hardworking, salt-of-the-earth coal miner from Central Pennsylvania. Gus had a hard life but never a hard word. He was the kindest, friendliest man I have ever known.
His nightly walks would be extended by chats with neighbors on his way for a quick beer at the local spot. Eventually my grandmother would venture off and gather him up (not from alcohol, but the hour) and his whereabouts would be betrayed by the sight of his dog Samantha waiting patiently outside the bar.
My grandfather taught me that it’s the simple things that matter most and we don’t always give them the attention they deserve. Gus Leather Goods honors my grandfather by honoring the simple things.
Materials Matter
Premium, full grain, vegetable-tanned leather is the only choice for my products. Full grain leather retains the original texture of the hide, it has not been sanded or buffed to remove blemishes, this results in a strong and durable leather. Using full grain leather results in a unique product that can withstand daily use and last a lifetime.
Vegetable tanning uses only all natural materials. It’s a more time consuming yet environmentally friendly process. Vegetable tanned leather develops a rich patina as it ages. The more you use it, the better it looks.
Each piece is hand saddle stitched using Ritza tiger thread, known for its superior durability and strength. It is a flat, lightly waxed, UV resistant polyester thread.