From Hobby to Business: My Leatherworking Journey After Life-Changing Days in a Hospital Bed

Life can change in an instant. On November 16, 2016, I went to work as usual, but ten days later I woke up from an induced coma. What followed was eight months in a hospital bed—a time that reshaped my life in ways I never expected. During those long months, I made a list of things I wanted to try, things I had always dreamed of but never had the chance to explore. One of those things was making my own knives. That simple idea sparked a journey into leatherworking that grew from a small hobby into a thriving business.

Discovering Leatherworking in Recovery

While confined to a hospital bed, I had plenty of time to think and plan. Making knives was a new challenge I set for myself. After crafting two knives, I realized they needed leather sheaths for protection and style. I bought a small piece of vegetable-tanned leather and a basic set of leatherworking tools. With no prior experience, I made a couple of sheaths for my knives.

That was the moment I felt a spark. Someone saw my work and asked for a sheath for an old knife. From the leftover leather scraps, I created keyrings and credit card holders. These small projects gave me a sense of accomplishment and joy during a difficult time. I was hooked.

A new sheath for an old knife with lots of life left in it.

Experimenting and Growing Skills

Once I left the hospital, I continued to explore leatherworking. I started buying non-dyed vegetable-tanned hides, which gave me the freedom to experiment with dying leather myself. This hands-on approach allowed me to create unique colors and finishes tailored to my style.

I expanded my product range beyond sheaths and small accessories. Tote bags became a favorite project, combining practicality with craftsmanship. Each item was made with care, reflecting the patience and dedication I developed during recovery.

Key steps I took to improve my craft:

• Learning through trial and error: Each project taught me something new about leather quality, stitching, and finishing.

• Investing in better tools: Upgrading tools helped me work more efficiently and produce higher-quality items.

• Listening to customers: Requests for custom pieces pushed me to try new designs and techniques.

• Attending markets: Selling at local markets gave me direct feedback and helped build a community around my work.

  
  

A Custom made Tote bag.

Turning Passion into a Small Business

What started as a way to pass time in a hospital bed became a source of income and pride. The transition from hobbyist to business owner was gradual but steady. I focused on creating quality products that customers valued and enjoyed.

Building a small business required more than just crafting skills. I learned about pricing, sourcing materials, and managing orders. Social interactions at markets and word-of-mouth recommendations helped grow my customer base.

Some of the most rewarding moments came from making larger, custom pieces. Tote bags with intricate designs or personalized sheaths showed how leatherworking could combine function and art. Each project was a chance to push my limits and deliver something special.

What Leatherworking Taught Me

Leatherworking became more than a craft; it became a way to heal and rebuild my life. The process of shaping leather, dyeing it, and stitching pieces together mirrored my own journey of recovery. It taught me patience, focus, and the value of creating something with my own hands.

If you are facing challenges or looking for a new direction, trying a hands-on craft like leatherworking can be a powerful way to find purpose and joy. Starting small, experimenting, and embracing mistakes are part of the process.

A selection of products on display at a market.

Moving Forward

Today, the leatherworking business continues to grow. Each new project is a reminder of how far I have come since those days in the hospital bed. The journey from hobby to business was shaped by unexpected events, but it led to a fulfilling path.