Custom Leather Expressions

    Turn Your Deer Hide into a Conversation Piece

About Us

     Our tanner first began tanning deer hides over 15 years ago as a hobby, starting in a 1-bedroom apartment.  As you can imagine, he had pots and pans everywhere, deer hair on the furniture, and tools from one end to the other.  There were fleshing beams used for fleshing, garbage bins full of deer hides soaking in mixtures, contraptions used for stretching and working hides, oils, relaxers, salt, and the list goes on.  Not even close to a typical bachelor pad.  A far cry from modern tanning facilities of today, but was able to produce a variety of rugs and leathers.  Not all of the rugs came out exactly as planned, but it didn't matter, because it came from something he had harvested and it was something he had produced and was proud of.  He kind of felt sorry for his family early on as they were the benefactors of his trials and tribulations via Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, etc.  Practice makes perfect. Eventually he did get better. Oh how soft the leather was, he was truly amazed with the finished product.  Tough, durable, comfortable, soft, pliable. It was hard work and fun to produce something from a harvest.  Each hide had a story to tell, each piece of leather a distinct memory and he was ready to tell the story and could always relive the memory. 

     Over time, numerous people have asked to have their hides tanned and various items made from them.  It occurred to us that people have limited access to this type of service or know where to go.  They could sometimes turn their hides in and maybe exchange them for a pair of gloves or cash.  But, what if they could get a rug made... or a pair of choppers, a gun case, a pillow, a duffle bag, an artistic wall hanging, a knife sheath, an ammo bag, a jacket, a vest, slippers, chaps, or moccasins made from their deer skins?  As you can see, the list can be endless. 

Hence, Custom Leather Expressions was created.                                                                  
     Our tanner continues to tinker with tanning different deer hides at home on a limited basis.  With a loving wife and 2 little ones running around at home, he finds very little time to devote to properly tan hides these days.  With so many variables that can affect a finished product, it is critical to utilize modern technologies.  

     To ensure top notch service, top quality products, economical, more environmentally friendly, we utilize  tanneries that uphold the highest standards for a finished leather product.  The higher quality of leather produced means a higher quality product is produced.  Going through the pain, the trial and errors early on has taught us what to look for.  

     Once the leather comes back from the tannery and is inspected and meets our approval, we send it to one individual seamstress; not a workshop where things are mass-produced.  We have worked with this individual for some time now and believe she is the most detailed person on the earth.  Her attention to detail is second to none, her desire for perfection borders on....well you get the picture.  She also has specialized in wedding apparel and other sewing creations.  She has studied under Ethel Frank (Designer for the Smothers Brothers) and she has been in business for over 30 years.

     Whether you are looking to travel back in time to a "Trapper's Rendezvous or Reinactment" or are looking for something stylish and unique, or just want a rug made from your deerskins, Custom Leather Expressions is an Internet-based clothing and accessory retailer that understands the value of offering you the best.

     Our online store means that our overhead costs are low. Turn your deer hide into a conversation piece. We are able to spend more time with our customers designing what they want, offering unbeatable customer service, and we spend less time worrying about overhead costs. Because we are a smaller company than major retail chains, we have the freedom to oversee the whole process from start to finish ensuring nothing but the best quality.  We strive for 100% customer satisfaction. We don't purchase anything that is out-of-date or of lower quality. We believe that everyone should have a story to tell and should turn their deer hide into a something they will cherish forever.

     Our unique line of products come from deer hides furnished by our customers  and select suppliers that meet the highest standards possible.  We insist that our designers and tailors use only the finest eco-friendly materials that allow our customers to show off their inimitable style with a clear conscience. Our small staff ensures that all our customers will be treated with the utmost respect and care any time they contact us. To us, every customer counts!

     Our goal is to provide every customer with the best shopping experience possible. Shop with confidence. Because many of our products are custom made to order, we have decided not to have a shopping cart on this site.  We can gladly take your information over the phone, guaranteeing a safe, convenient way to shop. Credit card information is safe and secure, and, we NEVER share personal information with any third-party vendors. What does this all mean? You can count on Custom Leather Expressions for a safe, hassle-free shopping experience...every time!

CALL 715 378-2181 TO ORDER TODAY