Sharkskin Crossbody Bag — American Kestrel Hand-Painted Tassel

As featured in Western Art & Architecture Magazine.

Sharkskin leather is one of the rarest materials I work with. It's sourced in extremely limited quantities, costs significantly more than traditional hides, and has a texture and depth that simply cannot be replicated — a fine, tight grain with a quiet luster that shifts in the light. When I found this piece, I knew it had to become something exceptional.

The bag is lined in coordinating lamb leather — soft against the hand, structured enough to hold its shape. Every edge is hand-cut. Every stitch is sewn by me, by hand, in my Bozeman workshop.

The tassel is where this bag becomes art. I hand-cut each fringe and hand-painted the American Kestrel — the smallest bird of prey in North America, and one of Montana's most striking residents. The colors are drawn from the bird itself: russet, slate blue, and cream. The tassel attaches via a spring-gate O-ring and antler button, so it's fully removable if you prefer a cleaner look.

This is a one-of-a-kind piece. When it's gone, it's gone.

Details

• Genuine sharkskin leather exterior — rare, limited material
• Coordinating lamb leather lining
• Hand-cut, hand-painted American Kestrel fringe tassel
• Tassel attaches/detaches via spring-gate O-ring
• Antler button detail
• Adjustable leather strap with brass buckle
• Entirely hand-cut and hand-sewn by Jenny Keller
• 10" wide × 9.25" high × 2.5" deep
• Tassel: 15" long (removable)

On price: Sharkskin is one of the most expensive leathers available to independent makers. Combined with the hand-painted tassel — which alone represents hours of detailed work — this bag represents the upper range of what I make. It is built to last decades and to be genuinely unlike anything else you will ever carry.