possala wang

About PossalaDesigns

The creator and maker behind Possala Designs is Possala Wang, a Cantonese-Vietnamese-American from Atlanta, Georgia now living in Asturias, Spain. The leathercrafting journey began in 2019 in Madrid, Spain when she needed to repair her downhill longboarding suit and it was difficult finding someone who was able to. Broken seams were reconnected and holes were patched up using very basic tools. Thanks to family, one who is a collector of hobbies, they happened to have some leathercraft tools and leather that they had lent out. After some research, it took only a moment to understand how to use the borrowed tools for the repair work, which soon led to creating things.

The biggest influence which formed the foundation of the hand work was a family member who is a seamstress by trade. She saw potential in her at the age of 13 after witnessing the first hand sewed bag made from hand-me-down-denims. For years, Possala studied under her and practicing handiwork by reknitting sweaters, fine detail beadwork and other handy repairs when she was not studying for her Biology degree or longboarding across the United States. The years spent illustrating since before pre-school combined with the hand sewing experience later in life could be seen in her work and how quickly she learned.

What inspired Possala Designs?

Possala Designs was founded initially as a mode of expression, which later pivoted to bring focus on slow-made and well designed goods which are tailored to the client and crafted to wear well. Fast fashion is completely unsustainable and causes large-scale damage to our planet. We all need to do our part and support more sustainable practices. Materials and supplies used for Possala Designs are purchased from like-minded businesses. All of the items made under Possala Designs is 100% designed, crafted and handled by a single individual from the materials raw form to ensure a high quality product.

With each client, the entire process is very transparent and updates of their custom item being built are provided during important milestones. It is a much more satisfying relationship and outcome when both parties work together to bring an idea into reality. You bring the need, want, or idea and I will do what I can to bring it to life.

Over time, some machines have been acquired to help streamline the crafting process. Some of these machines are powered with electricity, such as a bell skiver, sewing machine and hot stamping machine. These machines are hand operated and require their own learning curve to use properly. The sewing machine works well to quickly prototype functional pieces and provide a less-labor intensive option. However, saddle stitching is still the preferred construction. As a single person behind this independent brand, hours are constantly being juggled between administrative work, social media, and actual leatherwork along with maintaining a healthy mental and physical life. Every day is a balancing act of priorities.

Para hacer las cosas bien es necessario: primero el amor, segundo la tecnica. - Antonio Gaudí.

To do things well, it is necessary to: first the passion, second the technique.

My workshop, taller in Spanish or atelier in French, is currently a dedicated room in our house in Asturias, Spain. We moved from our Madrid Apartment in October 2022.

Handmade vegetable tanned wallet in the process of being built.

Threads I often reach for and the hot stamping machine for logos and initials.

Some of my most used leathers. I prefer to work with vegetable tanned leathers.

 

Why buy handmade or handcrafted goods?

When you buy a handmade or handcrafted item, you buy a unique piece that is created by someone with a passion for what they do, and who would spend hours getting it just right. Buying a handmade item from a small maker also supports their work, by compensating the skills and the time spent to make it. Your purchase will be re-invested into my small business to purchase more materials and providing workshop upgrades. When you purchase from me, you purchase a well made piece from high quality materials. I have a selection of sustainably conscious leathers that range from soft and supple hand feel to durable and glossy Shell Cordovan.

One of the biggest perks when choosing to go with a small maker is that I am able to create a personalized piece unique to you. I do my best to work within your budget, but I will not cut corners and will provide my informed opinion. I will happily provide guidance where needed.

possala designs handmade artisan handcraft

Bespoke Leather Goods

Have a custom project in mind and want guidance on how to bring it to life? Seeking a particular color, size, or design? Reach out for a consultation.

Environmentally Responsible

Sustainability is very important to me and I do my best to stay informed on where my materials are sourced. All of my leathers used are by-products of the meat industry and come from tanneries who follow environmental guidelines in reducing their impact on the environment from their industrial practices. These materials are reused and repurposed to bring new life that would otherwise end in a landfill.

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The Craftswomanship

All items from PossalaDesigns are made by hand and created with great care and focus on details. While I do have some valuable machines that help me in my work such as my heat press for logo stamping, every piece is hand cut, hand glued, hand assembled, handstitched and finished by hand. There is not a single step where the item leaves my small workshop except when it is finished and on its way to you.

  • Sewing is done by saddle stitching, a traditional method of hand stitching with a single run of thread and two needles that creates an individual knot with each stitch.
  • Color-lasting thread are hand-waxed to ensure longevity.
  • Edges are aesthetically marked and then sealed with either a specialty paint or a burnish. Both methods end with a final buffing of wax.

The Materials

Leathergoods are only as good as the materials used. Because I spend much of my time crafting each piece, I would want nothing but the best. I primarily work with vegetable tanned and some mineral-tanned leather from trusted tanneries in Spain, Italy, France and Japan. These leathers are picked for their quality, hand feel, durability, and appearance. These Tanneries are trusted and certified for their quality and innovation as companies to prioritize the environment in waste reduction, reuse of water, and recycling with a guarantee in compliance with sustainability. Many of these tanneries are multiple generation owned and have adapted their operations to modern day techniques and methods. On occasion, I obtain one-off specialty leathers such as exotics and overstock from large fashion houses and try to bring new life to these pieces. All skins are ethically sourced and are regulated under CITES.