JOURNAL | Projects, Events and New Products

  • Classic Social Media Giveaway

    1st Year GIVEAWAY!

    In October of 2017, we opened our first retail store at our new home in the Presidio Neighborhood, the heart of Santa Barbara. To celebrate, we’ll be honoring two of our classic products with this giveaway.  

     

    We will be giving away one of our Classic Leather Tote Bag and a Classic handmade Leather Belt! 

     

    To enter:

     

    1. Like the instagrams of Facebook post!

    2. Repost the photo of your desired choice and tell us why you like the product.

    3. Then, If you want the tote, add #makesmithclassictote. If you want the belt, add #makesmithclassicbelt.

     

    4.The two lucky winners, inside the USA only, will be chosen at random, announced and tagged on Monday, Oct. 8th at 7pm PST.

     

    Winner Selection Method:

    The participants enter by following our stated rules via Instagram or Facebook. Any deviation from the rules may disqualify you from entering. 

    We number all participants by the order they entered. 

     

    Then, we will use googles random number generator to choose the winner. 

     

    Continue reading
  • Custom Saddle Making :: CraftTALK in September

    Cooper Saddlery - Jason Brad Cooper

     

    The First Thursday in September swing by the Make Smith Workshop to listen and learn from local crafts people of varying disciplines who have pursued their passions. It’s the CraftTALK  series, and sit alongside a wonderful group of Makers, and artisans. Please join us for a night of classic show-and-tell and hands on learning from our featured guest Jason Brad Cooper.

     

    RSVP to our first CraftTALK on September 9th  @ 7pm.

    Brad Cooper began working leather at age 12 and started his apprenticeship in saddlery with Wendy Allen during his sophomore year in high school. After learning the cutting saddle trade Cooper began making saddles for other disciplines including roping, reining and barrel racing. Cooper is credited with having built over 600 saddles and has recently set up his shop in the Santa Ynez Valley (900 McMurray Rd. Unit 1 Buelton, CA 93427).

    Continue reading
  • SPOT LIGHT :: 1967 4-Eye Blucher

    There's no doubt, in my mind, that Rancourt & Co. is one of those heritage brands that stands out from the pack. These days when it seems that American Made goods are more popular than ever, Rancourt has a foothold in the handmade industry. I always come back to this amazing brand when people ask me what I have been looking for inspiration. And yes, we don't make shoes. Make Smith makes carry goods, but that doesn't mean that we don't look for inspiration from other makers. And in this case, this small Company out of Maine, has been a favorite of mine for many years. Below is my favorite pair of handmade moccasin loafers. Out of their "Ready Made Collection," its the "1967 4-Eye Blucher" and here's the link. They are constructed of Heavyweight steerhide Chromepak from Horween, and weigh in at $285.

    Rancourt & Co.

    Continue reading
  • The CraftTALK Series

    Info: If you haven’t yet heard, MAKE SMITH is launching a show-and-tell series, set to occur every First Thursday, which features local MAKERS, artisans, craft-driven folk and students alike. Our intention is to given these like minded individuals a platform to show off their hard word and accomplishments, while encouraging others to do the same. We hope to bring light to the truly inspiring nature of these creative individuals who were bold enough to take their passions to the next level, and encourage others to do the same.

    FREE ADDMISSION

    15 min talk based on photos, 15min show-and-tell of goods, 15min Question & Answer with audience, followed by a 30min casual refreshment mixer.

    Thursday, July 5th @7pm

    Please Join us at our first ever CraftTALK featuring George Pipires (Bar Manager at Finch & Fork). He will be warming up our leather workshop with a series of handmade cocktails, from a welcoming reshment to an interactive cocktail demo you can make at home. Our audience will be asked to participate; pour, stir, shake and sip. More surprises to come on Thursday, July 5th. Lite oredouves will be served and prepared by Executive Chef Peter Cham. 

    Check out more CraftTALKs Here >>

    Continue reading