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Leatherwork Spotlight: The Craft of Handmade Wildlife Products
At Collett’s Wildlife Artistry, our passion for preserving hunting memories goes far beyond taxidermy. Through our handcrafted leather goods, we give your trophy new life in a form you can use and carry with you. Each leather item we produce is more than a product — it’s a piece of heritage, shaped by skilled hands and rich with story.
Hunters and wildlife lovers often seek a way to honour the animals they harvest beyond a mount on the wall. Our wildlife leatherwork offers exactly that — an opportunity to turn ethically sourced hides into functional, beautiful items that can be worn, gifted, or cherished for generations.
From Hide to Heirloom: Our Leather Process
The journey begins with careful selection. Often, the hide used in our leather goods is from the same animal that is mounted for the client. This makes the final piece even more personal — every scar, pattern, and texture in the leather carries the memory of a specific moment in the wild.
We tan the hides using a process that preserves their natural strength while maintaining a rich, earthy feel. Our tanning methods are designed to avoid chemical overload, resulting in a more authentic finish. The leather remains supple but durable, with unique characteristics that reflect its origin — whether it’s kudu, buffalo, wildebeest, or warthog.
Once tanned, the hide moves into the hands of our leather artisans. Every cut, stitch, and detail is done by hand. We don’t mass-produce our items — instead, each product is custom-crafted with precision, patience, and pride. This is old-world craftsmanship paired with a modern appreciation for design and usability.
The Products: Functional Art for Hunters
We offer a wide range of leather items that serve both practical and sentimental purposes. Among our most popular creations are:
Belts and Wallets: Sturdy and stylish, often made from kudu or buffalo hide, featuring natural textures and handmade detailing.
Rifle Slings and Ammo Pouches: Ideal for hunters who want gear that’s both rugged and refined.
Travel Bags and Weekenders: Durable yet elegant, these bags are made to last a lifetime of adventures.
Journals, Keyrings, and Small Goods: Great for gifts, keepsakes, or personal mementos of a hunt.
Each piece can be customised with initials, dates, or even matching elements from the mount — tying the leather item to the story of the animal and the experience in the bush.
Why Choose Wildlife Leather?
Unlike synthetic materials or factory-made goods, wildlife leather carries soul. No two hides are the same. One wallet might have a smooth grain with subtle marks, while another tells its own tale through weathered ridges or healed scars. These natural imperfections are what make the items real — not just decorations, but reminders of wild landscapes and primal moments.
Wildlife leather is also incredibly durable. Buffalo hide, for instance, is thick and robust, making it perfect for rugged gear like rifle slings or belts. Kudu leather, on the other hand, is softer and more pliable — ideal for elegant accessories that age beautifully over time.
By using ethically sourced hides, we also honour the full value of the animal. Nothing is wasted, and everything is respected. Leather becomes a natural continuation of the hunt — one that supports local craftsmanship and deepens the meaning of the trophy.
The Story You Can Carry
For many of our clients, a leather item becomes part of their identity. It might be the belt worn on every future hunt, the bag used on safari trips, or a wallet passed down to a son or daughter. These pieces aren’t just things — they are story-carriers, crafted with intention and infused with memory.
At Collett’s Wildlife Artistry, we take pride in blending fine artistry with function. Our leather goods are made to be used, admired, and remembered. They are for those who understand that true value comes from connection — to the land, the animal, and the moment.
If you’re looking to preserve more than a mount — if you want a daily reminder of what the hunt meant to you — consider one of our handcrafted wildlife leather products. Each item is a tribute. Each stitch, a story.
At Collett’s Wildlife Artistry, every mount and every stitch carries our signature. It represents our South African roots, our global standards, and our deep respect for wildlife.
Contact us today to begin your own legacy piece or to learn more about our full range of services.
