Phillip Lang is the owner and craftsman behind Lang’s Leather Works. From his shop in Waxhaw, he crafts all types of leather goods in Charlotte NC, from bags to bookmarks. His products are sold locally at pop-up markets and from his small booth in downtown Waxhaw at The Mule Barn Mercantile.
Phill’s interests in handmade goods started from an early age, when he was involved in woodworking and woodworking clubs. In high school, he actively participated in the school’s metal shop. From there he gained experience as a saw filer for a small saw shop.
“I also grew up around my grandmother’s antique business where I learned many aspects of being self-employed and having an eye for treasures and good workmanship,” he says. “I always wanted to have my own business.”
Here, Phill tells us more about leatherworking, his techniques, and the joy of making things by hand.
How did your journey within the world of leatherworks start?
I have always worked with my hands. My father was a carpenter, and I was always around people who worked with their hands. When I was in elementary school I would make crafts out of wood, cutting out letters, and making little jewelry boxes and other little items. My mother and grandmother were great supporters of me. And my grandmother would let me sell some of my work in her antique store.
Later in life, I met a gentleman who had been doing leatherwork for many years. He had a vest that needed repair, so he showed me how he repaired his vest. I was intrigued and asked him if he would show me how to make a vest. He agreed but I wound up buying the wrong kind of leather and was never able to make the vest. The leather sat at the house for a bit until my oldest son came to me one day and asked if he could make a wallet using the leather. Down the rabbit hole I went. All told, here I am 8 years later with a dedicated leather shop with multiple machines, tools, and a mountain of leather.
What does “using old world techniques” mean exactly?
Using old world techniques is the process of hand stitching, using the old round head knife to cut leather, using hand bevelers and edgers, and slicking leather edges to give a clean look. Before I had a sewing machine, I taught myself how to hand stitch my work. Part of leather craftsmanship is learning how to make a pattern to help create a product. When I make something, it is one item at a time. I am not a big production shop. Leather craftsmanship is one of the oldest crafts, and man has been using leather for a long time. I would like to help keep the old trades going for the next generations.
What is your process like for creating leather goods in Charlotte NC?
My process starts with an idea, whether it is from an idea I have, a family member has, or even an idea that a customer has suggested. From there, it goes to paper where I draw out a pattern. Then I test it on some leather. Once the product is created, it needs to be tested. I’ll ask a customer or family member to take it for a test drive and tell me what you think and provide some feedback. Most days I do work on projects after my day job. I try to get into the shop for an hour or more each night, and during the weekends, I spend as much time as possible in the shop.
How does creating with your hands make you feel?
Working with my hands is very satisfying. It is very rewarding to start with a whole side of leather and meticulously work it down properly. When it’s time to work in the leather shop, I walk into the shop door, put on my apron and tool belt, and I am ready to go to work. Some of the tools I use are over 80 years old. Each one has the character and spirit of the craftsmanship of its previous owner. It’s an energy that comes from these tools. I have tools that are not only beautifully crafted but very functional and these craftsmen have put their heart, energy, and soul into these tools. You can feel it when you pick them up.
What do you wish your work could make others feel?
I hope that when someone picks up my work, they have the same appreciation for the craftsmanship, that they value where the leather has come from and what it has now become. My goal is to create items that people appreciate, will use and take care of. And if possible be able to pass it on to someone else that will value it as well.
Where do you see yourself and your work in the future?
I would like to be able to open a brick-and-mortar store in a small town in an old building that has the same character as my tools. A place where people can come to see the creation of the work. Not just at some big box store, but somewhere where they can see, smell, and ask questions about the products.
Do you take commissions for leather goods in Charlotte NC?
Yes, I do custom work. I also do repairs. I will always see what each person needs and if it’s something that I can do, I provide a price. It’s a process of asking questions to see what each person is looking for and make sure we are talking the same terminology. If I can’t make it, I let them know that it is not in my wheelhouse. If I can, I’ll refer them to someone who can or where they might be able to go.
