Don Earl with one of his unique, hand-crafted bags.
by Patricia Schallert
For many, retirement means slowing down and enjoying well-deserved rest. But for Don Earl, it marked the start of a new chapter as a self-taught leather artisan in Southern California, specializing in unique, travel-ready designs. Earl’s handcrafted pieces reflect his adventurous spirit and dedication to fine craftsmanship.
After relocating to Ventura County from Florida in 1979, Earl began his journey into leatherwork in 2018. Since then, he’s grown from a solo craftsman to the head of a small but dedicated local team. “After working as a mechanical engineer, I entered a very different chapter in my life,” Earl says. “I was used to designing with computer software and cutting metal shapes for construction, but now I design on paper, create templates by hand, and cut each leather piece individually. Crafting a fine leather bag is labor-intensive and requires precision—a single misstep can mean starting over entirely.”
Earl’s passion for leatherwork began with making bridles, harnesses, and restoring saddles, grounding him in quality craftsmanship. Inspired by his work in the equestrian industry, he embraces traditional techniques, including hand-stitching and high-quality leather selection. Over time, he expanded his capabilities, acquiring antique leather machines from the 1800s and learning to make sandals. These custom sandals feature durable soles that mold to the foot with textured grips to prevent slipping. Earl also began developing a line of luxury handbags, using industrial sewing equipment to refine his designs.
The leather he sources is from tanneries worldwide, including materials from France, Italy, and the United States. Occasionally, he uses alligator leather from Thailand when restoring antique bags. His vintage doctor bags incorporate discontinued fabrics from Ethan Allen, resulting in functional, stylish designs that accommodate essentials like laptops and phones without adding extra weight. Constantly refining his skills, Earl uses a mix of hand stitching and machine sewing to create items with enduring quality. Recently, he’s focused on developing a complete product line, including passport wallets, phone purses, card holders, and sunglasses cases. His latest creation, “The Bootleg,” is a driver’s license and card holder secured with a strap to prevent cards from falling out.
Beyond his craft, Earl’s company donates a portion of all sales to Kiss the Ground, a nonprofit promoting regenerative agriculture and soil health as solutions to environmental issues. “At Don Earl Leather, we’re committed not only to creating quality leather goods but also to supporting the adaptive grazing movement, which is healing our planet one acre at a time,” he explains. Kiss the Ground educates ranchers on adaptive grazing to maximize soil health, eliminate pesticides, and create vibrant ecosystems. Through immersive storytelling, education, and advocacy, the nonprofit reaches millions with its core mission of inspiring regeneration.
Earl’s commitment to craftsmanship is evident in every item, from wallets to handbags, made to be enjoyed for decades and passed down. Each piece reflects hours of thoughtful labor, often crafted with turn-of-the-century tools. Earl believes that each item a customer chooses becomes an extension of themselves as the leather develops a unique patina over time. “Your piece becomes a reflection of you, evolving as uniquely as you do,” he says.
To learn more, visit donearl.co or go to donearl_official on Instagram.
