Hi there, I’m Eric.
If you’ve spent any time looking around my shop or reading my stories, you probably know that I have a deep appreciation for heritage. As the founder of The Kilted Leatherworker, the "kilted" part isn't just a catchy name, it’s a nod to a culture that values durability, tradition, and a certain rugged spirit.
With April right around the corner, we are heading into National Scottish Heritage Month here in the States. It’s a time when many of us look back at our roots, celebrate the contributions of Scottish-Americans, and maybe even find ourselves humming a bit of "Auld Lang Syne" or "Scotland the Brave."
But what if you aren’t currently standing on a misty hill in the Highlands? What if you’re living in a suburb or a busy city, miles away from the nearest loch?
The good news is that heritage isn't about where your feet are planted; it’s about what you carry with you. I truly believe that you can celebrate your connection to Scottish culture through community, food, and, something very close to my heart, craftsmanship.
Why April Matters: The Spirit of Tartan Day
National Scottish Heritage Month was officially recognized to honor the historical significance of Scottish-Americans. The anchor for the whole month is April 6th, which is Tartan Day.
Tartan Day commemorates the Declaration of Arbroath, signed in 1320, which asserted Scottish independence. For those of us today, it’s less about ancient politics and more about a shared identity. It’s a day to wear your clan colors or simply wear something that represents the "old ways" of making things.
When I’m working in my shop, I often think about the artisans who came before me. Hundreds of years ago, people didn’t have fast fashion or disposable goods. If you needed a pouch, a belt, or a cover for your journals, you went to someone who knew how to work with their hands. You expected that item to last your entire life. That’s the spirit I try to bring into my handmade leather goods every single day.
Start Small: Researching Your Own Story
One of the best ways to celebrate this month is to dig into your own family history. I’ve always found that the more I know about where I came from, the more I appreciate the things I have now.
Have you ever looked up your family name to see if you have a specific tartan? It’s a fun rabbit hole to go down. You might find you're linked to a clan with a fascinating history of warriors, weavers, or even poets.
As you uncover these stories, I highly recommend writing them down. There is something permanent about putting pen to paper. I’ve noticed that when I use a quality journal cover, it makes the act of writing feel more like a ceremony.
Whether you are using a burgundy leather journal cover or a simple notebook, recording your family’s journey is a beautiful way to honor the past. Little did I know when I started leatherworking that I would eventually be making the very tools people use to preserve their family legacies. It makes me feel like I’m a small part of your story, too.
Wear the Heritage: Accessories for Everyday Life
Not everyone wants to walk into the office or the grocery store wearing a full kilt (though if you do, more power to you!). However, you can still incorporate Scottish heritage month accessories into your daily routine.
The beauty of Scottish style is its practicality. Think about the sporran, it’s essentially the original "minimalist carry." It was a functional pouch designed to hold what you needed while moving through the hills.
In my own work, I take a lot of inspiration from that functionality. I love creating items that serve a purpose but still look timeless. For example, a sturdy belt pouch or a simple key fob can be a subtle nod to that "rugged and ready" lifestyle.
If you’re looking for ways to celebrate this month subtly, consider these ideas:
- Leather Key Fobs: A simple, high-quality leather fob on your belt loop is a classic look.
- Tartan Ties or Scarves: A quick way to show your colors.
- Handmade Wallets: Carrying a piece of artisan-made leather is a way to reject the "mass-produced" culture that dominates today.
I personally enjoy the process of creating a minimalist wallet. I spend time ensuring that every stitch is perfect, much like the weavers of old spent time on their looms. There is a connection there that feels very "Scottish" to me, a commitment to doing things right the first time.
Supporting the Makers and the Community
Scottish heritage is deeply rooted in the concept of the "clann" or family/community. Back in the day, communities supported their local smiths, weavers, and leatherworkers.
Today, you can celebrate Scottish Heritage Month by supporting modern artisans who keep these traditional skills alive. When you choose to buy from a small business, whether it’s someone making shortbread, a weaver in the islands, or a leatherworker in the Midwest, you are helping to ensure that craftsmanship doesn't die out.
I often reflect on my leatherworking journey and how much it means to have a community of people who value the "one step at a time" approach. I don't use big machines to mass-produce my goods. I sit at my bench, I cut the hide, and I hand-stitch the pieces together using waxed thread.
Supporting artisans is a way of saying that you value the soul of an object over its price tag. To me, that is a very heritage-focused way to live.
Bring the Highlands Home
If you can’t make it to a Highland Games event this April (though I highly recommend finding one if you can!), you can bring the festivities to your own home.
- Learn a few phrases: Did you know Scottish Gaelic is experiencing a bit of a revival? Using apps like Duolingo to learn basic greetings is a fun way to connect.
- Try the Food: You don’t have to go full haggis if you’re not feeling brave! Try making some traditional shortbread or a hearty Scotch Broth. Sharing a meal with friends is the ultimate way to celebrate any heritage.
- Listen to the Music: From traditional bagpipes to modern Scottish folk-rock, the music of Scotland is incredibly evocative. Put some on while you go about your day.
- Connect with Others: Use social media to find Scottish-American groups. Use hashtags like #ScottishAmericanHeritageMonth to share photos of your accessories or your family stories.
A Legacy in Every Stitch
As we move through April, I hope you find a way to connect with the spirit of the Highlands, no matter where you are. For me, that connection happens every time I pick up my needles and thread.
There is something about the smell of real leather and the feel of a finished piece that feels timeless. Whether it's a burgundy wrinkle wallet or a custom journal cover, these items are built to last through many more Heritage Months to come.
I am so grateful that I get to do what I love and share a bit of my passion for heritage with all of you. It’s a journey that I never expected to take, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. (As you may have guessed, I’m a bit addicted to the craft now!)
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for being a part of The Kilted Leatherworker family. If you’re ever curious about how I make a specific piece or want to talk about Scottish history, please feel free to reach out to me.
Happy Scottish Heritage Month! Wear your pride, tell your stories, and let's keep the tradition of craftsmanship alive together.
With gratitude,
Eric
Founder, The Kilted Leatherworker LLC