Traditionally handcrafted leather goods, made in Chicago, IL.

When I moved to Chicago from my hometown (Peoria, IL) in 2019, adjusting to city life also meant a significant downsize. My apartment was tiny. I no longer had enough space for my usual creative outlets and like many, was fascinated by the leatherwork I saw in short, ASMR-style clips served by social media. The pandemic closures cost me a job but allowed me the time for a serious deep dive once I acquired the first tools. At first, I just wanted a belt more durable than what I could find in stores.

Years later, that flash of curiosity has blossomed into passion and commitment I could not have predicted. Mooney Leather Goods has grown, driven by an obsession for craftsmanship and high quality materials, and I am excited to provide the kind of elevated, durable alternatives that initially drew me in.

Providing another option.

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Now featured at Crafted!

Mooney Leather Goods can now be seen in person! Crafted Evanston is a collection of local artisans’ work in a variety of mediums; ceramicists, woodturners, painters, fiber artists, jewelers, and more. We are very excited to join this vibrant community and share this Chicagoland gem with our clients. Click the link below for more info on the store’s website.

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At Mooney Leather, every piece is a testament to uncompromising quality. We meticulously select vegetable-tanned leathers from a curated list of the world's most esteemed tanneries—the same suppliers trusted by the pinnacle of luxury fashion houses. My background in the luxury watch and jewelry industry isn't just a detail; it's the very foundation of our approach. This expertise has honed an unwavering eye for detail and precision, allowing us to innovate leather procedures that result in exquisite, durable, and truly luxurious products. You'll find this dedication reflected in our hardware too, which is chosen for both its refined surface finishing and its reliability and longevity.

Luxury Materials

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Every Mooney Leather piece begins as a vision, sketched on paper and meticulously refined through rounds of testing. We then translate these designs into reusable patterns, hand-cutting each component before transferring them to the leather itself. From there, the journey continues entirely by hand: precise cutting, methodical assembly, and the careful chiseling of each stitch hole. Each item is then traditionally saddle-stitched, a robust and time-honored technique that greatly increases the durability of each and every stitch. The final touch involves a tedious and precise process of sanding and burnishing each edge, creating a polished, durable finish that truly sets Mooney Leather Goods apart. This isn't just "handmade"—it's a testament to years of unwavering dedication and passion for craftsmanship.

100% Handmade, Start to Finish

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Transparency and Information

My initial dive into leathercraft was often a frustrating frustrating: navigating a sea of strong opinions, misinformation, and a notable lack of transparency from many commercial brands. That experience shaped a core belief: self-expression through fashion thrives on open knowledge. Just as valuable information was freely shared with me, I'm committed to passing that forward. We are happy to share with complete transparency regarding our materials and processes. My goal is to compile and present this information clearly, empowering both customers and aspiring crafters to make informed choices that align with their own styles and goals. We're not afraid to share what we've learned—because others shared it with us.

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