Once in a while, you encounter some pretty meaningful things. They’re still just inanimate objects, but they may be rife with symbolism, memories or just a degree of character that tells you they were lovingly and well made. As I’ve been on a somewhat lengthy quest to hold on to fewer objects and clear the clutter (I have a long way to go…), I’m still acutely aware of the way that an object can represent so many emotions. In fact, it’s one of the reasons I’ve been posting #StuffIHeart on Wordless Wednesdays.
But I digress. Once in a long while, you also encounter some of the people who are passionate about handcrafting these meaningful, albeit inanimate, objects. They build them with care, hoping they’ll be passed down from one generation to the next and that they’ll mean something to each person whose lives they affect.
This is my husband’s father’s belt. As far as I know, it’s the only physical item he has that belonged to his dad. He didn’t grow up around him, and I never met him – he died a few months before we were married. I certainly can’t speak to what this sole item may or may not represent for Fred, but I know it evokes certain thoughts and emotions even in me. I have dozens of items that belonged to my parents and grandparents, and they mean a lot to me. However, I’m not sure which one of us is better off – me with all these items and their memories, my husband with a handful of photos and a belt, or the one who places no emotion or value in physical items.
There is no denying that well made items are few and far between, and meeting those people who are passionate about crafting them is a treat. On an assignment for Arkansas Life magazine, I had the opportunity to get to know Bobby and Clayton Chamberlain, brothers and proprietors of American Native Goods. The article I wrote about them, Brothers in Arms, is in the August 2013 issue of Arkansas Life, which I recommend you pick up regularly – it’s available at Barnes & Noble. It’s an absolutely outstanding publication with stellar photography and unmatched content curated by editor (and Rogers native) Katie Bridges. I’m honored to be a contributor.
But back to American Native Goods – these guys are the real deal. They are churning out handmade, vegetable-tanned belts and selvedge denim aprons from their workshop in Fayetteville, and I think you’ll love getting to know them a bit through the article and seeing the care they put into their craft.
I was riveted by their story and thoroughly enjoyed exploring some of the storied American tanneries they told me about as they described sourcing their leather. For example, check out the intriguing and visually stunning websites for Hermann Oak Leather in St. Louis and The Tannery Row (it’s worth it to check out the various pages of the site if you’re visually-inspired), home of the renowned Horween Leather. I also ran across this photojournalistic spread about Horween on A Continuous Lean, a site well-worth exploring in its own right. I can’t get enough of this kind of industrial photography.
Speaking of which, the photos for the American Native Goods article in Arkansas Life were shot by Hatch & Maas Collective, an incredible photography venture also based in Fayetteville. All of the work featured on their site, especially the commercial photography, is completely stunning. The product shots on the American Native Goods Etsy shop are by Clayton Chamberlain, who has dabbled in photography in his seemingly endless string of design interests.
All this to say that I just had to share and catalogue all of these great visual resources for the public good (and my own convenience)! But, there’s good news at the end of this ramble: American Native Goods has kindly supplied some of their gorgeous handcrafted items for a lucky reader or two. All you have to do is show them a little love (I know you’ll want to anyway!) to be eligible to win a leather bracelet or keychain. Click below on a Rafflecopter giveaway to enter by August 15, and make a mental (or physical) note to place some early orders with them before the holiday rush!
These bracelets are cute! Just my style!
Aren’t they adorable? Love. So. Much. XO friend!
I just read your article in Arkansas Life yesterday, I highly recommend a subscription to anyone who doesn’t have one. These guys are RIGHT ON! While many are worried that true craftsmanship is dying in America, it seems our kids (well mine, but your little ones are coming) have realized that the crafts, the work ethic and the music (thank GOD) of Americana needs to be more than preserved, they are ready to add on, improve, reinvent and rediscover the love of handiwork.
Thanks, Lisa!!
I know, it is such a fantastic publication, isn’t it? I love the high quality of the pages and the design-y layout. It also has a cheekiness that I love – like the article on opening a wine bottle with a shoe. Now THAT is practical self help.
And yes, yes, yes to these guys and true craftsmanship. They are just really genuine, delightful and ridiculously fun. Thanks for reading!
I know the guys that make these (mostly their sister) 🙂 I have the turquoise bracelet already and LOVE it, would love to have another one! Such great quality unique yet simple pieces!
Oh, turquoise! Excellent call. May have to add that to my list.
Thanks for reading! 🙂
Love these! This is what my business is all about – repurposing and re-loving.
I’ve wondered the same thing about “stuff” too… Does my hoard of stuff that belonged to my mother and grandmother add to my own life, or is it just STUFF that I need to clear out? They were collectors and keepers too, but my dad’s family was not. It’s interesting to consider.
Laurie, I have got to check out your business. Excited for you and love keeping up with your adventures online. You’re obviously living the good life – atta girl! 🙂
And YES – I sometimes feel like it’s a constant tug and pull between too much stuff and warm memories. Interesting, indeed.
Thanks for reading!
My husband and I went to high school with Clayton. He’s awesome!! Their products are great.
Fun, Mandy! I got such a kick out of visiting with them and hearing about Clayton’s envelope-pushing style in high school. I bet he kept everyone guessing!
Thanks for reading! 🙂
Great article! I met Clayton through the guys at Hatch and Maas and bought a bracelet for myself that I am obsessed with! I plan on buying several Christmas presents from them (:
Thank you, Natalie!
I am kind of obsessed with Hatch and Maas at this point thanks to their shoot of Clayton and Bobby and pouring over their website. I’ve got to connect with them one of these days, I know I’ll love what they’re doing even more if I hear their story!
And yes – perfect Christmas shopping. Thanks so much for reading!
Beth
you’re welcome! it really was a great read! love hearing about local businesses!
I’m so proud that they’re doing so well. Keep it up, Bobby and Clayton!
Thanks for reading, Dawn! They are definitely doing incredible work, and I’m certain the world will continue to take notice.
Best,
Beth
They’re really talented! Each piece is like a little leather work of art 🙂
Yes – I love that! A little bit of beautiful leather art for your wrist (and less awkward than carrying around a painting all day)!
Love it. Thanks for reading, Hanna!
Beth