the name

So what's in a name you might ask? Well, everything. 

When Claudia and I began the business in 2011 our first decision was to choose a name. We asked life to give us direction and inspiration for this and life faithfully answered.

Trace of Grey Designs is the name we were given. It landed so well because it captured the spirit of how we both experience the whole of life. As a living philosophy it goes something like this,

" a trace of grey is that invisible presence which permits a connection between something that is and something that is not yet seen. A trace of grey is forgiving and accepting of clean lines, blacks and whites etc., but will relentlessly attempt to soften their borders. Beauty is found in that space, where white is exposed as black and black is exposed as white...what bridges the two is the trace of grey."

As fate would have it, we later discovered that in some versions of old English slang to “TOG” yourself, means to dress yourself smartly. Indeed, this was a happy and serendipitous surprise because each piece in the collection is marked with the letters TOG, the acronym of our name.

the passion

Doing what I love is a living gift of beauty that feeds & nourishes my soul and the souls of others.

In some magical way, I get to experience each design as an expression of the one creative spirit who flows through me. I am in awe that I know how to do what I do.

the philosophy

As an artist and maker, I believe each piece is made for a specific person. There is such pleasure in watching someone connect with a piece from the TOG collection and realize that it was actually made especially for them.

Trace of Grey Designs has remained strong in the philosophy of doing everything by hand and never out-sourcing or bringing in the idea of mass production. With this comes a higher price tag. Clients of TOG understand and appreciate that they truly are purchasing something unique, created from the heart, one piece at a time, by one person, and that it will last them a very long time. Creating in this way ensures integrity is at the heart of craftsmanship.

Uniqueness, beauty, quality and attention to detail make an item from Trace of Grey Designs worth the investment.

the process

Leather is the medium I have chosen to work with because of its tangibility, durability, and inherent nature to become more beautiful with use and time. I mostly work with cowhide, but sometimes I choose other hides that are lighter in weight (lambskin, pigskin, goatskin) for elegant detailing. All of the leather I use is full grain.  

I am drawn to earthy tones. However, each season I include a few colours or something unique in texture to throw into the mix. This is fun for the inspiration it brings to new design ideas. 

Vegetable tanned cowhide is a favourite for TOG. The majority of the tanning process is without chemicals and the hide can be left natural or be infused with colour. When left natural, this is like having a blank canvas to work with. The leather can be made wet, then shaped or embossed. Without any colour added, it will darken to gorgeous tones of caramel as it is used and exposed to UV light. It literally suntans. The end result, both in texture and colour,  is not something that could ever be manufactured. 

I source my leather from two suppliers, both local to Vancouver, BC. The majority of the leather is coming from Italy, USA and South America. Shopping for leather is an enjoyable experience because I get to hand pick each hide myself. I take my time as I look for unique edges and markings, always envisioning how they can be used in a future design.

The hardware I choose to use is also hand selected.  I aim to find the best quality and whenever possible, solid brass. I am often on the hunt for unique buckles, closures etc., and these can be found in the most unexpected places. Good hardware is key to creating a good design, not just for its function, but for the aesthetic beauty it adds.

Each item in the TOG collection is designed and created the old school way. Leather is hand cut with a ruler and knife, holes are pre-punched, one hole at a time, and pieces are then stitched together completely by hand, using two needles, thread, love and patience. I don't have multiple projects going at the same time, rather, I give my undivided attention to the one in front of me. This allows space for design ideas to surface in the process, and, when the piece is finished, I experience a tremendous sense of completion.

I am so grateful to call 'work', that which  I love to do.