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Designed by You, Crafted by Rishi
My products are made to order. It is not only my goal, but my passion to see your vision to completion. If designing your wallet from scratch scares you, just tell me your favorite colors and I can take it from there!
My products are made to order. It is not only my goal, but my passion to see your vision to completion. If designing your wallet from scratch scares you, just tell me your favorite colors and I can take it from there!
About Me
About Me
About Me
Leather Wallets & Crafts
Welcome to Leather by Rishi! In 2025, I set out to find a new hobby. Ideally one that would be less physically demanding and lead to fewer injuries when compared to the likes of jiu jitsu and rock climbing. I knew I wanted to make something with my hands, and I was also well aware of the restrictions imposed by a 1,200 sqft San Francisco apartment. Well, what started with a Youtube video has turned into a real passion. And it is one I am excited to share with you!
The Process
The Process
The Process
Your Wallet's Story
Here is some more information on your wallet and what goes into making it!
USA Made Products
Every wallet is made by hand in San Francisco, California—from cutting and shaping the leather to burnishing the edges and stitching each seam. While machines might save time (and spare my thumbs), I choose to craft each piece myself. There’s something deeply satisfying about doing the work by hand—it brings me real joy and keeps me connected to not only the craft but also the resulting product.
Design Collaboration
Creating a wallet isn’t just about craftsmanship—it’s about collaboration. From selecting the hide and color to choosing the thread and layout, every wallet starts with your vision. I’ll guide you through each step to ensure the process is fun and stress-free. Whether you know exactly what you want or need help figuring it out, I’m here to make sure you end up with something you truly love. And if it’s not quite right? We’ll go back to the drawing board—no questions asked.
Hand Cut by Rishi
Every wallet begins with a template I create by hand, ensuring consistency without sacrificing the personal touch. Using the template as a guide, I carefully trace each shape onto the leather and cut out every piece by hand with an X-Acto knife. It’s a detailed, deliberate process that sets the foundation for a wallet made with precision and care.
Hand Stitched by Rishi
Each wallet is stitched entirely by hand using the traditional Saddle Stitch, a technique celebrated for both its durability and timeless look. Stitching is often the most time-consuming part of the process, but it’s where the wallet truly comes together. Over time, I’ve made small improvements—like using a stitching pony, premium thread, and leather-specific needles—to make the process more efficient (and a little easier on my thumbs!) while maintaining the highest quality with every piece.
Hand Burnished Edges by Rishi
After assembly, each wallet’s edges are hand-burnished to create a smooth, polished finish built to last. I start by applying a light layer of Tokonole, then use a piece of canvas to achieve the initial polish. Next, I work the edges with an ebony wood burnisher to bring out a rich, reflective shine. Finally, a light coat of beeswax is applied to seal and protect the edges, ensuring durability for years to come.
Shipped to You
For customers in the Bay Area, I generally hand-deliver finished wallets to express my gratitude for supporting my small business. If hand delivery isn’t possible, I ship wallets using UPS. Each wallet is carefully placed in a small velvet bag to protect it from scratches and keep it looking its best when it reaches you.
USA Made Products
Every wallet is made by hand in San Francisco, California—from cutting and shaping the leather to burnishing the edges and stitching each seam. While machines might save time (and spare my thumbs), I choose to craft each piece myself. There’s something deeply satisfying about doing the work by hand—it brings me real joy and keeps me connected to not only the craft but also the resulting product.
Design Collaboration
Creating a wallet isn’t just about craftsmanship—it’s about collaboration. From selecting the hide and color to choosing the thread and layout, every wallet starts with your vision. I’ll guide you through each step to ensure the process is fun and stress-free. Whether you know exactly what you want or need help figuring it out, I’m here to make sure you end up with something you truly love. And if it’s not quite right? We’ll go back to the drawing board—no questions asked.
Hand Cut by Rishi
Every wallet begins with a template I create by hand, ensuring consistency without sacrificing the personal touch. Using the template as a guide, I carefully trace each shape onto the leather and cut out every piece by hand with an X-Acto knife. It’s a detailed, deliberate process that sets the foundation for a wallet made with precision and care.
Hand Stitched by Rishi
Each wallet is stitched entirely by hand using the traditional Saddle Stitch, a technique celebrated for both its durability and timeless look. Stitching is often the most time-consuming part of the process, but it’s where the wallet truly comes together. Over time, I’ve made small improvements—like using a stitching pony, premium thread, and leather-specific needles—to make the process more efficient (and a little easier on my thumbs!) while maintaining the highest quality with every piece.
Hand Burnished Edges by Rishi
After assembly, each wallet’s edges are hand-burnished to create a smooth, polished finish built to last. I start by applying a light layer of Tokonole, then use a piece of canvas to achieve the initial polish. Next, I work the edges with an ebony wood burnisher to bring out a rich, reflective shine. Finally, a light coat of beeswax is applied to seal and protect the edges, ensuring durability for years to come.
Shipped to You
For customers in the Bay Area, I generally hand-deliver finished wallets to express my gratitude for supporting my small business. If hand delivery isn’t possible, I ship wallets using UPS. Each wallet is carefully placed in a small velvet bag to protect it from scratches and keep it looking its best when it reaches you.
USA Made Products
Every wallet is made by hand in San Francisco, California—from cutting and shaping the leather to burnishing the edges and stitching each seam. While machines might save time (and spare my thumbs), I choose to craft each piece myself. There’s something deeply satisfying about doing the work by hand—it brings me real joy and keeps me connected to not only the craft but also the resulting product.
Design Collaboration
Creating a wallet isn’t just about craftsmanship—it’s about collaboration. From selecting the hide and color to choosing the thread and layout, every wallet starts with your vision. I’ll guide you through each step to ensure the process is fun and stress-free. Whether you know exactly what you want or need help figuring it out, I’m here to make sure you end up with something you truly love. And if it’s not quite right? We’ll go back to the drawing board—no questions asked.
Hand Cut by Rishi
Every wallet begins with a template I create by hand, ensuring consistency without sacrificing the personal touch. Using the template as a guide, I carefully trace each shape onto the leather and cut out every piece by hand with an X-Acto knife. It’s a detailed, deliberate process that sets the foundation for a wallet made with precision and care.
Hand Stitched by Rishi
Each wallet is stitched entirely by hand using the traditional Saddle Stitch, a technique celebrated for both its durability and timeless look. Stitching is often the most time-consuming part of the process, but it’s where the wallet truly comes together. Over time, I’ve made small improvements—like using a stitching pony, premium thread, and leather-specific needles—to make the process more efficient (and a little easier on my thumbs!) while maintaining the highest quality with every piece.
Hand Burnished Edges by Rishi
After assembly, each wallet’s edges are hand-burnished to create a smooth, polished finish built to last. I start by applying a light layer of Tokonole, then use a piece of canvas to achieve the initial polish. Next, I work the edges with an ebony wood burnisher to bring out a rich, reflective shine. Finally, a light coat of beeswax is applied to seal and protect the edges, ensuring durability for years to come.
Shipped to You
For customers in the Bay Area, I generally hand-deliver finished wallets to express my gratitude for supporting my small business. If hand delivery isn’t possible, I ship wallets using UPS. Each wallet is carefully placed in a small velvet bag to protect it from scratches and keep it looking its best when it reaches you.
FAQs
FAQs
FAQs
Answering your questions
Answering your questions
Answering your questions
Got more questions? Contact me below and I'll get back to you as soon as possible!
Got more questions? Contact me below and I'll get back to you as soon as possible!
Got more questions? Contact me below and I'll get back to you as soon as possible!
Where do you ship?
Leather by Rishi is based out of San Francisco, CA. I enjoy hand delivering my products; however, if that is not possible I can ship your finished product using UPS.
How long does a typical project take?
Since each wallet is made to order, timelines can vary based on the design details and my availability. I work on projects outside of my full-time job, which can limit how much time I can set aside during the week. That said, my goal is to ship every order within one month of when it’s placed. To help keep this promise, I’ll temporarily close orders if my backlog gets too full.
Can I see what my wallet will look like before it is completed?
Absolutely! Before stitching the pockets to the body, I send over pictures to ensure you are happy with the design and color combinations. If you would like to change anything, just let me know and I am happy to cut out new pieces.
What does "burnishing" mean in a leatherworking context?
Burnishing is the process of smoothing and sealing the raw edges of leather to create a polished, durable finish. By applying friction—often with a hand tool—and sometimes using water, wax, or other compounds, the fibers along the edge are compressed and rounded. This not only enhances the look and feel of the leather but also helps protect it from wear over time.
What takes the most time when creating a new wallet?
Aside from picking colors that I feel will be visually appealing, stitching the different components of the wallet together is by far the most time-consuming portion of the process.
Where do you ship?
Leather by Rishi is based out of San Francisco, CA. I enjoy hand delivering my products; however, if that is not possible I can ship your finished product using UPS.
How long does a typical project take?
Since each wallet is made to order, timelines can vary based on the design details and my availability. I work on projects outside of my full-time job, which can limit how much time I can set aside during the week. That said, my goal is to ship every order within one month of when it’s placed. To help keep this promise, I’ll temporarily close orders if my backlog gets too full.
Can I see what my wallet will look like before it is completed?
Absolutely! Before stitching the pockets to the body, I send over pictures to ensure you are happy with the design and color combinations. If you would like to change anything, just let me know and I am happy to cut out new pieces.
What does "burnishing" mean in a leatherworking context?
Burnishing is the process of smoothing and sealing the raw edges of leather to create a polished, durable finish. By applying friction—often with a hand tool—and sometimes using water, wax, or other compounds, the fibers along the edge are compressed and rounded. This not only enhances the look and feel of the leather but also helps protect it from wear over time.
What takes the most time when creating a new wallet?
Aside from picking colors that I feel will be visually appealing, stitching the different components of the wallet together is by far the most time-consuming portion of the process.
Where do you ship?
Leather by Rishi is based out of San Francisco, CA. I enjoy hand delivering my products; however, if that is not possible I can ship your finished product using UPS.
How long does a typical project take?
Since each wallet is made to order, timelines can vary based on the design details and my availability. I work on projects outside of my full-time job, which can limit how much time I can set aside during the week. That said, my goal is to ship every order within one month of when it’s placed. To help keep this promise, I’ll temporarily close orders if my backlog gets too full.
Can I see what my wallet will look like before it is completed?
Absolutely! Before stitching the pockets to the body, I send over pictures to ensure you are happy with the design and color combinations. If you would like to change anything, just let me know and I am happy to cut out new pieces.
What does "burnishing" mean in a leatherworking context?
Burnishing is the process of smoothing and sealing the raw edges of leather to create a polished, durable finish. By applying friction—often with a hand tool—and sometimes using water, wax, or other compounds, the fibers along the edge are compressed and rounded. This not only enhances the look and feel of the leather but also helps protect it from wear over time.
What takes the most time when creating a new wallet?
Aside from picking colors that I feel will be visually appealing, stitching the different components of the wallet together is by far the most time-consuming portion of the process.