From childhood hobby to cherished career
- Dmitry was drawn to crafts from an early age
- He used to own a brewery, but changed his career
- He likes to make functional and usable products
For over ten years, Dmitry Biryukov owned and managed a brewery, but the economic downturn affected his business and he needed a new direction. When he started thinking about alternatives, he turned to what he’s always loved: applied arts and crafts. From an early age, Dmitry’s hobbies were basket weaving, wood carving and even furniture making. He always wanted to try leatherworking. In 2016, he came across a leather scabbard making tutorial. He purchased his first piece of vegetable-tanned leather and a basic toolkit and started making cut-outs and sewing. He hasn’t stopped since. In 2017, he set up his own studio and he still keeps expanding his working place. The first object he made was a scabbard with a stamped pattern of flowers and butterflies.
INTERVIEW
I didn’t have a teacher, I am totally self-taught. I learned most of my skills from video tutorials, leather works forums and other useful resources online.
In an ideal world a well made product is flawless, but being a meticulous person I can always find something that should be perfected! I am happy with my work when the result is fully in line with the initial idea. The leather cutting stage plays a big role here.
I don’t use sewing machines at all, I sew everything by hand, using a saddle stitch. This type of stitch has been used for centuries to make horse ammunition, it is very durable.
I would advise them to trust experienced masters and try to learn basic skills from them to get familiar with the craft. Do not experiment in the early stages – this will save you a lot of time, energy, and leather. I share my own skills on YouTube.
