Samuel Wachira crafted a matching grey and blue keyring and small bag, reflecting elegance and personal style, for Susanne Jähnig. What's your wish?
A request by Susanne from Aachen, Germany
A key ring and a small bag in the same grey/blue design as my other project.
The Journey of Creating Custom Grey/Blue Keyring and Small Bag Matching Previous Pro
Negotiation & Planning
Custom Grey/Blue Keyring and Small Bag Matching Previous Pro - design ideas and artisan proposals
Hello Susanne,
I hope you had a lovely weekend. I can tell this is a continuation of the Grey & Blue Leather Wallet. I think we agreed on the Blue Leather yesterday, I'm left sourcing Grey Leather. Trying my best and soon as I have options, I'll definitely share them with you.
Thank you & Warmest Regards,
Denis.
Perfect! Thank you, Denis! Yes, we it should be a whole set in g wallet key ring and small bag! Thanks!
What do you think of the leather I have attached?
Hello Denis,
the color looks nice, but it seems too structured. Can you get something a little less structured?
Thanks, Susanne
Hello Susanne,
I sent you something on the other order order. I was to receive information from a new supplier today but was pushed to Monday. I'll keep you posted on Monday as soon as I have something to show you. You can respond on either of the two orders so my response slot is open that whatever images I can get on Monday I'll immediately share.
Have a lovely weekend.
Best wishes,
Denis.
Hi Denis,
I answered the other project task. Let us continue with the options that you have found. It looks good. I am sure you will make it wonderful!
Kind regards,
Susanne
Hi Susanne,
Perfect. In that case I'm excited to begin the orders. I think I have sufficient information to begin the orders immediately. Incase I need further consultation, I'll definitely reach out. I look forward to hearing from you soon so we can begin 😊
Warm Regards,
Denis
Hi Denis,
Thank you! I am excited for the process to take its next steps.
Is it possible to only pay packaging and shipping fees once for all the 3 items. I would like to receive all in one package.
It would safe 30 Euros from this order approximately.
Cost that could be safed/reinvested in your labor:
Cost of packaging € 3.35
Cost of delivery to local operations manager € 3.35
Shipping costs from Kenya to Germany* € 25.31
I would like to reinvest these 32 Euros into your labor, if possible. Should I contact Urban Change Lab directly to arrange for this? Or is that something that you check on locally?
Also I would like to make one bank transfer for both projects instead of two to safe banking fees. Is that possible?
Looking forward to your feedback.
Thank you and best reagrds,
Susanne
Hi Susanne,
Good Morning. Thank you for your response. I consulted with my manager here in Kenya and she said yes, it is possible to receive all 3 items as one package. Thank you so much for your kindness and deciding to reallocate the amount you are saving to my labor. I'm very grateful 😌 I Will make some adjustments to the order details on my end and then my management Will adjust everything accordingly. Thank you and have a lovely day.
Warm Regards,
Denis
Hello Susanne, hoping you are well! My name is Caroline a leather craftwoman in Kenya. I have been reassigned your project and I am ready to pick up the challenge and offer you the best. Kindly clarify if its possible to do engraved logo "M" to have a neat craftwork.
Kind regards,
Caroline Gatwiri
Hello Susanne, hoping you are well! We are still working on your sample. We will share it by end of tomorrow.
Kind regards,
Caroline Gatwiri.
Hello Susanne, Again it's Samuel and I'd like to realize this project together with the wallet project.
I would like to know whether you want me to use the same leather for the bag as the wallet's.
Crafting Process
How to make a Custom Grey/Blue Keyring and Small Bag Matching Previous Pro – work in progress
Hi Susanne,
I hope you are doing well. Happy new year. I'd like to offer a very sincere apology for my silence and delay in realizing your order. I have however attached an image to prove that we have already cut both items, what remains is stitching. Being holiday season last month, I've had major staff challenges at the workshop and a few days to Christmas I lost a close family member. I have been in tough with my immediate manager here and I updated her on the same, plus several other unforeseen challenges.
I know all these might sound like excuses but I'd really like to request just one week maximum as I continue dealing with all these challenges to ensure resuming of smooth operations on my end. Kindly bear with me.
Once again, my very sincere apologies. I hope you'll understand.
Best Regards,
Denis.
Dear Denis, Thank you for the update. For 2024 I wish you a lot of health and joy in all your projects! My condolences for your loss. I cannot imagine what you must be going through.
Please take all the time that you need. I was just curious about an update.
Thank you for all your hard work!
Sending you my best wishes,
Susanne
Hello Susanne,
You have every right to be concerned as a client, that's why I ensured to explain myself immediately I was informed. I take full responsibility. Thank you so much for your kind response and best wishes. I'm deeply humbled, thank you. I also wish you good health, happiness and prosperity this new year 2024 🙂
I promise I'm doing everything I can to have something to show you in a week's time Max. Despite everything, the last thing I want is to disappoint you. Thank you for your understanding.
Yours,
Denis.
Thank you, Denis!
I am thankful for your honesty and good things - like you and your team produce- take time. I prefer quality and waiting, so please take your time and keep me in the loop.
Best regards,
Susanne
Hi Susanne,
Here I am with something for you as promised. Kindly find attached some images on the same. I look forward to your opinion/criticism (if any) on the same.
Warm Regards,
Denis
Hi Denis,
Thank you for the update!! You really made progress! We hope you did not feel rushed.
I looked at the pictures and have a few questions:
1. Can you put cards in the wallet for me to see how it looks? The lower pocket looks - in the picture- like it might be too low and not cover the card properly.
The inside compartment for the ID card is clear plastic, right?
2. Is it due to the phone screen or the natural coloring of back side and front side of the blue leather that it looks like the blue is two different colors? The zipper on the wallet and the side view of the bill compartment look darker and more turquoise. The picture in which you show the bill compartment from above looks like the blue we selected. I have to admit that the mixture of colors looks a little weird. Only one color would be better.
3. The bag looks good except for the golden highlights! I am sorry but golden zipper and buckle is a no go. Can you change this? If it has to be metal, silver would be better and matching blue or grey even better…
4. The key ring also looks as if it has a mix of colors. The upper loop looks darker and more turquoise than the blue in the M.
I will wait for your feedback to see together with you which changes are necessary and how they could be implemented.
Thank you and best regards,
Susanne
Hello Susanne,
Thank you for your response. Allow me to respond to your queries in the same order.
1. Kindly find attached images of cards in the wallet as requested.
2. Kindly find attached pictures of the wallet and the keyring as well in natural daylight. The weather here is unusually dull but I thought it better than to take pictures in artificial lighting. Colors are easily distorted by lighting. However, we only used one blue cut from a single 10 square feet turquoise sheet of leather. We had to thrift the zipper (even for the bag) that was closest as possible to the blue leather.
3. My apologies I didn't as for your confirmation on the accessories we should use. When you indicated an adjustable shoulder strap, accessories definitely had to be introduced. That can be changed no problem. I have thrifted gun metal greyish zipper and buckle and attached an image as well. Kindly tell me what you think so we can go ahead and redo the bag.
4. The loop could look slightly lighter because it's bent hence stretched. However, it's all cut from a single sheet of leather.
I hope I have responded as you intended for me to clarify. I'll attach images too taken in daylight for your review. I look forward to your response.
Thank you & Warm Wishes,
Denis
Hello Denis,
Thank you for the update and please excuse my late reply. The pictures show the colors a lot better and the cards fit well. Thank you.
Thank you for finding a new zipper and buckle. I like the gun metal zipper better than the gold one. Please use it.
I am really excited to hold the items in my hands.
Sending you my best regards,
Susanne
Hello Susanne,
I'm glad that you love the wallet. Kindly find attached pictures of the redone bag. Looking forward to your response.
I'm also really happy that we're at the final stages, can't wait to get the items to you. Thank you.
Best Wishes,
Denis.
Hello Denis,
Thank you for your message and the pictures. We cannot wait to hold all items in our hands!
Best regards,
Susanne
Hello Susanne,
This is Vicky, the local operations manager. I received your items from Denis and did a quality assessment. All items: bag, wallet and key holder all look really beautiful. I have shared close-up photos of all the items, kindly take a look and let us know what you think.
Regards,
Vicky Achieng.
Hello Vicky,
Thank you for the detailed pictures. Now I see a lot of things I have not seen before. After Denis took some weeks to start with the products( due to illness of staff and family), he finished them within a few days without any feedback possible in between the steps. Honestly, I was a little surprised and thought it would have been great to give feedback in the first stages, because after all was finished, I did not dare ask for bigger changes again. I did not like ithe final product 100%, but it looked similar to what I asked for, so I did not want to criticize Denis and accepted it.
Now that you have sent the pictures, I see some issues that need to be looked at before shipping.
1. Bag
- the outer lower seam looks not symmetrical at all(IMG 1303)
- the front has so many places where the leather is scratched - partly really deep (IMG 1304 and IMG 1313)
- on the back right side there is a hole?
2. Wallet
- there is a blue dot on the back side- like from a pen in the back- Sorry, but I cannot accept this (IMG 1331)
- there are many tiny lines along the seams. Is this from the sewing machine? Can this be cleaned?
- the surface looks also partly scratched…
- the seams around the letter M are really not clean and it does not look neat
3. Key ring
- well, it is ok
What can we do about this? Will you show this to Denis?
Thank you for all your support.
Best regards,
Susanne
Dear Susanne,
Good morning. I hope you are doing well. I have received your feedback in a positive light because as a client it is my duty to ensure that you are fully satisfied with your order. I have been contemplating on the best way forward.
1. For the bag, the leather we used has some bit of elastic properties.
The right back side is where the M is it's not a hole. Maybe the animal had some marks hence the slight imperfections.
Generally, maybe the properties of this leather weren't the best for this project. Only one tannery that I'm aware of produces this Ash Grey so getting another similar one I do not see it as a viable solution.
Would you mind if I try searching for a different kind of Black/Grey possibly more sturdy?
Best Regards,
Denis.
Hello Denis,
Thank you for your feedback.
I know you did your best and that my request was very special. I do trust your expertise. If you think it makes sense to restart, you can try again with a different leather. If you think it will be too difficult, please let me know. Then we will try to find a different solution to the projects.
What can be done about the blue dot on the backside of the wallet?
Thank you.
Best regards,
Susanne
Hello Susanne,
The blue dot on the back of the wallet seems like a pen stain. I'm not sure how we got that because we don't use pens at the workshop to avoid such. However, if I find leather we can redo everything. I'll definitely keep you posted on the same in a few days. I'll need some time to mobilize and see if we can find something Grey elsewhere. If unsuccessful, we can explore other possible solutions with the help of my manager.
Thank you so much.
Best regards,
Susanne.
Thank you, Denis.
Thank you for your reply. I am sorry that you have to restart now, but I did not see the dot and the scratches on your pictures before in such detail.
I hope we can solve this.
Thank you for your understanding!
Best regards, Susanne
Hello Susanne, hoping you are well! My name is Caroline a leather craftwoman in Kenya. I have been reassigned your project and I am ready to pick up the challenge and offer you the best. Kindly clarify if its possible to do engraved logo "M" to have a neat craftwork.
Kind regards,
Caroline Gatwiri
Hello Sussane, hoping you are well! I am still waiting for your call to discuss on the way forward concerning your products.
Kind regards,
Caroline Gatwiri.
I am so sorry Caroline! My email program and computer crashed! I did not have access for the last days. During which times can we call you? We will try tomorrow afternoon, ok?
So sorry for the delay!
Susanne
Hello Sussane, am sorry for that. At any time of your choice i will be waiting waiting.
Thank You,
Caroline Gatwiri.
Thank You Caroline for your patience! Talk to you tomorrow!
Its well Susanne 😊, still waiting for your whatsapp call.
Hello Caroline,
Thank you for the update on the phone. I do not see any button here to confirm that you can continue with the project. So, please send the pictures of the new leather you want to use and we will confirm. After that you can continue with the sample of the keyholder. We have attached a new sample for the letter "M" maybe this is easier to stich.
Thank you,
Susanne
Okay Susanne, i will keep you posted on the shades of blue in our market. And as we agreed i will make a sample soonest after Easter.
Perfect! Thank you, Caroline!
Hello Sussane kindly check the grey laether that we i have shared and make a choice so that we can proceed with your project.
Kind regards,
Caroline Gatwiri.
Hello Caroline,
we like the smooth grey leather better. I think Martin already gave you feedback about it.
Thank you and best regards,
Susanne
Hello Susanne, kindly check the sample i have made for your.
Regards,
Caroline Gatwiri
Hi Caroline,
I think Martin already gave you feedback about the leather colors, thread color and sharp edges of the letter M.
Thanks,
Susanne
Hi Susanne, I am Samuel and will be realizing your idea. I talked with Vickie, the country manager who informed me that you intend to change the design of the initial 'M' on the Key Ring. Please share a picture or font of the letter.
I understand your request comprehensively having gone through your past conversations with the artisans.
I'll be waiting for your direction on the initial so that I can make a sample for the same which I will post tomorrow, Saturday, the 17th.
Good day.
Hello Samuel,
Thank you for your message. I am happy you take over the project!
You had two questions as I see in the conversation:
1. Material:
It would be great if all pieces had the same two leathers and thread colors - as they will be used by one person as a set in daily life.
2. Template Initial "M"
The new template was already attached in one of the projects but I have uploaded it once again for you to see. It has less pointed edges than the original one and should (in our opinion) be easier to sew.
Next steps:
- Can you please send pictures of the light grey and light blue leather that you want to work with?
- Once the leather is confirmed, can you make a small sample of the design with the leather "M"? If possible make a sample of our original idea (grey leather cut out above the blue leather) and if you find it difficult and have another suggestion, please also make a sample so we can decide and compromise together if necessary.
- We also agreed that the thread color should be matching - so best all grey. We did not like the contrast with the blue thread.
- In general to avoid a waste of time, material and money, I would recommend to check back with us before you use a certain material or make or design. Like for example the zipper or other accessoires to the bag, wallet. Thank you!
Let me know if you have any questions.
Best regards,
Susanne ☼
Hi Susanne, Thank you for explaining your requirements. I understand adequately your specifications. I won't be in a position to prepare the punched letter sample today since I won't be going to the leather market in town. However, I asked my leather vendor to send me photos of the two samples which I will share as soon as I receive them.
I will be resuming on Monday after getting the leathers and zippers whose photos I will share with you.
May you have a great weekend.
Thank you, Samuel!
I hope you had a great weekend, too. I am looking forward to the pictures. I will try to give feedback as soon as possible.
Best regards,
Susanne
Hi Susanne, its been great, thank you!
I have attached a photo from the leather vendor that I've just received. I will be going to town later today whereby i'll be in a position to see it myself and take more photos.
I'll update you at that time.
Thank you!
The leather looks good. Maybe a picture in daylight would be helpful.
Thank you for your effort!
Best regards, Susanne
You're welcome. I'll take photos of the same and update them once i get there, as I had said before.
Thanks, Samuel.
Here's a photo.
Hi Samuel,
The leather looks good!
Sorry, my feedback comes mostly at night when I am home!
Thanks and best regards,
Susanne
Hi, Its okay. Welcome!
Hi!
Again, Samuel, I am only writing something here so you have an open answer box.
If you answer with “It’s okay” You close the answer box for you.
So - although I very much appreciate your friendliness - try to not answer to this message unless you write about something that you want feedback from me. 😉
Happy weekend,
Susanne
Hi Susanne, I hope your week's turning great. We've just been through with actualizing logistics recently and are working on the three items which will be ready in a day's time. Please find attached a dummy of the key holder (it is a basic layout which doesn't represent the final item). I'll also be sending another improved layout since that 'M' is common to the three. As soon as you okay it, we'll put up all the pieces together.
Hi Samuel,
Sorry, we were traveling and only had the chance to look at the picture last night. It looks great! Please continue with the three items!
Thank you and best regards,
Susanne
Hi Susanne, here are the final and tested items. I will be sending them to Vickie tomorrow. Good evening!
Hi Samuel,
Thank you! We hope you did not have too much trouble with it! We will wait for Vicki’s feedback and hope we can hold in our hands soon!
Best regards,
Susanne
Hi Susanne,
It’s Vicky. I’ve finally received your items and took several photos for your reference. Samuel used sheep leather, so the texture is incredibly soft and pleasant to the touch. Please take a look at the photos and let me know your thoughts.
Warmest regards,
Vicky.
Hi Vicky!
Thank you for the pictures and feedback. The bag looks great and the whole set is an idea finally come true! I am grateful for Samuels hard work!
The blue scratch/spot and coloring inside the right side of the wallet were probably unavoidable, although it is a pity that it looks a little stained.
Nevertheless, we cannot wait to hold the set in our hands. 😊 Please ship them!
Thank you for your support Vicky!
Best regards, Susanne
The Finished Unique Piece – Individually Handmade
Reference: ON001485E-56314
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Cost of material |
67.1
|
| Cost of labour |
46.97
|
| Cost of packaging |
3.35
|
| Cost of delivery to local operations manager |
3.35
|
| Subtotal – payout to artisan |
120.77
|
| Customer acquisition costs (advertising etc.) |
12.08
|
| Handling fee Urban Change Lab |
12.08
|
| Shipping costs from Kenya to Germany* |
0
|
| VAT (Germany)* |
27.54
|
| Total |
172.47
|
*Shipping costs and VAT vary depending on your location.
Each price shown is based on a unique, custom request. Final prices may vary depending on materials, effort, and delivery location.
