Samuel Wachira elegantly crafted a light gray and blue leather wallet for Susanne, perfectly blending practicality and beauty with a personalized touch. What's your wish?
A request by Susanne from Aachen, Germany
Hello,
I am looking for a men’s leather wallet with card slots, bill compartment and coin pocket.
The specifics:
– light gray, smooth leather should be the basis
– there should be accents in blue/light blue
– It should have an initial (M) on the front – preferably so that it is punched out and you can see the two leather colors
It is important that the leather colors are gray/light gray and light blue/azure blue. It should match the recipient’s car that has these colors. I have attached a photo cutout on which you can see the colors.
I have tried to make a sketch. I’m still missing a few details about the size, but I would submit them when it is clear that the leather colors are possible.
I am looking forward to your feedback.
Thank you very much and best regards,
Susanne
The Journey of Creating Custom Men’s Wallet in Light Gray & Blue Leather
Negotiation & Planning
Custom Men’s Wallet in Light Gray & Blue Leather - design ideas and artisan proposals
Hi Susanne,
My name's Denis and I'd be delighted to realize this order for you. The leather can be sourced that won't be a problem and we can also source light blue thread for the accent stitching.
My query is with the initial M. It will be naturally in grey the color of the leather. How do you mean two Leather colors to be seen on the initial (M)?
Warm Regards,
Denis.
Hello Denis,
Thank you for your message and for trying to realize my idea!
My idea is that the wallet is made of 2 -3 layers of leather - not sure if that is realistic. 🙂
So that the upper layer is grey and the below layer is blue so that if you cut out/punch out the letter "M" on the first grey leather layer that the blue leather below will show. I attached a picture of a key ring, where a heart shape is cut out and shows a fabric underneath. maybe something similar is possible for the letter "M" on the front side of the wallet.
Regarding the inside: The main color should be the light grey leather and the blue leather should just be the inside of the pocket for the money bills, card pockets and coin pocket. My first hand drawn sketch showed too much blue for the card pockets. I have attached more pictures as an example of the color scheme inside of the wallet.
I also attached pictures of the current wallet with a ruler next to it. Size and format should be similar, if possible.
Let me know if you have more questions. I will try to be more specific, if necessary.
If all goes well, I would also be interested to add a key ring in the same design/leather to my order. Would that be possible?
Thank you!
Best regards from Germany,
Susanne (Automatische Übersetzung)
Hi Sussane,
I hope you are doing well. My sincere apologies for the delay. I had been advised of a system maintenance but everything is good now. From your explanation I'm beginning to now understand your idea regarding the letter M area. Cutting the Grey leather to show the Blue leather stitched underneath it is now making sense to me of what you've been trying to explain.
Unfortunately I can't find your attachments for me to look at. I've contacted support in case it's something they can assist me with but if you don't mind, maybe you can reattach the pictures again? I will highly appreciate.
Thank you 😊
Best Regards,
Denis.
Hello Denis,
Thank you for your message. I am happy to continue the process. Today is the birthday of the recipient of the wallet and wanted to at least give hime the news that he will get a new wallet soon!
I can try to attach the pictures again. I hope you will be able to see them. Can I also contact someone to help with this?
If I wanted to add another item, like for example a key ring which matches the wallet, should I send a new request or can we continue in this project?
Thank you and best reagrds,
Susanne (Automatische Übersetzung)
Hi Susanne,
I hope you are doing well. Thank you for the quick and positive response. Happy Birthday to him from myself too! Go ahead and give him the news that we're working on something special for him, he's one lucky guy.
Managed to access the attachments and I'll list the areas I'm seeking clarification.
1. We are to stick with the exact design of his current wallet together with the measurements you provided of the same wallet, correct? If yes, I'm assuming the other two Wallet images are for color illustration purposes only.
2. Would you mind doing a brief video tour of current wallet from when you open it. So I'm able to see all the compartments contained in the wallet? This way we won't miss anything and this is highly recommended.
3. From your sketch, you want blue leather for the Bill compartments and all card holders only, correct?
4. For the coins pocket you wish to have a blue zipper? Will it be blue Leather as well or Grey?
I hope to hear from you soon.
Warm regards,
Denis.
Hi Denis,
Thank you for your feedback. The birthday surprise was a total success! I am happy to answer your questions:
1. I think it would be the easiest to just imitate the current wallet design. It fulfills the main requirements of
- 6 card compartments,
- 1 mesh pocket for ID,
- 2 "hidden" pockets behind the coin compartment and the inner card compartment
- and two compartments for bills.
I am open to listen to your ideas, if you think something should be made different for any reason. It is not obilgatory to follow the original design as long as there is no compromise on the number of pockets.
I have deleted the pictures of the other wallet- They were - as you already guessed - only for showing what could be grey and what could be blue.
2. I cannot attach a video of the current wallet, because the platform does not accept the .mov format. Sorry! I tried to attach more pictures. I hope you can open them.
3. I am sorry that the colors are a little confusing. I have attached new pictures with the current wallet to explain which parts should be blue and which should be grey. The main color should be grey and the blue should only be an accent. On my original drawing I made the card holders blue, because I imagined the blue showing only behind the cards or when you take them out, but I see now that this is not really possible as the card holders will probably be just slits in the main grey leather. So do not worry, we will have enough blue accents if the bill compartments are blue as well as the zipper and the inside seams. Maybe you find a blue mesh for the mesh pocket that fits the other blues?
4. The coin pocket should have a blue zipper. Maybe the folding part on the side could also be blue. See picture.
Is it possible that you tell me, if I can add 1-2 more items to this order, which should have the same design and material? I mentioned a key ring earlier. Or should I set up a new project for this?
Thank you and best regards,
Susanne (Automatische Übersetzung)
Hio Sussane,
I hope you are doing well. I've been analysing your newest attachments and these are far better and I now understand your concept with the wallet. I've also been trying to source for Blue and Grey leather as well. Kindly find attached of what I could get in Blue and tell me what you think. I'm still searching for Grey I hope that by the time you respond to this I'll have a sample for you to see.
I consulted management about the 2 more items you wish you add and they advised it's best you create a new project for these. I hope you'll be comfortable with this, kindly let me know what you think.
Warm wishes,
Denis.
Hello Denis,
Thank you very much for your message!
The leather should be smooth leather please and not suede or other rough leather. Is that possible?
The blue can also be a little stronger than in your picture. I have searched for examples and attached to you.
For the other projects: I will gladly create a new request. Is it then certain that you will receive the order? It should be the same material as for the purse. It would be best to send everything in one
package should be shipped.
Thank you for your patience and effort! I appreciate it very much!
Many greetings
Susanne (Automatic translation)
Hi Sussane,
Thank You for your response and guidance regarding the leather. Now I know what shade to look for.
As for the other projects, yes, management of UCL in Kenya is aware so they will assign it to me, being a continuation of the wallet materials. It will also be economical for me to make more products out of the two leathers as we buy leather in large pieces minimum of about12 square feet considering that we need Blue & Grey.
Let me keep looking and I'll get back to you with options available currently from vendors so we can choose. Thank you.
Warm Regards,
Denis.
Thank you very much, Denis. I will put on the other two projects this weekend. I'm still looking for pictures to go with them. Thank you for all your effort. I am very grateful for your patience! Many greetings, Susanne (Automatic translation)
Hi Sussane,
I'm definitely happy to be at your service. I'd like to attach to Blues that I found today though one is upholstery soft while the other one is a bit tough and pull up. Tell me if you like any?
Many thanks.
Best Regards,
Denis
Hi Denis, we have seen the two different blue leathers. The one leather with the woman's hand has a lot of texture. It is definitely not easy to work it. The color is good. The other leather looks softer and better for you to sew. Is it smooth leather or suede? You can't tell that well. The color looks good too. The soft leather would be good.
Have you found a gray leather yet too?
Thanks and many greetings
Susanne (Automatic translation)
Hi Sussane,
I hope you are doing well. The other one is smooth leather. The side that looks suede is the inner side, not the external side. I hope I'm making sense hehe. Grey leather I'm still looking. Not found it yet.
Many thanks,
Denis
Great! Thank you for your quick feedback. Best regards, Susanne (Automatic translation)
Hi Sussane,
I'm still trying to find a light Grey it's not easy to get. I have one final place I intend to look tomorrow but in the meantime I'd like to attach something. It's not light Grey but darker sort of ash Grey, just in case you might consider it as an option in case we ran out of options. Tell me what you think.
Best Regards,
Denis
Hi Denis, thanks for all your effort!!! It is truly appreciated! The pic you sent, the leather looks dark but the material is Good. If you cannot find a lighter one, l think we could continue with this.
Thaaaannnnk you!
Susanne (Automatische Übersetzung)
Hi Susanne,
Thank you for appreciating my efforts. I even involved the team at UCL here in Kenya, we've looked together they're aware of how challenging the situation has been. I've attached my very last option, that's the closest I got to a Grey. It's amazing quality I'm sure you'll like it. With your approval, we'll proceed on both orders. I hope you can get back to me as soon as possible.
Thank you & Warmest Regards,
Denis
Hello Denis,
The leater looks good. Who would have known that finding a light grey leather could be so challenging?! Well, thank you for putting so much time and energy into it. I think it looks great and we should continue all three projects with this material!
So we are all set now, correct? We already agreed on the blue one and can continue?
Thank you!
Let me know if you need further feedback.
Kind regards,
Susanne (Automatische Übersetzung)
Hello Susanne,
It's definitely been a struggle. Getting the exact shade means placing an order at the tannery which of course needs to be serious bulk whereas for our case we don't require bulk to make these items. In glad that you liked the closest one I could get after really searching. We're definitely set now, once you approve I'll be able to get down to work immediately. Thank you for your patience. Incase I need further clarification I'll definitely reach out to you.
Thank you
Best Regards,
Denis
Hello Susanne,
It's definitely been tough even mobilizing the search. Getting the exact shade means placing an order at the tannery which of course needs to be serious bulk whereas for our case we don't require bulk to make these items. I'm glad that you liked the closest one I could get after really searching. We're definitely set now, once you approve I'll be able to get down to work immediately. Thank you for your patience. Incase I need further clarification I'll definitely reach out to you.
Thank you
Best Regards,
Denis
Hello Sussane, Hoping you are well! I am Happy to take up your project from where Denis left. Kindly let me know if you can allow us to engrave the logo "M" for a neat leather work.
Kind regards,
Caroline Gatwiri.
Hello Sussane, hoping you are well? We are working on your sample. Soon we will share.
Hello Susanne, I am Samuel and would like to realize your idea. I have two questions for you:
1. Do you want a replica of the brown wallet with 12 compartments but in Gray(main color) and Azure blue(bill compartment and main seams)?
2. I have seen the two photos of different Gray leathers. Which one of the two do you prefer to use?
Crafting Process
How to make a Custom Men’s Wallet in Light Gray & Blue Leather – 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.
Hello Denis,
We cannot wait to hold all items in our hands!
Best regards,
Susanne (Automatische Übersetzung)
Hi Susanne,
I'm so happy that you like the items. I'd like to express my most sincere gratitude for your patience and kindness. It wasn't intentional but I'm glad the project has finally come to a happy client conclusion. I hope you will like them even more once you get them. I'm grateful for the opportunity you granted me to work with you. With your permission, I'll now mark the orders complete and dispatch the items to my local manager. Thank you once again and I wish you happiness and success in your endeavors!
Best Regards,
Denis.
Hello Denis,
Thank you for your kind words!
I enjoyed the whole process of production with you. Thank you for realizing our vision.
Maybe we will work together again in the future?! I would enjoy that! All the best for you and your family.
Best wishes,
Susanne (Automatische Übersetzung)
Hello Susanne,
Here are photos of the wallet Denis and his team made. It looks lovely and the materials used are of good quality. So kindly look through them and let us know what you think.
Best regards,
Vicky Achieng.
Hello Vicky, I had given feedback in the other project page. I hope you received it.
Thank you for taking care!
Best regards,
Susanne (Automatische Übersetzung)
Hello Sussane, Hoping you are well! I am Happy to take up your project from where Denis left. Kindly let me know if you can allow us to engrave the logo "M" for a neat leather work.
Kind regards,
Caroline Gatwiri.
Hello Caroline, Thank you for your message. Can you explain what you mean by that? Like making the M with hot steel?
Thanks,
Susanne (Automatische Übersetzung)
Hello Sussane, How are you! Thanks for your response.
I have shared some photos of wallets with engraved names like M and and Alfred.
Kindly advice more if you are okay with it.
Best regards,
Caroline Gatwiri
Hello Caroline,
please excuse my late response. I am travelling for work and only have limited access to my emails.
I looked at your pictures and we would not like the M to be engraved as "Alfred" is. Maybe something similar to the printed colored "M" inside in the wallet. Would it be possible to have the "M" printed for example on the coin part of the Wallet inside and in a blue which we originally wanted? That would also be fine. But before we continue to talk about these details, can you please update me, which material you will be using? The grey leather Dennis was able to get had unfortunately many holes and scratches. When you say you take over from where he left off, what exactly are you doing and with which material?
I will be back in Germany in a few days and promise to get back to you faster. Maybe it would be a good idea to have a phone call to talk about these details. Can I call you on the number shown here, ending in ...269? For example next Monday?
Thank you and best regards,
Susanne (Automatische Übersetzung)
Hello Sussane, its well understood. Sorry i took time to respond i had to consult my Local Operations Manager concerning the phone call and she has agreed you can call through +254727407269, i would prefer whatsapp. I saw what Dennis had made and we are here to verify the mistake. I promise you quality leather and a fine one don't expect any scratches at all. I will share the blue and grey leather before the start. I understand you want M stitched its okay we will offer you the service with my team.
We are looking forward to serve you.
Kind regards,
Caroline Gatwiri.
Hi Caroline, I want to stop the reminders so I am answering here. Let us know when you have updates.
Best regards,
Susanne (Automatische Übersetzung)
Hello Sussanne, we have this in grey kindly choose one so that we can proceed with your project.
Kind regards.
Caroline Gatwiri.
Hallo Caroline, Thank you for your message. The smooth grey leather would be best. Thanks, Susanne (Automatische Übersetzung)
Hi Susanne, kindly check this sample i have made for you.
Kind 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 (Automatische Übersetzung)
Yes... as per our whatsapp conversation that M is the most tricky part. Am waiting for your way advice on the way forward.
Thanks
Caroline.
Hello Caroline.
Please follow up on the WhatsApp Communication. Thank you, Susanne
3rd July:
You: The other one didn't come out so well... thats why i was asking if we can work on it without the M
Me: without any M or without the new M and stick with the old M and attach the edges better so that they will not bend?
I actually do not like the idea of Burning an M on the Grey leather and not have anything blue on it... Can you burn a letter M on the Grey leather and on the blue leather and Show me? Just on a small piece not on the actual sample key ring. so that I can decide better. You have only sent Pictures of old Projects. One looked colorful the other one did not. I cannot imagine how it would look on our Project. (Automatische Übersetzung)
Hi Susanne,
I hope the day turned out great today. Could you please respond in the other thread so that I can share a photo? It will be easier using one thread to communicate.
I answered in the other project. (Automatic translation)
Hi Susanne, I am waiting waiting for your response on the other thread.
I answered. I open this thread again for you. 🙂 (Automatische Übersetzung)
👍
Hi! If you answer, Samuel, then the thread closes again and you cannot write anything in the future. I am only writing something here, so you can contact me if you need to.
So, do not answer unless you want to contact me. 😉
Happy weekend, Susanne (Automatische Übersetzung)
Hi Susanne, I've been waiting for your feedback on the main thread. I hope you see this on good time.
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, (Automatische Übersetzung)
HI Susanne, It was a pleasure working with and serving you. I couldn't reply to your message from the main thread since the system concluded conversations from my side and this might be the last as well. For sure we had to toil looking for the correct parts for quite some time and doing reiterations. Eventually we're grateful to complete the process.
Good evening!
Hello samuel,
Thank you for your kind words! It was a pleasure to work with you. Your professionalism and eye for the details really made my idea come true.
We cannot wait to hold the items in our hands!
Thank you and all the best to you,
Susanne (Automatische Übersetzung)
The Finished Unique Piece – Individually Handmade
Reference: ON010994E-54207
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Cost of material |
40.28
|
| Cost of labour |
46.99
|
| Cost of packaging |
3.36
|
| Cost of delivery to local operations manager |
3.36
|
| Subtotal – payout to artisan |
93.99
|
| Customer acquisition costs (advertising etc.) |
9.4
|
| Handling fee Urban Change Lab |
9.4
|
| Shipping costs from Kenya to Germany* |
25.31
|
| VAT (Germany)* |
26.24
|
| Total |
164.34
|
*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.
