About MazFly
Mazzy Flynn is a leatherworker who creates functional pieces completely by hand. She grew up in Minnesota exploring the lakes and forests, and always loving to create things with her hands. After graduating college with a B.S. in Environmental Science, she moved to Grand Marais in hopes to find a science career near the Boundary Waters. Instead she found her way to North House Folk School, where she developed her love for leatherworking as well an appreciation for all craft.
Since finishing her internship at North House, Mazzy has explored her love of leather- experimenting in simple and classic designs while also wanting to incorporate her love of color and youthful elements.
FAQs
How do I care for my leather goods?
All leather products require some upkeep, but with the right care they can last forever! I recommend conditioning the leather when it looks and feels dry- this may be needed more often in the beginning of its life. If the leather is dirty, you can use a damp cloth or sponge to remove dirt or debris but please do not submerge the leather in water as this can warp and permanently change the condition and shape of your goods.
What are the marks on the leather from?
Every hide looks a bit different from another. Depending on the life of the cow the hide came from, it may have many marks or no marks at all. The most common marks are brand marks, where the cow has been branded with the farmers initials or symbol to show who the cow belongs to. Other common marks are scars from bugs or other events in the cow’s life. I personally love these marks on the leather, as it shows the history of the hide and where it came from. I intentionally purchase hides with marks and try to highlight them as best as I can in the pieces I make.
How can I darken the color of my leather?
Vegetable Tanned leather is a very pale beige color, unless it is dyed or naturally darkened. I do not dye my leathers, and do not recommend doing so after a piece has been created. Over time, the leather will naturally darken and develop a rich honey patina as the piece lives with you. To speed up the color change, you can condition the leather and set it in bright sunlight to soak up the UV rays, where the leather will essentially develop a suntan.