WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MACHINE STITCH AND A SADDLE STITCH? WHY IS ONE BETTER THAN THE OTHER?

To make it easy, let’s start by comparing a single line of stitching on a finished product. When you use a machine, that line of stitching requires two separate threads that lock around each other in what is known as a “locking stitch”. Whereas, a hand stitched line uses a single thread with needles on either end. The thread runs back and forth on either side of the leather in what is called a “running stitch”.

Which is stronger?

Technically speaking, the hand-stitched piece that uses the “running stitch” provides a stronger and more durable construction than the machine sewn piece that uses the “locking stitch”.

If a thread were to snap on a piece that uses a sewing machine, the entire line of thread could potentially unravel allowing the two pieces of leather to separate. However in a hand-stitched piece, the thread will not unravel and the leather pieces will not separate from each other. More importantly, it’s easier to repair the line of stitching.

Function or design?

For all BOHLUX™ products, the look of our finished products is just as important as the construction of it.

After all, BOHLUX™ is meant to be worn and displayed. By using the same tools, materials and hand-stitching techniques that have been used for centuries by European master leather artisans ago, it allows us to make very deliberate choices when we design a piece.

The size and type of thread we use along with the stitches per-inch and the technique (saddle-stitch, which is a type of running stitch) helps to contribute to the overall aesthetic of BOHLUX™ products. As designers and Master Leather Artisans, we take pride in the overall design of our finished products. But as artisans, our pride rests in a beautifully executed line of stitching.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR A HAND-STITCHED PIECE?

Approximately 2 to 3 months.

One of the challenges of hand-stitching leather is that it takes a significantly longer time to produce an item. When you combine the time it takes for cutting, skiving, ironing, dying, waxing and burnishing to create the durability and refined aesthetic of a hand-stitched piece, it is easy to see why the price of a hand-stitched leather item can be more than that of items that are machine-sewn. But it’s also easy to see that hand-stitched BOHLUX™ leather items are meant to last a lifetime.

We are in love with the process of our work. Similar to a musician or sculptor, there’s a training of your hands and a connection to the overall creative process. We love the complicated dance between needle, thread, awl, bee’s wax, and our stitching post that are all required to achieve the proper effect. And, in the end, for the well trained eye, each item has its subtle differences. Those are the differences that reveal the touch and mark of a maker’s hands.

HOW DO PRIVATE DESIGN SESSIONS WORK?

You may schedule a private design session with BOHLUX™...Bohemian Luxury to design your perfect handbag! Master Artisans Louise Comora and/or Gail Fivis will spend time with you to create the handbag of your dreams. You will be able to pick your leather, colors, lining, select hardware, everything you want for your perfect luxury handbag. Pricing for all custom handbags is based on the selection of type of leathers, hardware and number of interior components (such as number of pockets, zipper pockets (inside and outside). Based on the final design and selection of leathers, final pricing will be provided prior to the start of the project.

IS THERE A DEPOSIT REQUIRED FOR CUSTOM ORDERS?

Yes, all custom orders require a 50% deposit prior to starting the project. The 50% will be based on the final total (includes sales tax and shipping fees).

IS THERE A GUARANTEE?

Yes, we guarantee all our work for one (1) year from date of purchase with normal use. If you should have any questions or concerns, please contact us! We make bags we love and want you to love them too. Your complete satisfaction is our goal. Since our bags last so long, if repairs are necessary, they will be made on a case by case basis and the costs will be determined by the time needed to repair the item and shipping costs.

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY BOHLUX™ PRODUCT?

All of the BOHLUX™ leather products are designed to last a lifetime with normal use. A small amount of care is required to insure a long life of this special handmade product. Wash all spills off immediately with plain water and then dry naturally. If your bag should become wet, do not continue to wear on your light colored clothes. Lay it flat with the strap extended away from body of the bag until it is dry; condition if needed.

Kiwi Express is recommended for a quick revitalization of the finish and it is easy and quick to apply. It comes in various colors but neutral can be used for any color and is widely available at most discount stores. It can be used on all of our BOHLUX™ leathers (however do not use on exotics).

EcoPell, Butterball and Old Fashion leathers can be saddle soaped to clean and recondition. Do not use on goatskin or any other suede products. Read the directions carefully and test first on an inconspicuous area to be sure for other products. Scuffing on black binding can be improved with a good black shoe polish but be careful to use only on the edges.

ARE THERE ANY BOHLUX™ ITEMS IN-STOCK?

Yes, in-stock bags and products are shipped in 4-6 business days when available. We do re-supply as needed.

WHAT TYPE OF PAYMENTS DO YOU ACCEPT?

All orders require a form of payment. For your convenience, we offer PayPal, credit card or pre-paid check or money order.

DO YOU SELL GIFT VOUCHERS?

Yes, gift vouchers are available. Please contact us directly for details.

WHAT ARE THE TERMS OF SERVICE?

Your satisfaction is our goal. Please note that leather has variations in color and texture which enhance the unique character of each piece and are not considered defects. You will be notified of out of stock items and given the option of a new delivery date or a refund.

HOW IS BOHLUX™ DIFFERENT FROM ANY OTHER HIGH-END STORE SELLING LUXURY HANDBAGS AND LEATHER ACCESSORIES?

High-end stores selling luxury handbags and leather accessories:

- They (retail clerks) are telling a story...but it’s not their story.
- They (retail clerks) are selling a handbag….but it’s not their bag.
- They (retail clerks) can quote selling points about a bag – but they do not know the intimate details of making the bag….it’s not their bag and they did not design or make the bag.
- They (retail clerks) are the middle man in a mass producing industry.

BOHLUX™...Bohemian Luxury:

- We are telling the story...but it’s our story.
- We are selling the handbag...but it’s our bag.
- We can tell you the selling points about the bag, as we created, designed and made the bag...it’s our bag.
- We are not the middle man...we are the creator, designer, craftswoman of that handbag…we make each bag, no mass producing.
- Every handbag and leather accessory Handcrafted, “One beautiful piece at a time”.
- This is our story...