Introducing Bitcoin Theme ~ Hand Tooled Leather Wallets

[Phinnaeus Gage]

Now Accepting Bitcoin

Introducing the Bitcoin theme, hand tooled leather wallets by Martin Basurto: Read more about Martin, here: http://www.hotbikeweb.com/tech/0813_hbkp_hand_tooled_leather_seats/dream_evil_designs.html
 
First, and foremost, I wish to thank all those who've shown great interest and support in these wallets: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=35723.0.

Secondly, I want to categorically state, once again, that I recognize NO profit, what-so-ever, in the sale of these wallets or any other Bitcoin theme accessory products. Payment, whether in Bitcoin (not yet available) or with fiat currency, goes directly to my brother-in-law, Martin Basurto. Pricing of these wallets, or any other Bitcoin theme, hand tooled leather works of art, will only consist of the true cost of materials and tooling labor per project. Of course, you may still incur an additional charge for shipping, unless you stop by the studio and pick up your commissioned product(s) in person.

Martin's artwork on each wallet is tooled on high quality vegetable-tanned leather--the natural choice and only type suitable for carving. Kangaroo hide leather is by far the best leather for fine leather braiding. That's the only lace found in Martin's studio, therefore it's what you see in the images below, braided around the perimeter of each wallet shown below.

Bitcoin Leather aims to keep the price point of its products as low as possible so that more Bitcoin enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enjoy the quality fashioned leather articles.

Update 10-17-2013: The following price points were set as an introductory, but due to the increased cost of leather and realizing the actually time it does take to produce a single wallet, the current price is exactly $200 USD which includes shipping/insurance to most any destinations. Also, at that price point, one has a lot of latitude as to what design, no matter how complex, within reason, they desire.

The three currently available styles of hand tooled leather, bi-fold wallets are:

• The Pioneer Wallet  ~ Starting at $75

• The Hashed Wallet  ~ Starting at $85

• The Mused Wallet    ~ Starting at $95

Wallet Features:

The Pioneer Waller

• Leather Interior
• Fiat Currency Compartment
• Card Pocket and Pass Case
• Durable Vinyl Photo Sleeves
• You Favorite Bitcoin Symbol Tooled on One Side
• A Deluxe Lacing with Über-Strength Kangaroo Hide Leather

The Hashed Wallet:

• Leather Interior
• Fiat Currency Compartment
• Removable Throwaway ID Case
• Six Credit Bitcoin Card Slots
• You Favorite Bitcoin Symbol Tooled on One Side & Your Choice of Lettering on the Reverse
• An Enhanced Lacing with Über-Strength Kangaroo Hide Leather

The Muse Wallet

• Your Choice of the Leather Interior Compartment Options
• Fiat Currency Compartment
• Creative Freedom to Completely Customize and Design Your Wallet
• Hand Tooled and Stitched Name Plate on the Interior
• A Myriad of Embellishment Options

The following images have a brief description accompanying them:

Dubbed the Pioneer Wallet, this prototype of our hand tooled leather wallet line, bears one of the Bitcoin symbols. It's come a long way since the idea was first introduced: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=35723.0.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66151463@N04/6041814115/in/photostream/


This image is of the backside of the Pioneer Wallet. Note the intricately weaved lacing incorporated even in the basic model's design.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66151463@N04/6041807669/in/photostream/


Although the Pioneer Wallet was fashioned with a two-toned dying process, this image may show that effect more pronounced (than actually is) due to lighting during photographing.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66151463@N04/6041800295/in/photostream/


This Pioneer Wallet was pre-ordered with a special request to have the owner's name (Eli Sklar) and the number 3 tooled and stitched on the inside of the wallet. All three wallets, depicted in this post, have different types of compartments on the inside and can all be viewed here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/66151463@N04/sets/72157627307564327/.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66151463@N04/6046054449/sizes/m/in/photostream/


The Hashed Wallet features extra tooling, enhanced lacing and deluxe leather interior.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66151463@N04/6041784001/in/photostream/


The reverse side of the Hashed Wallet reads: BITCOIN IN CRYPTOGRAPHY WE TRUST

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66151463@N04/6041776789/in/photostream/


This detailed image shows the optional lacing pattern along with the hand tooled patterns.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66151463@N04/6042513238/in/photostream

This black dyed Muse Wallet, depicting images associated with Ireland, was designed to get your created juices flowing on how you envision your very own Bitcoin theme, hand tooled leather wallet. One of the design elements that was to be fashioned into the Muse Wallet is clearly missing, due to the delay in shipping of the specially ordered Bitcoin dies, of which we've recently learned are on backorder. We opted to present the wallet as is, without any Bitcoin symbols, to increase the interest level. This wallet can be modified at an extra cost due to the fact that all the lacing would need to be unlaced to tool the leather, then be relaced. You would have the option of an upgraded custom lacing technique, if you so desire.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66151463@N04/6042301416/in/photostream/


The backside of the Muse Wallet, featuring the hand tooled details and the basic lacing pattern.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66151463@N04/6041743569/in/photostream/


To view larger images of the wallets above, visit Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/66151463@N04/sets/72157627307564327/. In the Hand Tooled Leather Bitcoin Wallets set, you'll also be able to see what the inside of the wallets look like.

Fact: I did not set out to join this forum for the sole purpose of hawking leather wallets. This idea was only manifested a little over a week ago (beginning of August, 2011). It just so happens I have an brother-in-law who tools leather for his livelihood that enabled you to quickly see my Bitcoin idea to fruition.

What's your big idea involving Bitcoin?

Are you doing anything with it or just setting on your ass saying to yourself, "Only If!"?

[iSellGames]

How much those cost?

[Phinnaeus Gage]

How much those cost?

Thank you kindly for your interest, iSellGames. I've just updated the post by adding the prices. Feel free to ask other questions, thereby allowing me to address all your concerns.

[Sh1337]

These are really cool! If I stumble upon more money I will definitely buy one! 

I just got my first good amount of bitcoins today! I have 8 bitcoins now, which I know is not much, but I am very happy.

[Phinnaeus Gage]

These are really cool! If I stumble upon more money I will definitely buy one!  

I just got my first good amount of bitcoins today! I have 8 bitcoins now, which I know is not much, but I am very happy.

Thank you kindly for commenting on the quality of these wallets, Shadez.
                                                                   _
8 Bitcoins is 8 Bitcoins: That's way more than what 99.9% of the world population has in hand in pocket in their Bitcoin wallets.

[Phinnaeus Gage]

Could we see a picture or two of the insides of them where the card holders are etc.. and why no bitcoin payment option?

Thank you for your questions, SAC. I'm uploading the images depicting the inside of the wallets now to Flickr. Martin's currently exploring Bitcoin, but in the meantime he's accepting payment via the usual modes of transferring funds. He hopes that's not a deal breaker while he entertains the idea of accelerating the Bitcoin payment option.

[Phinnaeus Gage]

How much those cost?

The three currently available styles of hand tooled leather, bi-fold wallets are:

• The Pioneer Wallet  ~ Starting at $75

• The Hashed Wallet  ~ Starting at $85

• The Mused Wallet    ~ Starting at $95

[Phinnaeus Gage]

I just received permission from Eli Sklar allowing me to publish images of the inside of his Bitcoin theme, hand tooled leather wallet, fashioned specifically for him.

Eli's main thread is here: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=34175.0
He's website is here: http://bitcoin.gridct.com/



http://www.flickr.com/photos/66151463@N04/6046047055/in/photostream



http://www.flickr.com/photos/66151463@N04/6046054449/in/photostream


Eli originally wanted the number 3 tooled with his name on the inside of the wallet, until I mentioned to him that the number 1 was available. Although he opted to go with the number 1, Karma intervened, thereby ending up with the number 3 below his name. Therefore, be careful what you wish for, because the universe is always listening.


The complete Hand Tooled Leather Wallets set can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/66151463@N04/sets/72157627307564327/

[Phinnaeus Gage]

As requested, here's an image depicting the leather compartments of the Hashed Wallet that comes with a removable throwaway ID window:





Additional photos of these wallets and of their insides can be seen at Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/66151463@N04/sets/72157627307564327/

[BitPorium]

Looks really interesting. Can i get a wallet with my company logo on it? Thanks

[Phinnaeus Gage]

Looks really interesting. Can i get a wallet with my company logo on it? Thanks

Yes! I also sent you a PM outlining this proposal.


Allow me to throw it at you on how I envision your wallet, then you can toss it back to me.

                 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Your logo--image, font style and colors...





...stretched across the whole outside of the wallet...





...featuring the enhanced lacing...with 6 (approximately 1/4" in size) Bitcoin symbols located in all 4 corners & 2 at the fold (see image above, located at the top and bottom in the center)





...with this style leather interior...





...and with your tooled leather name plate located behind the ID sleeve...(shown here in the Pioneer Wallet model, but what I'm basically describing to you is a hybrid between the Hashed Wallet and the Muse Wallet)





Let me know what you think about the design so far.

Thank you kindly for your comment and question, and allowing me to offer up a design for you.

[Kermee]

Phinnaeus Gage,

Gorgeous wallets.  Let me know if/when you're able to take Bitcoins as payment.  I'm also interested in purchasing one or two with my company logo.  (It's actually an extremely simple logo.)

Cheers,
Kermee

[Phinnaeus Gage]

Phinnaeus Gage,

Gorgeous wallets.  Let me know if/when you're able to take Bitcoins as payment.  I'm also interested in purchasing one or two with my company logo.  (It's actually an extremely simple logo.)

Cheers,
Kermee

Thank you for your gorgeous comment, Kermee. I surely will let you know when we start accepting Bitcoin.

[ahitman]

Nice wallets! Can you post one with a credit card inside it and one beside it? I would just like to see how much bigger the wallet is compared to a credit card. Also, I am waiting until you can accept bitcoins (try bit-pay.com they seem reputable). Thanks!

[Phinnaeus Gage]

Nice wallets! Can you post one with a credit card inside it and one beside it? I would just like to see how much bigger the wallet is compared to a credit card. Also, I am waiting until you can accept bitcoins (try bit-pay.com they seem reputable). Thanks!

Thank you kindly for your comments, ahitman. I've provided the images below that you've requested. Follow the link at the end of this post to view other images of this wallet showing the relative size next to my personal wallet (worn out, I know, but was a special gift years ago) along with images of the credit cards and fiat inserted.

I'm taking you up on your suggestion to go with bit-pay.com. I will let you know when I've completed that process.



http://www.flickr.com/photos/66151463@N04/6057678328/sizes/m/in/set-72157627307564327/


http://www.flickr.com/photos/66151463@N04/6057678350/in/set-72157627307564327


http://www.flickr.com/photos/66151463@N04/6057678366/sizes/m/in/set-72157627307564327/


Here's the link to Flickr showing the Hand Tooled Leather Wallets set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/66151463@N04/sets/72157627307564327/

[Phinnaeus Gage]

Hi! I definitely like the exterior of the "Hashed Wallet". As of interior I have the similar wish to Phinnaeus Gage one - I want your tooled leather name plate to be placed behind the ID sleeve with the same color of letters and background that bitcoin logo have on the outer side of the wallet.

Another question - Do you offer international shipping?

Thank you kindly for your comment and request, kyrie*eleison. The design you outline would not be a problem what-so-ever. Also, my brother-in-law, Martin, has shipped all across the globe--with the exception of Antarctica--his hand tooled leather artwork. Therefore, international shipping is not an issue. Most likely, it'll cost around $15, but does depend on where you're located. The cost of the wallet you described will only be $95. (somebody please inform if that last sentence is against the rules on this forum, and should have quoted it via a PM)

Please PM or email me (available in profile) if you have any further questions or concerns.

[osmosis]

Do you make leather wristbands?

[Phinnaeus Gage]

Do you make leather wristbands?

Good Morning, osmosis. Quick note: I don't do the hand tool leathering--my brother-in-law Martin Basurto does. That said, yes he does fashion wristbands. I believe you're speaking about the type that bikers wear. Please correct me if I'm mistaken. I just checked his abbreviated portfolio that I have on my computer, but don't have an example to post. I know he has many examples in his file. I was in his studio yesterday and he just so happened showed me a leather wristband he had recently tooled. Killer! I also know he makes stuff for the heavy metal crowd which includes wristbands. Basically, they're the same type (if I'm not mistaken--Martin's into the leather [scene] whereas I'm into paddles wood).

Bitcoin: An Idea Worth Spending

[osmosis]

If you can get a pic posted of his wristbands that would be great. If he is on etsy maybe you could link to that.
Also, I recently created an Etsy team for bitcoiners. Im wanting it to become an easy way to locate etsy artists who accept bitcoin. Here is the link: http://www.etsy.com/teams/10366/bitcoin

Do you make leather wristbands?

Good Morning, osmosis. Quick note: I don't do the hand tool leathering--my brother-in-law Martin Basurto does. That said, yes he does fashion wristbands. I believe you're speaking about the type that bikers wear. Please correct me if I'm mistaken. I just checked his abbreviated portfolio that I have on my computer, but don't have an example to post. I know he has many examples in his file. I was in his studio yesterday and he just so happened showed me a leather wristband he had recently tooled. Killer! I also know he makes stuff for the heavy metal crowd which includes wristbands. Basically, they're the same type (if I'm not mistaken--Martin's into the leather [scene] whereas I'm into paddles wood).

Bitcoin: An Idea Worth Spending

[iSellGames]

How durable these are? Example if I would buy Muse Wallet and keep it in tight pocket would picture elapse or break?