Kara Ginther Leather offers a custom carving service for Brooks saddles.
Designs include anything from logos to full illustrations and may span a price range of $99-$400.
VISIT GALLERY
Pricing
These prices do not include the cost of the saddle. You are responsible for supplying your own saddle.
I try to be as accommodating as possible when it comes to pricing your saddle. I am perfectly willing to alter any design to fit a specific budget. Please take the time to note your maximum price preferences on the CUSTOM SADDLE REQUEST FORM.
How To Order
•Contact via the CUSTOM SADDLE REQUEST FORM
You should receive a response within 48 hours, confirming your request and establishing a timeline for your order. A shipping address will also be provided at this time.
•Shipment of your saddle AND $100 down-payment. Payment is via Paypal or personal check.
•Design process
Based on the information (logos, images, inspiration) that you supply, I will begin sketching designs for your saddle. I will send digital images of the initial sketch and any necessary revisions (NOTE: More than two (2) revision may result in a price increase.) Carving will not commence without your full approval of the design.
•Carving process
Upon approval of the design and price range, I will proceed to carve your design, which generally takes 1-2 weeks.
•Payment and Shipping
Upon completion of the saddle, I will send images of the finished product and an invoice. Payment is via Paypal or personal check.
Your carved saddle will ship upon receipt of payment. Method of shipment is the US Postal Service, Priority. International orders are welcome.
FAQ
1) What tools and techniques do you use to carve and color a saddle?
My method of carving leather is quite straight-forward. I begin by embossing the design into the saddle surface. This I do by tracing or by hand, using an awl to press the design into the leather. Then I carve the surface using fine wood carving tools. Using these small blades, I remove the thinnest layer of epidermis (or topmost layer) of the leather in order to expose the contrasting color of the dermis. On occasion, I will use a very fine sandpaper to smooth carved-out sections.
I primarily use color on saddles that are meant for display purposes, although any color I have applied to heavily-ridden saddles holds up surprisingly well. I use latex paint on saddles, since it adheres well and applies smoothly.
2) How does carving affect the lifespan of a saddle? Can I ride a carved saddle?
Yes, you can ride a carved saddle! In fact, I would love for you to do so. The carved design only becomes better and better with use and age. There have been many avid cyclists using KGL saddles for over a year now and there have been no reported problems; rather, reviews have all been extremely positive.
This being said, KGL is still a young company and carving saddles still a rather new venture. I cannot make any guarantees as to what might happen to this saddle after ten years of riding. When everything is said and done, a carved saddle is art and riders should remain mindful of this. I understand completely if you would rather err on the safe side. But for those souls craving beauty and authentic personal expression: little extra vigilance in caring for the saddle and you should be fine.
3) How should I care for a carved saddle?
You should care for your carved saddle as you would any leather saddle. Bill Laine of Wallingford Bicycle Parts in New Orleans advises that leather needs to be taken care of with a conditioner. Brooks offers a conditioner/water-proofer called Proofide. You can learn more about application and purchase here.
Keep in mind that conditioning may darken your carved design, particularly where the surface has been removed.
Bill also writes: “Unlike boots or horse tack, Brooks leather is under tension all of the time. A wet saddle should be dried at room temperature and treated with a leather conditioner. A saturated saddle should not be ridden until it dries.”
4) Does Brooks know about you?
I have been honored with not only the acknowledgment, but full support, of Brooks England Ltd. In fact, Brooks has been generous enough to recommend me for projects such as the Wallpaper* Handmade show. I have also been featured on their blog and have an article in the 2011 edition of BROOKS BUGLE. Brooks has been remarkably accommodating, even creating custom saddle orders for special clients. I look forward to working alongside this amazing company for years to come.
5) Do you carve other Brooks accessories?
Yes! So far I have carved Brooks mudflaps. I have yet to carve bags/panniers but would love to try my hand at it.
Ready To Order?
Time to fill out a Custom Saddle Request Form.