Michael Simpsonelli: Musician. Maker.

Music has been at the centre of my life for as long as I can remember. I've spent most of my life playing, recording, teaching and making music - as a guitarist, drummer, producer and whatever else the job happens to call for. Working with my hands and making things has always been part of who I am.

Around 2009, I starting learning leathercraft. I first learned by helping an experienced leatherworker make belts and buckles for artisan craft markets. Before long, I wanted to make something of my own - a leather bag. I bought a book, taught myself to hand stitch, and made myself a designer satchel. More than 15 years later, I still use that bag, and whenever someone comments on it, I always say, "It'll outlast me."

Leathercraft soon became a natural extension of my life as a musician. I started making guitar straps, stick bags, cuffs, belts and buckles to wear on stage - distinctive pieces with the kind of character and style I had a hard time finding anywhere else. I went on to sell my work at Vancouver's Eastside Culture Crawl, on Etsy and through word of mouth, while also spending time working alongside another established Vancouver leathersmith and continuing to develop my craft. Today, I sell my work exclusively through my online shop and by word of mouth, making each piece individually rather than producing in volume.

The same idea still drives Simpsonelli Leathercraft today: make distinctive, functional pieces for people who want something different from the mass-produced stuff - and something that will last. Every Simpsonelli Leathercraft accessory is made by hand in Vancouver, bringing together more than 15 years of leathercraft with a lifetime spent making music.

Explore my music and other creative projects at www.simpsonelli.ca