Build Diaries

The full story behind each build, from pattern to final finish: video game and film replicas, cosplay pieces and LARP gear.

Handmade leather satchel inspired by John Marston in Red Dead Redemption 2, vegetable-tanned and hand stitched

Building John Marston's Satchel in Real Leather

John Marston's satchel, rebuilt in 2.6 mm vegetable-tanned leather: the pattern drawn from screenshots, the green velvet lining, and why the buttonhole slot gets cut before the dye.

Red G Smith

Oct 73 min read

Laser-engraved Middle-Earth leather map with a sword laid across it - Redsmith Leatherwork

Designing and Laser-Engraving a Middle-Earth Map in Leather

How I designed a Middle-Earth map in Illustrator and laser-engraved it into leather - the detailed design work behind a Lord of the Rings build.

Red G Smith

Jun 233 min read

Assassin's Creed Valhalla leather quiver with its arrows, strapped to a tree - Redsmith Leatherwork

Crafting the Valhalla Quiver: A Masterclass in Norse Leatherworking

I build an embossed leather quiver inspired by Assassin's Creed Valhalla: pattern, Norse tooling, assembly. For cosplay and LARP archers.

Red G Smith

Jun 233 min read