Tir Na NOg

So here is the piece that has been responsible for eating up my entire past month.

I've never made a Sporran before, and it didn't take too long to realize any existing patterns I could find appeared horribly plain if not extremely primitive to me. So, I made up my mind to just wing it.


For my first Sporran, I don't think it turned out too bad. There are of course a few flaws and things that I've learned now and will only make the next that much better. Trial and error as they say.

As always, this is completely hand cut, tooled, and carved leather. Also, because of the lack of a machine, entirely hand stitched.

The fur is the inspiration for me to begin making these. As I mentioned a few posts back, I recently met a fantastic Highland Cattle rancher who for the most part raises these beautiful animals purely for their meat. He was at a loss for what to do with the beautiful fur, especially considering how expensive it is to have them tanned (and after having attempted tanning some myself now, I can understand why!)

But what he did mention, and after much researching on my part realized, there is absolutely no one out there making and selling Sporrans with Highland Cattle fur, despite that there is a demand for them. Well, we are rectifying this situation.


This particular sporran will be purchasable this weekend at the Tallahassee Highland Games and Celtic Festival, at the Running River Ranch booth, where Peter will be holding a raffle for it, as well as showing his lovely cattle and selling various cuts of meats as he usually is. :)