Tracey Keating
Tracey has been operating her leatherwork business since May, 1994.
For 17 years all of her work was handcrafted in a small retail shop/workshop
next to Skinny Legs Bar&Grill, on St. John, USVI. She now works
out of a private studio near her home on the south side of the island.
Tracey continues to specialize in custom work and takes pride in giving
her customers just what they're looking for.
Most of Tracey's leatherwork is done with hand tools, but she spends a fair amount of time on her old Singer, too. The production process typically begins with ideas, details and specs from the client (you), and once these things are settled, paper patterns are drawn and cut. After transferring the patterns to leather, all parts and pieces are cut, and hardware is laid out. If the final product is not to be machine stitched, the next step is to hand-punch stitch holes, one by one, making sure all are equally matched for proper assembly. If called for, dyeing and finishing the leather is next. Then, finally, the item is sewn together, a few finishing touches are added, and the order is complete!.
Take a look on this website to see Samples of Tracey's work, and maybe even get some ideas for a custom order of your own. More cool stuff from a group of Tracey's artist friends can be found here too. Check it out,
If you are lucky enough to visit beautiful St.
John, Tracey's work can also be found in numerous stores around the
island.
Look for it: Awl Made Here.