Tipton & Co.

"I have a horrible obsessive/addictive personality when it comes to creating things, especially for details ... it's good and bad." This was Bryan Bowie's response when asked how he ended up in leather working. The owner, founder and sewer of the newly launched leather goods company Tipton & Co. is clearly a stickler for getting things right. And, while it sounds like it might be tough to be around, it's just the attitude you want in a craftsman, and that's precisely what Mr. Bowie is. Each of his goods are made by him, one waxed thread stitch at a time. Truly bench made, there are no machines—he cuts the leather, punches the holes, stitches it and burnishes the edges. What this means is his stock is limited and quick to sell out, but the product you get is crafted with integrity and made to last. His first large offering includes cases for your pocket knife, iPad and sunglasses, as well as card cases cut from Horween Shell Cordovan and handsome bridle leather camera straps. The straps overlap with Bowie's other labor of love, film photography. His Tumblr will make you dream of vegetable tanned leather and the days of the dark room. With Christmas coming up, give someone a gift they'll actually use for years to come. But you'd better get 'em while you can.