Every piece begins long before I pick up my tools.
It starts with the choices I make about where materials come from, how they are made, who made them, and why that matters.
Raw Materials
- The leather I use comes from a multi-generational tannery that uses traditional vegetable-tanning methods. They source from domestic steers raised for food, nothing wasted, never from brokers or factory farms.
- I source wood blanks from a family mill that's an Arbor Day Foundation member with reforestation built into their business model.
- My paints come from a heritage family business operating for over a century.
- The stains I use are made by a heartland supplier with a legacy dating back to the US Cavalry era.
- I get sealers from a Midwest family company that's spent decades perfecting their formulas.
- The metal findings I use come from an established U.S. manufacturer with safety data. Solid brass, brass-core, or brass-plated, always nickel-free, lead-safe, and hypoallergenic. Because safety isn't negotiable.
A Note on Resin: I use resin as sparingly and intentionally as possible and only when it truly serves pieces designed to last. I do source it from a family owned midwestern manufacturer who started in the fishing lure industry and still formulates everything in-house. I use this company for film projects as well.
Box & Paper
- My shipping boxes come from a local Cincinnati fabricator specializing in protective packaging for decades. They understand that getting your piece to you safely is about respecting what's inside.
- The paper and cardstock I use come from a U.S. mill with FSC® and SFI® certifications, reflecting a genuine commitment to forest stewardship.
- I design and handmake all the packaging in my studio from that paper. It takes longer than using pre-made, but it means less waste and makes unboxing feel as intentional as the piece inside.
I SPENT A LOT OF TIME RESEARCHING AND TESTING TO FIND RESPONSIBLE SOURCES.
When you choose Hidden Realm Studios, you’re getting more than just an artisan piece. Your purchase ripples through a network of small businesses and heritage craftspeople who provide the raw materials I use.
❖❖ Materials are selected based on publicly available information. I do not have any relationships with any suppliers, and if I find something they’ve stated doesn’t hold up, I’ll source elsewhere.
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