andersonleather.com home page of Anderson Leather Braiding in Bemidji, Minnesota USA
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 Everything on this web site is custom and handmade in the USA with leather tanned in the USA
purses and handbags home page of Anderson Leather Braiding in Bemidji, Minnesota USA
 Check out these links to other braided leather goods that I have made and read my guest book to see what others have said about the things they have purchased from me. 
 The pictures on this page are of the many soft, high quality leather handbags and purses that I have designed, hand crafted and custom made for customers - there are larger pictures of most at their links. Everything is truly handmade - no electricity is used in this construction method. Patterns that I have designed are laid out and traced, holes are punched one at a time, laces are cut and then it is braided together. Any sewing used is done by hand. They are all made with personal features that make them quite different from one another - truly one of a kind custom pieces. 
I avoid using any hardware (except zippers) and nothing is lined. These products are very durable and will far outlast most hardware and any lining that could be used with them.
The 4 ounce moccasin cowhide leather that I use is quite strong, yet still soft and supple. Unlike a lot of leather used to make purses and handbags - all the leather that I use is made/tanned in the USA and is non-toxic.
I encourage you to read my guest book to see what others have said about the braided leather items they have purchased. In it you can read entries from some folks that have owned my work for 30 years or more. 
 There are some prices interspersed on some pages to give folks an idea about cost. Because each item I build is pretty much a one of a kind, so are the prices - adding a feature, or subtracting one, can change the price. I say that for what you get, ...things are not very expensive. ...Dave 
 I call this handmade leather bag my 'circle flap bag'. It's just a nice shoulder bag that has a flap that I can put different appliques on . Here it's shown with a circle applique that has been very popular. It's made with a braid that is different than on most of my work - it's called an 'S' applique braid. The purses has a large pocket on the inside. Its size is about 11" wide x 9.5" high x 3" across the bottom. Click on the picture or the button below to see a larger picture and further description of it.
 A bag using what is called the 'S' applique braid. It has a circle applique on the flap, a full width inside back pocket, and a flat wide/strong shoulder strap.
 These braided leather purses I call my 'roll-button purses'. They come in three different sizes - the two pictured on the right, and a larger size yet, in the pictures below. They have two compartments under the flap and a large pocket on the back of it. The straps on most of them are braided. The 'large' one is about 10.5" wide x 9" high x 5" ($450.00). The 'small' one is 9" wide x 8" high x 4.5" ($400.00). The largest (XL) of these designs is about 12" wide x 9" high x 6" ($500.00). 
< Eight detailed pictures of this small roll button purse 
< some large pictures of this large roll button purse
 This picture is of the original two sizes of these 'roll button' purses that I make. I've now added a third size - an Xtra large roll button purse. They are all made of only leather - no thread, lining, hardware, etc. Like everything that I make, they are very durable and long lasting. This picture shows the pocket that is often on the back side of this style.
 The Xtra large roll button - this one with a Sagittarius/Zodiac applique. 
An Xtra large purse with a Sagittarius sign on it's flap.
 Here's is a picture of the small size bag along side the extra large size bag (without the roll button - with a tri-loop Celtic type knot). There is a third size of this style ...in between these two sizes. A ruler is laid in front of them for help with sizing. The image is clickable for a larger view. 
the small and Xtra large size of this style purse that I build
 The three bags below are all of the largest (XL) roll button purse, they happen to have different appliques (instead of roll buttons) on the flaps. The thumbnails are linked to the page they are on. While many of these pictures show these purses with appliques, most folks order this style with the roll button closures. 
 These purse have two compartments under the flap. This one has my butterfly applique on the flap.
Another Xtra large roll button purse (without the roll button - with the butterfly).
 Here's a couple of different fringed leather bags that I've made using my braided leather construction. Click it to see more/bigger pictures and a description of them. 
 While the use of fringe has it limitations of where it can be used, I have added it to quite a number of different styles of bags that I've made ...with several of them on the linked page. 
 However, while some folks want it, I don't think the flap is a good place for fringe because it hangs in your way when accessing it. 
 I've now built these sennit bags. in three different sizes. They are described with their dimensions on the page they are linked to. They have eight strand braided shoulder straps. There are pleats on the bottom corners of these bags to add dimension to them. The large brass zippers used are long lasting. There are quite a few more of these bags on the page with more views showing the different features of these popular styles.
 This is the small version of this style. Both the strap and end tassels were made a bit shorter than usual ...at this customers request. It also has the letter 'J' applique braided on it using the same 1/4" wide lacing the purse is constructed with.
 The first time I made this bag style it was ordered by a man for his laptop, so, it began being called a 'man bag', Hence, I named the web page about that bag/purchase. Since then, more women have bought them than men. The style accommodates many places for pockets, or not. The one on the right has no flap. I've built them in several different sizes that have been requested. Like many of the things that I build, they are 100% leather - no hardware, no thread, etc. is used on them. 
 The dimensions of this large Chestnut colored moccasin cowhide leather bag are about 12.5" high x 11" high x 3". It has a full width pocket on the front under the flap, and a pocket on each side. It also has a large full width pocket on the inside/back. It is completely handmade - no electricity is used in it's construction.
 This Black braided leather purse has lots of pockets, a circle applique on it's flap, and a flat strap with braiding down the length of it.
 This custom leather shoulder bag was built like the in depth instructions the buyer sent to me. Included was a quite elaborate drawing of what she wanted - it is shown on the page the picture is linked to. It's since been a rather popular style. 
 On the right is a clutch bag. I've made this bag many different ways and sizes. There are some good views of this one on the page this picture is linked to. Often, they have a little star or initial applique on it. There is a large (#10 YKK) brass zipper across the top of it and a braided wrist strap. I also make it with long braided shoulder straps ...often cross body. 
 A clutch purse built with my braided construction. It has a full width front pocket and a wrist strap with tassels on the ends of it.
 To the left is one of the 'large totes' that I make - it measures 14.5" x 14" x 4". This one has my braided leather butterfly applique on the pocket. The straps look longer on this one than what is most often requested. 

 Click any of these tote bag pictures for more descriptions and larger pictures of these and other styles/shapes of tote bags. 
 This large leather tote bag has a full width inside/back pocket and a front pocket with a butterfly applique. It can be built in many ways - there are quite a few versions of it on the page it is linked to.
 Here is another version of the tote bags that I make. This one I call my small tote bag, although it's not that small. The dimensions are it are about 13" wide x 10" high x 3.5". I make all the totes with either the flat straps or the 8 strand round braided ...both shown here. Either way, the straps can be made to any length a person would like. 
 
 This is a rather plain version of the small tote bag. It has the flat straps, a full width back inside pocket, and the divided front pocket/s.
 There are quite a few different styles of small bags on the page that these pictures are linked to. Even the ones here can be made in different sizes with different features. Their braided handles/straps can be made to any length - shoulder, cross body, or even wrist straps. Appliques can be left off or replaced with different ones. Even for these small bags I use the (#10 YKK) large brass zippers. Click for a number of other choices and larger pictures. 
 This small purse is about the size of a personal checkbook - although, with the zipper, you wouldn't be able to put one in it.
 Here is a quite small double flapped bag - it would hold a checkbook on it's end. Often, I've built these with cross body shoulder straps.
 The two Unique leather bags pictured below are of the same style and size. The top picture shows it folded and the bottom picture shows it opened for access. They are both linked to descriptions and larger pictures of the two different sizes that I've built it in. 
 This picture of the purse in it's opened position was taken to show how long the zipper is ...about 14'.
 These leather zippered bags are often called a messenger bags and can be made to most any dimension/s. They have braided straps (or not) and most often have several pockets (inside and out - or not). The way the long large (#10 YKK) zippers span the top, and extend down the sides a bit, makes them very accessible. 
 The front of this rather small leather belt pouch.
 The back of this same leather belt pouch showing the belt loops.
 This is the only leather belt pouch that I have pictures of. It's about 7" wide by 3" high. There are two more pictures of it on the page it's linked to. Even it has a large brass #10 YKK zipper
made in the USA with leather tanned in the USA
purses and handbags home page of Anderson Leather Braiding in Bemidji, Minnesota USA
 Below is a link to pictures from an old catalog of assorted bags, etc. that I once distributed. 
 At this link there are close up views of the large brass zippers that I use. 
purses and handbags home page of Anderson Leather Braiding in Bemidji, Minnesota USA
purses and handbags home page of Anderson Leather Braiding in Bemidji, Minnesota USA
 A variety of braided leather appliques that I used on my work. 
 The body of this double flapped bag is made with just two colors - the smooth leather with the suede on it's reverse side make it look like more colors/textures. The 8 strand round braided strap was made with 5 colors.
 I've custom made these leather 'double-flap' style bags in many different sizes. Most have pleats at the bottom corners forming their third dimension. Some of the smallest ones don't have/need those pleats. Click on the pictures to see the many various ways/sizes that they have been built. 
 Here are three different sizes of what I call my 'sennit purses'. They show some of the options about how they can be built. Those options include colors (including multi colors), strap lengths, tassel lengths, pockets (or not), appliques, etc.
 This top picture is of the three sizes of (what I call) my sennit bags. All of the styles of purses that I make offer various options about how someone would like one built for them. Options such as color/s, pocket/s, strap lengths, lengths of tassels, etc. I also offer a number of appliques to decorate them with. The large brass (YKK #10) zippers used on many of them are hand sewn using 5 ply nylon thread.   No electricity is used in the braided construction of these bags. The 4 oz. moccasin cowhide leather is used, for not only the body, but for it's seams, straps, pockets, and appliques ...all elaborately braided together with 1/4" wide laces cut from the same material.

 This rather small purse has fringe hanging from the front pocket and the bottom of it. It also has tassels on the sides that hang from the ends of the straps that are quite long. I discuss with each customer about how long they'd like their fringe/tassels to be.
Anderson Leather Braiding 
 since 1972 
 custom and handmade purses and handbags 
  "Hi Dave,  I just got home and the handbag had been delivered.  It is absolutely beautiful - the leather is soft and it is the perfect size and color.  The pride you take in your work is more than justified. The braiding is lovely- your website reveals all of this, but nothing can really show the intricate craftmanship and artistry until you see the bag in the flesh (so to speak).   I'm thrilled with it, and I know I will use this bag for years to come...and having a made-to-order handbag you can't find anywhere else is pretty darn special.   I expect that at a few family gatherings coming up soon I will be bombarded with requests for your contact information I also expect I will be ordering another one..... Thanks again!"    Sidney Ann 
 This braided leather purse made to carry an Apple Ipad. It has a full width pocket on the front and another pocket on the inside/back to slip the Apple Ipad into. The braided flat strap has quite long fringe added to it.
 Another braided leather purse for carrying an Apple Ipad - it also has the same two full width pockets as the purse on the left. As usual, the buyer selected the three colors used for it, and the length of the tassels that it has.
 Anderson Leather Braiding 
 since 1972 

 David C. Anderson 
 1814 5th St. NE 
 Bemidji, Minnesota USA 56601 
 Telephone: (218) 751-0445 
 dave@andersonleather.com  
 or my ISP andlea@paulbunyan.net 
 
 This large cowhide leather bag is similar to the other bags in this section, but, it has an open top - no flap. It has pockets on all four sides and a strap that is braided down the length of it.
 I'm not sure how I got to calling this style 'barrel bags' - maybe because I couldn't think of anything else to call it. :) I've made quite a few different sizes of it.
 This purse was made to attach that Harley Davidson air cleaner cover on. I think it's a nice style without the cover. The braided strap is quite long ...for being worn cross body - over ones head/shoulder.
 When I've seen bags similar this, 'canteen bag' is what came to my mind. I've seen them at motorcycle rallies where they have a Harley Davidson air cleaner covers (like in the picture) attached to them - I've thought they'd be a nice style without that. More info on the page linked. 
 I once saw a purse similar to this style and thought it was unique, hence the name of the page it's linked to. This one has the 'infinity hearts' applique on the pocket.
my infinity hearts braided leather applique
 Here is a picture of a 'infinity hearts' applique that I've used on a purse. I thought it was nice, so, I put it here so folks would see it. It's about 4" by 2", but, could be done a larger. 
 Here is the same style purse made with just a single color.
 This dark Brown moccasin cowhide leather man bag is completely constructed with leather lacing/braiding. It is 100% leather - it has no hardware, no lining, nor thread. It has elaborately braided seams, as well as, around the flap, and down the length of its wide strap. The dimensions of it are about 14.5" wide by 12" high by 4".   It has four pockets - one full width on the front under the flap that is 9" high. There is another full width pocket on the inside back that is 9'5" high. It also has pockets on each sides that are about 4" wide by 6" high.
 This large two-toned leather bag has a 12" zipper closure, and a large divided pocket. The long round, 8 strand braided strap has quite long tassels hanging from the ends of it.
 This medium size version of this style has a dark Brown body with two-toned braiding of its seams, strap (and its tassels). The large brass zipper has a leather strap attached to the slides tab.
 A woman requested a double flapped bag like the ones above, except she wanted it to have a wider flat strap. After further discussion, we came up with one like what is pictured here. Since then I have built several more in a variety of ways. 
< pictures of this large roll button purse. 
 This picture, showing a two-tone version of this style, also has a ruler in front of it to show it's size.
 The woman that purchased this bag wanted it very elaborate. It has fringe hanging from the flap and from the two side pockets. The long flat strap employs three lengths of braiding - one down the center and edge braiding along each side of it.
 Here is what I call my small leather tote bag (although it's not that small). It has a full width divided front pocket and it's round braided straps are made with 8 laces that have 8 quite long tassels from the ends.
 10" wide by 11" high by 4" 
 12" wide by 10" high by 4" 
 12" wide by 10" high by 4" 
 This double flapped dark Brown bag was built with Rust laces. It has a large pocket under the flap/s and another one on the inside/back.
 This messenger bag is 12" wide by 10" high by 4" with a 16" long zipper that extends down each side a bit. It has four pockets - three that are on the front and sides, and another on the back/inside. It has a long strap with a braid down the center of it.
 This two-tone one is also 12" wide by 10" high by 4" with about a 16" long zipper. It also has four pockets ...one of them being on the inside/back. It's long wide/flat strap is not braided.
 This messenger bag is a bit smaller than the other two shown here, and it's higher than it is wide (10" wide by 11" high by 4") The zipper extends over the sides and is about 14" long.
These two custom made purses were first built to carry Apple Ipads. They have a pocket on the front and another on the inside/back. They are both about 10" wide by 10" high by 4", but, those dimensions can be changed to about any size someone might like.