Day Five gift guide: Clever Supply Co.

There is something about the smell of new leather and there's something about the feel of leather that's been worn in for years. It's a product that gets better with age, just like wine. ;) I thought this would be a wonderful gift to give to the one you love because it will last a lifetime. What sparked the idea for this to be added to my gift guide was Sean has an old wallet that belonged to his dad's, which is over 17 years old and is still put together. It's something that is a tangible reminder of Sean's dad and the years he had on this earth. His hands have touched that wallet many times and it's something Sean can share with Owen and pass it down to him.

Clever Supply Co is a company that produces each product by hand with much love pored into each piece that is being made.

Here is Todd's story behind Clever Supply Co.

What inspired you to start Clever Supply Co?

In short, Clever Supply was started around the idea that the things you use daily should be made to last and only get better with time. These aren’t items you just want to dispense or replace; they’re items you’ll want to keep.

The longer, and maybe more interesting version - I had a faux-leather jacket, about 3 years old at the time, fall apart that I had absolutely fallen in love with. Sounds silly, but I was really bummed at the time! I realized that it's easy to develop this attachment to things you rely on daily. It was around this time that I had a moment where I realized “I never want something like this to fall apart on me again!” So my interest in quality made items became very personal. That same year I received a little leather key clip for a Christmas gift from my mother in law. It was made by the awesome folks at “Winding Wheel Supply Co”. I fell in love with this little piece and was inspired to try to hand make a piece or two of my own. From there I just kept making products because I loved the process.

What’s your favorite piece and why?

Hmm, great question. I think my favorite piece would definitely be my minimalist wallet. This product took over a year to develop. I really like the vertical card holder style, it used to be made of two pieces of leather, but over time I evolved the piece to be an original design made of a single piece of leather. It carries just enough for me and is easy to carry in your front or back pocket.

If I can cheat, I’m also really excited and proud of the Strider Wallet. I’m excited about it because it’s totally different than the minimalist wallet, it’s larger and carries a lot more. I’m proud of it because it’s been really hard to come up with a product that I felt was a sort of ‘unisex’. Admittedly, many of my products have a more masculine bent, but I’m trying to be more inclusive in my future offerings. This wallet is great for the person looking to carry a little more whether it be some extra cash, a passport or a little notebook, or even their iPhone. It’s fun to make a product that could be used for more than just one thing.

Who did you have in mind while creating your product?

Well for the minimalist wallet, haha, it was for me. I think that’s why it’s my favorite. I was trying to solve a problem for myself. I hate carrying around things in my pockets. So the smaller the better. But I guess you could say it’s for the person looking to carry a little less in their life. It’s not for everyone, but I think there are some out there that really love it.

Describe your creative process from design to production.

Hmm, this is a fun one to think about. Most of the products I make, as I mentioned earlier, are usually to solve a problem for myself, that’s how it started at least. I’m attracted by the idea of carrying less so usually the idea comes from making something that is simple and helps you with a very specific task.

Once I’ve drafted a few designs, I start by making a test product from it, I play with it for a week or so, and then decide whether I want to offer it on my store.

Make sure you have a piece that will last for decades. Check out Clever Supply Co. here

-B