About Us

CONTINUING THE CRAFT

EMBRACING THE HERITAGE

"Leather craft is functional art."

Me with my first paid commission!

Hello! I'm Mario, artist and leather crafter. Castillo Heritage Crafts was started as a passion project on a cross-country trip to visit a loved one for the holidays. We wanted to make two leather traveler's journal covers. So, I ordered the leather and tools, packed my bags, and made my way over. I can still feel the rush of setting my first eyelet into the spine of the journal cover, and later holding my first freshly stitched project in my hands, thinking, "This is quality." Well, looking back, my cover needed some work. But the seed was planted, and after more studying and practicing, Castillo Heritage Crafts was born a year later.

I had gone back and forth with art in my life up until that point, and leather craft was the first hobby I've ever had that felt like I was making something worthwhile, something that blended art with function. Since then, I have found a little success on YouTube, posting videos of my projects while chasing the creative high I felt that day, holding onto something that didn't exist before I made it - something with a purpose and a story. Now, as I continue to transition, learn, and grow as a leathercrafter, I have dedicated myself to helping others capture that magic moment when you snip your threads, proudly hold up your finished piece, and think, "This is quality."All my products are crafted and tested in my own workshop, and you can trust that I will never sell you something that I wouldn't use myself. I design patterns and tools on my own time to solve problems I see in my own processes and in the greater leathercraft community, which I moderate over on Reddit. (We're almost 1-million strong on r/leathercraft. Come join us!)For my leather products, I use only high-quality full-grain leather, usually vegetable-tanned cowhide and horsebutt. For my patterns, I test and craft with them to ensure a smooth process, often posting videos about the projects. And for my tools, you can see them scattered within my videos, working for me like they'll work for you - reliably.On this site, you'll find patterns, tools, tutorials, and more. You can also check me out on YouTube to catch up on the story and learn some tips and tricks along the way!