About The Maker

Welcome to sleaves! I'm Mike Pickett, the maker behind all the leather goods you see here. I live in a small city in Southern Alberta, where I'm grateful to have the opportunity to share my skills and passion with you.

Mike Pickett, founder of sleaves, sitting at his workbench holding some leather working tools. He is smiling and wearing a black tshirt with the sleaves logo in green across the front. 

I've been a "creative" for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was all about drawing cartoons, learning from Commander Mark, and dreaming up fantastical worlds with Unicorn Horned Bears and physics-defying dimensions.

My creative journey has taken me through many stages. From working on vehicles and designing increasingly louder stereo systems, to years spent as a logo, graphic, and website designer. I've delved into woodworking, pen turning, and ring making, always exploring new outlets but never quite feeling like they represented who I was.

Then came leatherworking. From the first cut, the first pricking iron hole, the first line of hand stitching, and the first glossed edge finish, I knew I'd found my calling. Leatherworking felt like home, an outlet for my creativity that I could see myself doing for the next 20 or 30 years, and something I could share with future generations.

My Process

At sleaves, every product is meticulously crafted by hand. From selecting the finest vegetable-tanned leather to the final edge finish, each step in the process is carried out with precision and care. I use traditional techniques combined with modern design to create pieces that are both timeless and durable. Whether it's a cardholder, wallet, or key clip, each item is made to last and age beautifully.

My Values

Quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship are at the heart of sleaves. I believe in creating products that not only look good but also stand the test of time. By using high-quality materials and traditional methods, I ensure that each piece is made to the highest standards. Sustainability is also important to me, which is why I choose vegetable-tanned leather and strive to minimize waste in my production process.

Customer Stories

Hearing from happy customers is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Here are a couple comments from people who continue to enjoy their sleaves products:

  • "Quality product! I bought a black and blue Sycamore Leather Cardholder and I'm so pleased with it. It's thin enough to removed the hideous bulge from my front pocket and can hold enough cards for my lifestyle. " - Ryan A.
  • "Love my wallet from Sleaves. Well made, love the colour. I get so many compliments. " - Doreen H.

Future Plans

The journey doesn't stop here. I'm always working on new designs and exploring different ways to expand the sleaves product line. In the coming months, you can expect to see new offerings, including pocket-sized notebooks with leather covers, specialty books for specific uses like to-do lists and travel logs, and more.

I started sleaves to share my products and my love of the craft. It's become a part of who I am, and I'm thrilled to share this journey with you.

I hope you enjoy what you find here. If you have any questions about me, my craft, or my passion for making these products, don't hesitate to get in touch.