Over the course of 25 years traveling to more than 40 countries, Scott Hofert was always on the hunt for the ideal leather bag, wallet or case that would weather his lifestyle. His search eventually led him to start making his own items that would best serve his needs. Focusing on simple, rugged and durable goods, he discovered fulfillment – and that other people were also on a search for what he was making.

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Scott now trades his hand-stitched leather products under the moniker ColsenKeane, named after his two sons. We recently stopped by his workshop to check out his goods, have a whiskey and chat about why men are addicted to anything leather.

What was it that inspired you to start working with leather?
My interest in leather was initially more in the area of consumption than creation. I think my studies, as well as cultural exposure, brought me to a conclusion: I love things that age well – things that really last and are not disposable. I found myself trying to make the leather containers that held the things I used on a daily basis.

What steps do you take to ensure quality?
Quality is everything for us. We hand pick most of our hides and every piece that leaves our shop is personally inspected by me. I have to answer the question, “Would I want this belt? Or bag? Or journal cover? I generally prefer the kinds of leather that will age beautifully over time; the rugged types that are well oiled and beefy. I often tell our clients that this bag will not really be theirs until they spill some coffee on it or have to run through the rain with it. In other words, use it. Let your life, schedule and reality make their mark on these pieces.

You have a few standard items available, but you really enjoy the custom orders.
The custom orders are a ton of fun for a couple of reasons. First of all, I get to hear the passion of what our clients want. Our customers want something few others will ever have. In fact, one customer told me that he only owns “one of everything” and he wanted our bag to be his one bag. I also enjoy the custom process because of the challenge of making something new and unique. It means starting with a blank slate and collaborating to create something possibly never made.

Where do you get your design inspiration?
I make the products I want for myself. It’s that simple. I’m inspired by simplicity and a deep sense of clean form. The leather pieces need to simply work. I’m often looking at the books I have to carry or the computer I will be taking on a trip and wonder what would be the best way to haul it around? When I visit my leather dealers, the hides themselves often inspire me. When I unroll a hide for the first time I can often envision a new design for a satchel or case based solely on the feel and look of that leather.

What’s the craft and artist community like in Charlotte?
Charlotte is mainly a banking community so there’s a sense that Charlotteans only care about Excel spreadsheets and interest rates. However, this has not been my experience. We are noticing a bevy of artisan galleries and communities popping up all around our eclectic neighborhood near Uptown. I have gotten to know some of the book binders and shoe makers in town and although we have different crafts, I have enjoyed the conversation over old machinery, hand-stitching and our love of leather.

Photo by Lauren Rosenau.

Building. Creating. Restoring. These principles strike at the core of what it means to be a man. The New Year brings fresh opportunities to quench our desire for these very things as we dream up our next project.

Enter TreeHouse. Don’t let the name fool you, as this is no child’s store. Started in 2011 in South Austin, TreeHouse prides itself as an Austin-style home improvement store. With the slogan, “Smart building, better living,” Austinites will no longer have to settle for large corporations to meet their home supply needs. “We buy as local as we can and try to support smaller local businesses to keep the money here in town,” Rechelle Parent, a flooring expert at the store, boasted. “You get to maximize the value of your dollar by giving it to your neighbors.”

With four criteria – health, performance, sustainability and corporate responsibility – TreeHouse evaluates every item in their store to help you make informed decisions about the products you’re bringing into your home. “Personal responsibility is important. You want to make sure the purchases you make in your life are representative of what’s important to you,” Rechelle explained. “For example, with our bamboo from China, we have documentation of the human rights standards for our suppliers.”

And the health criterion isn’t just for show, explained Jesse Arter, paint & coatings expert. “There’s a double-edged benefit to shopping here: you’re not just building or repairing the house with sledge hammers and power tools. You’re really taking care of your family’s health; not just expressing your manliness with power tools, you’re actually taking care of people. You get both sides of what it means to be a guy.”

So when you figure out which New Year’s Resolution project to tackle first, bring your questions and supply list to TreeHouse. “We have an expert in every department who can answer your questions,” Suzanne White, paint expert, assures. TreeHouse is located in the West Gate Shopping Center at 4477 South Lamar Blvd.

It’s coming down to the wire for checking off your Christmas gift list. If you need a few last minute ideas, here are several suggestions for your intellectual dad, creative brother, sharp-dressed son or whatever fits the bill.

Gitman Vintage chambray shirt ($165), Johnstons tipped block stripe scarf ($107), The Storymatic game($30), Fjällräven vintage daypack ($175), Bob Kramer Knives by Henckel ($299), Rustico travel leather journal ($55), Ratification by Pauline Maier ($19).

Images of America: Nashville Brewing Book $15.59, Peter Nappi Holmes Watch $475, Sid MashburnWool Tartan Blanket $125, Cause And Effect Horween Belt $130, Prichard’s Double Barreled Bourbon $65, BILLYKIRK Made in USA Medium Carryall $295, Emil Erwin Eyeglass Case $90, Otis James Silk/Wool Necktie $110, F.M. Allen Braided Leather Bracelet $275, Volunteer Traditions “Orange” Tennessee Flag $42

We’re not typically proponents of most yard art. While a handful of artists or eccentrics may be able to pull it off, for the rest of us it’s a risky proposition.

However, after discovering these fire bowls we’ve made an exception. The recycled and carbon steel shapes are reminiscent of a Viking gathering – raw, significant, powerful. Their sizeable nests allow for attention-getting burns that can warm a crowd on a chilly fall evening.

The first (left), aptly named Vulcan, for the god of fire and forge, is the result of a collaboration by artist John Unger and Base Camp X founder Graeme Cameron. Each piece is a unique sculptural work made from 100% recycled steel. Weighing in at 142 lbs. they can burn wood, charcoal or be converted for gas, and carry Base Camp X’s signature mark on their wall. “The warmth and focus of an open hearth under the stars provides a great space for socializing and conversation, extending the living area of your home to the outdoors,” John told us. “An evening around the fire is a pleasurable pastime, as flames capture the imagination. The constant movement and change of fire is both soothing and exciting, the perfect backdrop for tall tales, quiet reflection or intimate moments.”

The second (right) is one of many designs produced by Lebanon, TN based artist Rick Wittrig. This particular bowl is called the Asia for its wok style low profile. Each of Rick’s pieces are made from one quarter inch thick carbon steel, touted as the toughest in the industry, and have an iron oxide patina that will darken over time. The Asia comes in four diameters (36’, 48’, 60’, 72’).

Discussing how the South influences his work, Rick told us, “Southern hospitality is almost a cliché but it is very much real and ingrained in the fabric of our culture. We enjoy entertaining, we love our friends and want new people to join our happy group. The perfect way to do that is around a fire, with a drink and a smoke and the kids playing in the nights shadows.”

While both these bowls are expensive, they are functional art, providing warmth and a gathering spot for generations.