Grinning Otter Artisans

Grinning Otter Artisans Makers of fine handmade leather goods and laser etched mementoes, art and practical gifts. Custom leather armor, accessories, bags, belts and more.

Custom laser etched coasters, signage, artwork, etc.

Just finished that really fun project I shared a teaser photo of last week.Lets call it "3 Bottles and a Blade"Custom re...
06/11/2026

Just finished that really fun project I shared a teaser photo of last week.
Lets call it "3 Bottles and a Blade"
Custom request from a guy that spends all day out in reenactment, LARP and similar events. Wants a bag that looks appropriate in medieval garb and armor but is made to hold 3 modern water bottles. And oh, some pouches on the ends for do-dads. Hey, and since that is on the belt, can we add a dagger frog in there somehow, too?
Yes, we can. Lots of conversations, design decisions, measurements and mockup, custom art creation. And now its finished and ready to ship off.

I typically share only the more unique projects. Here's one where the custom design is finished and we've moved on to c...
06/09/2026

I typically share only the more unique projects. Here's one where the custom design is finished and we've moved on to construction.
Descriptive title: "Bag for 3 Bottles and a Blade"
Yes, indeed. Client wants to carry 3 modern water bottles for hydration during long rennfaire type events - and hold his poly dagger at the same time. Smaller end pouches for a few odds bits. Will have custom carved artwork on the front panel.
Really fun design-from-concept for this project.
I'll share progress as it comes along.

The fox-fur Fenhrir theme bracers are finished. Beautiful thick fur, though a bit tricky to work with.
05/13/2026

The fox-fur Fenhrir theme bracers are finished.
Beautiful thick fur, though a bit tricky to work with.

back from vacation, back in the shop, and now I have the fox fur...
05/13/2026

back from vacation, back in the shop, and now I have the fox fur...

Calm crafting time.Working on a pair of bracers. For a big guy with Popeye size forearms.Getting started on the artwork...
04/28/2026

Calm crafting time.
Working on a pair of bracers. For a big guy with Popeye size forearms.
Getting started on the artwork. Much more to do, and waiting on the fur that will be worked into the final production.

Here's a nice double-buckle-strap style sword/sheath hanger. Great for heavier blades since it better distributes the w...
04/13/2026

Here's a nice double-buckle-strap style sword/sheath hanger. Great for heavier blades since it better distributes the weight and enables user to adjust the angle.

Here's a neat project - crafting a custom belt that matches part the costume of a movie character. Ended up with a rea...
03/23/2026

Here's a neat project - crafting a custom belt that matches part the costume of a movie character.
Ended up with a really interesting velcro closure on the back - a very smooth line, low profile, no buckles. But limited to about a +/- 2" adjustability.
Great treasure hunt to find hardware that could closely match the original.

A great combo project just packed up..2 guys with 2 epee dueling swords. Made them two frogs and two scabbards. One set ...
03/16/2026

A great combo project just packed up..
2 guys with 2 epee dueling swords. Made them two frogs and two scabbards. One set all black, the other brown frog and black scabbard.

Now this was a fun one! Matching custom design for a set of blade cover/sheath and frog for a single bearded hand axe. ...
03/12/2026

Now this was a fun one!
Matching custom design for a set of blade cover/sheath and frog for a single bearded hand axe. Norse inspired art.

One of today's projects : A custom axe head/blade cover, which will be part of a set with an frog/hanger.Artwork complet...
03/03/2026

One of today's projects : A custom axe head/blade cover, which will be part of a set with an frog/hanger.
Artwork complete. Still to do - drying, oiling, staining, stitching, trimming, edge beveling, wax and sealant...and a bit later...a bit more done

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Davidson, NC

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