Brendan Smith’s passion for the artistry and nuances of leatherwork began in the late 1960s and blossomed during the Summer of Love. Today, his Northern California company, Oberon Design, continues Brendan's deep commitment to craftsmanship, as well as to his employees, customers and local and global communities.

The Beginning

Brendan Smith honed his craft as a young apprentice in a saddlery shop in his hometown of Napa, California, in the late 1960s. He began producing and selling sandals, moccasins, handbags, belts and masks to support himself through college. He even authored a well-received manuscript entitled Brendan’s Leather Book.

During the 1970s and 1980s, under the name Walking Foot Leather, Brendan’s exceptional precision and leatherwork designs earned him a devoted following, thanks in part to his personal appearances each year at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire. In 1992, he founded a new company, Oberon Design, with a focus on leather book covers and later, cast pewter accessories.

The Heart

Oberon Design’s entire line of handmade leather products is produced by a small team of skilled craftspeople in the company’s Santa Rosa, California, studios. Rare in the industry, this commitment to local in-house production achieves several goals: ensuring that every product meets Brendan’s exacting standards, keeping the leatherwork in the United States rather than outsourcing it overseas and minimizing the company’s environmental footprint with less shipping and transport.

Oberon Design only uses leather custom-tanned in the United States, which is held to strict EPA standards. The leather is therefore less harmful to the environment than those tanned offshore using toxic chemicals before being imported to the USA.

Today, Brendan runs Oberon Design with his sister, author and artist Becca Smith, and their sales manager Don Tucker. Their hands-on approach extends to all areas of the company; even their catalog and web site are produced in house.

Oberon Design remains intentionally small, with most of its artisans dating back with the company for over a decade. A manageable size enables Brendan to treat each employee with respect and appreciation, including excellent pay, health care, disability, job training and a profit-sharing program.

The Highlights

A generous contributor to local charities, schools and prison writing programs, as well as political, environmental and human rights organizations, Brendan Smith extends his ethical beliefs to the company he founded. His small, family-run, made-in-America business may have boomed in recent years, but he still finds time to take part in the Renaissance Pleasure Faire each year.

Bravo to Brendan and his dedicated team for their extraordinary quality and Oberon's "go local" commitment to people and planet! We appreciate the opportunity to offer our customers three of Oberon's inspiring journals.

Gifts with style and relevance from a socially responsible small business . . .