Hey! 

This is throwoutthebook; it is an art gallery, a web store, and an ebook (soon) . 

I started making small handmade goods in 2017, and began painting in 2021. This is a platform for me to share my creativity with as many people as possible. 

The web store stocks 2 types of items, fine leather goods crafted by me, and third-party printed goods of my artwork. 

Custom work generally begins at $400 and requires a deposit, followed by a short consultation meeting, and a requires a deposit fee of $50 to ensure we both have some skin in the game. I have a few bespoke slots available in my webstore, if they are gone, I will eventually add more depending on the availability. Click here to read more about the bespoke process.

Thanks for visiting! 

ABOUT: THE ARTIST

I’m Karl, and I run this madhouse.

I’m an Artist and Craftsman, with a B.A in Economics from the University of Toronto.

@k.c.whatyoudidthere on Instagram

Hi it’s me, Karl. 

I am based in Singapore. I designed and shot everything you see here on this site, and I make all the wallets and leather goods too.

I love and appreciate art in all forms, but was never classically trained. I’ve been a creative all my life, but like many I put aside my passion to pursue something more mainstream for a while.

After graduating with a degree in Economics, I decided to start making leather goods full-time.

Somewhere along the line I had a spiritual awakening, calling me to study Acupuncture and Integrative medicine for a year in Canada, where I dropped out to continue with leathercraft, alongside painting and writing where I attempt to share some insight into existential/perennial topics of interest to, hopefully, everyone. 

It is my calling to create and I am grateful to share all of this wth you. 

Thanks for reading!

ABOUT: THE LEATHERCRAFT

I use only the finest materials sourced from trusted suppliers, some whom I have worked with for about 5 years now. Nothing is cheap, and I list my suppliers here to be absolutely transparent when it comes to the production process. 

I feel it is important to let my customers know that they are getting quality stuff from small business, and that if they really wanted to, they can double check to keep themselves informed. 

Everything is traditionally saddle-stitched with a careful eye, and finished with care. 

Some of the larger items they are made to order. Please be patient with me as there is almost always a waitlist, and lead times can be tiring to juggle. 

This is a list of suppliers I use, and if you’re passionate or interested in the craft do check them out! 

Crimson hides

ALLeather

Buckleguy

Rmleathersupply

Lonsdale leather

OA leather 

Our designs are timeless and built to last, and produced with slow fashion principles in mind.

By this I mean that I do not outsource labour and pay unfair wages, this lets me pay more attention to details, and select the best quality materials for the collections. This means I support smaller boutique tanneries and hardware manufacturers that utilize age-old methods of their own craft, resulting in fine goods that last a lifetime, provided good care.

This means:

• We do not hold large inventory, and everything is made in small batches. This trade off is so that we have little to no waste. Leather is a precious thing, it literally doesn’t grow on trees. The prices here reflect the effort in selecting the right materials and the unique expression of the artist.

• For my customers, slow fashion means that the goods are designed and manufactured with greater care and quality. Each piece is a part of just one quality hide, and each collection is a limited run. This lets me stay true to my values to only use what I need.

• One item, one Craftsperson, artisanal care from start to finish, the way the big luxury brands do it. I hope to take on apprentices and share my knowledge, if you are a leatherworker or an artist and would like to get in touch, click here!