Get to know your artist:
Hi! My name is Melissa, but my pals all call me Turbo. I am a queer, neurodivergent artist. My current focus is leather work. For the better part of twenty years, I have spent my days immersed in the art field. Fine Metal Fabricator and finisher by trade, I have picked up a vast knowledge of many materials and their applications.
In 2015 I found a love for leather work by chance. While discussing the possibility of knife forging with a dear friend, they suggested I also take up leather work to fabricate my own sheaths. I happened to find a retired leather worker selling his collection of tools and equipment, and rented my first studio in Vancouver BC.
Dad Hands was born of a nickname pertaining to my grubby little metal fabricator hands. The ever talented Ali Bruce drew up the Dad Hands logo for me, and I quickly got to designing and creating pieces for friends, family, and clients. I would sell pieces at local markets, and through word of mouth.
As time would go on I chose to focus on my metal fabrication and bar tending jobs, as being a solo small business owner was not a realistic living for myself at the time.
Early in 2020 I decided I needed a change of scenery, and moved over to the beautiful Denman Island, BC. Sheltering in place lead me to pick back up what had become a long forgotten business. At the beginning of 2021 I taught myself how to tool leather, leaning on sculpting knowledge I gained through former mentors. My experience in fine art has also left me with a very particular taste in materials. All of the leathers and hardware I use are of premium quality.
Each piece is lovingly hand crafted by one single artist. I strive to produce pieces hand tailored for every individual client. There is quite a wait list at the moment for custom tooled pieces. Please feel welcomed to send me a message regarding pricing and wait times. I do my best to get to each request in a timely manner, however, I will never sacrifice quality or detail just to get a piece done faster. You are investing in a piece of functional art that will be with you for years to come. Your patience is highly appreciated.
Currently not booking tooled pieces.
Custom orders are also welcomed and encouraged on non-tooled items. I have a large selection of premium leathers, threads, and hardware to choose from. As this website is quite new, in time it will hold a larger variety of stock/on hand items. I also have some fun collaborations planned for the future, so please, check back often.
Thank you for browsing, I appreciate all of the kind feedback and support I have received thus far, and look forward to growing this business with the help of your feedback and requests.
All my best, Turbo.
