Lately,
I have really taken a notice to Springfield being nothing shy of young,
inspiring entrepreneurs. I definitely think that is something that this
generation finds a happy home in. Our generation of youthful dreamers has
brought back many “dying arts” and has sought out occupations in areas of
craftsmanship and artistry. From jewelry to a hand-sewn piece of clothing, I’m
likely to hold more value in something that was made with intent and care.
My
friends, Madison & Phil Hedlund have been pursuing leather binding together
over this past year and have absolutely soared. Their work is increasingly
impressive and beautiful; knowing the hearts and good spirits behind a business
may make me a bit biased, but I want to share with you what and why they’re
creating. I think you may want to get behind this too.
--
Define
Bindlund.
“Protecting Whats True” That statement
came into my mind one day as I was thinking about what I would like to say our
small business stood for. “Protecting whats true” first started as protecting
Gods word, the Bible. We first started binding Bibles that were falling apart,
some that people would no longer use, but when they came into our hands, we
gave them life again. “Protecting Whats True” not only applies to Gods word, the
Bibles that we bind, but also to journals. Peoples writings, their thought,
their feelings, or everyday life errands, none too small are all things that
are true to that person. Protecting personal belongings, laptops, phones, etc
are all things in the future we will expand into. Each piece to “Protect Whats
True” to each person. Our hope is that these items would be more than run of
the mill junk, but be items people cherish, and feel the need to cherish. At the core we are about the raw work
of human hands, creating for another person to hold. That idea, that one day
what we touch is the next across the country, in a coffee shop, being used to
record the daily happenings and heart song of someone we would otherwise never
have contact with, just blows my mind.
Tell me a
little bit about what led you to creating Bindlund (and why)? How has it transformed?
I was
inspired by my older brother, Andy, who taught us how to bind Bibles. It made
the Bible he gave me more personal to me, since it was re-wrapped in a
beautiful leather with personal engraving. I knew the feeling of having my
Bible re-done, and I wanted to give that feeling to other people, so here we
are. We now have Bindlund. Bindlund has transformed in creating new projects,
like journals, laptop cases, and clutch wallets. When we get a sewing machine
we will be unstoppable in the ideas we have.
What’s been
your favorite project(s) thus far?
My favorite
project thus far was a gift project that was a case for a notebook for one of
our clients. He was gifting the case for his son, who loved to write poetry.
The father mentioned how he saw his son being a writer one day, and wanted to
cultivate that in him by hiring me to create a case for his son, where he could
replace each notebook after he filled them with his writing. To think of how
many notebooks will sit in the case I made, the hours spent writing in each
notebook, that’s protected by the leather case, is an honor to have been a part
of that process.
Where do you
see Bindlund heading in the future?
Phil- Binding
Bibles will always be a part of what we do, but I’d like to make briefcases,
wallets, satchels, backpacks, handbags, saddles, boots one day. I would like to
get to a place where we could give leather bound Bibles away for free to kids,
or missionaries or whoever needs one. I think we are headed to a really unique
artisan experience.
Madison- Our
goal for 2015 is to have it replace an income and have one of us able to do it
full time. With the way things have looked, it is a real opportunity and will
just take dedication and discipline. We want to join with other local artisans
and do pop-up shops, sell in local businesses, and support others along the
way. Our community has given so much to us that we really want to keep our focus
tangible, even though internet sales are what keeps growing.
What about
the craft romances, you (or draws you to it)?
Phil- Working
with my hands will always be a passion of mine, and this allows me to work with
my hands. Working with leather is amazing. Each piece has a different texture
and personality per say. I love the smell of leather and the feel of it. The
different qualities leather has and the uses of leather is endless. The
toughness of leather is a factor that I love about it, I wouldn’t be surprised
if some items were passed down multiple generations, all the while staying in
good condition. Leather is a material that only gets more beautiful as time
goes on.
Madison-
There is something so sweet about a sketch coming to life in your hands. That
paired with the thought that something I make might be used as a gift and bring
joy just thrills me.
What are your
passions other than Leather Binding?
Phil- I like
to work with wood and create. I like to read. I enjoy classical music and would
like to one day learn how to play the piano. I enjoy learning about how things
are made, and how they work. I like people, and often am the one listening and
asking questions. I enjoy the beauty of nature, I enjoy dreaming with Madison
about our future. I enjoy being with men, doing man things. Smoking a
cigar/pipe, drinking a fine scotch or a craft beer, building things, taking a
hike, camping or rock climbing. Enjoying each others company with good
conversation to name a few of things I am passionate about or enjoy
Madison- It
is my passion to see women healthy physically, spiritually, and
emotionally. Thriving in who they
are. I have an entrepreneurial mind and love dreaming up ideas for Bindlund as
well as my life coaching businesses I will be launching this year. I have a
notebook full of plans! I also
enjoy barre workouts, painting, reading books about personal growth, spending
time laughing with friends, and eating (hopefully a delicious organic meal)
with Phil. I also like to go on long walks. Not romantically, although I
wouldn’t be opposed to that!
What do you
do when your not Leather Binding ?
Phil-Reading,
listening to music, cleaning (yes I probably clean too much) creating some kind
of wooden project. I like to create. When its not leather, its wood. When its
not wood, im working with leather. I am in school pursuing Elm. Psychology and
work as a server as well.
Madison- If I
am not working on Bindlund you might find me working for tips at a local
Mexican joint, reading and dreaming up ideas for my life coaching business,
cooking with Phil, working out and hanging out with friends, and rearranging
the house.
If you can’t
tell I am the creative visionary and Phil is the practical maker.
What special
services does Bindlund provide?
Bindlund
offers personalized leather bound bibles, journals, laptop cases, clutches, and
field notes cases. We also take custom orders and work closely with people to
create something they dreamed up themselves. We offer personalizing though
complimentary name engraving on any book orders and have engraved logos,
quotes, and art onto people’s journals and bibles. We try our hardest to create
unique items for our customers, something they would be proud to carry with
them daily.
With an
entrepreneur spirit, we are using Bindlund as a creative way to achieve our
dreams. Phil is in school and Madison is finishing up a certification and will
soon start her own life coaching business. Bindlund allows us to have a
creative outlet together that launches us forward creatively, financially, and
gives us the ability to make our dreams of being a child counselor and a
holistic life coach. We are so
thankful for our creative and supportive community who encouraged us to do
this. Friends like Courtney and Jess really make it a tangible option for us,
and we have really followed their lead.
Head over to Bindlund's etsy page to look at their beautiful work! Also, I will be hosting a giveaway to win this lovely leather clutch before Valentine's Day on my instagram (@floralmountains). Enter to win by tagging two friends in a comment on the photo, you must follow @floralmountains & @bindlundleatherco to be considered.
-Sarah
