About Fred Eisen Leather

 

“Artists at heart, we’re passionate about our craft.”

FRED EISEN LEATHER DESIGNS opened the door in 1978 on Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights, NY. After 12 successful years, we moved to New Hope, PA, where we’ve been for the past 30 years. Recently we changed our New Hope location to 85 S Main St.

“Both Brooklyn Heights and New Hope have been the most wonderfully accepting, artistic communities to be a part of,” says Fred. “It has been our goal to create fine quality and interesting leather products of all kinds.”

Fred Eisen started doing leathercraft as a hobby even before studying Art and Design at Southern Illinois University. Then he spent 8 years traveling around the country designing and making bags, briefcases, and clothing in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. After making and designing products for many companies and stores in New York, he decided to pursue his passion for leather by opening his own shop in 1978. After 34 inspiring years in business, we continue the joy of bringing fine leather products to our customers, that are both currently in style and affordable.

Sharon Flanagan has been an important part of FRED EISEN LEATHER & ART KNIVES on an ongoing basis for many years. She was a seamstress and tailor for numerous years, and “one of the finest leather craftsmen I have known,” says Fred. Sharon studied Fashion Design and Art at Pratt in NY, then had her own shop in Greenwich Village for 8 years, “The Scarlet Leather”. She, too, eventually moved to New Hope, where she worked with Fred, doing custom clothing and repairs. She has moved on to web site design, beginning with
www.fredeisenleather.com and www.artknives.com, with Fred’s photographs and loving encouragement, and has co-chaired the New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival for many years.

Together Fred and Sharon have formed a marriage of skills and ideas that has enriched both their lives, and they were actually married in 1999. This is also reflected in the new energy of design we bring to you, our loyal customers.