Ground Journal | Leather Craftsmanship Stories from Cape Town
Ground Journal
Discover the stories behind our handcrafted leather goods. From Cape Town's artisan legacy to tips for timeless style, dive into what makes full-grain leather the ultimate choice for global adventurers. New articles every month—explore, share, and shop with 10% off using code JOURNAL10.
Latest Articles
Why Full-Grain Leather Ages Beautifully (And Why Most Brands Won't Tell You)
Uncover the truth about patina, sustainability, and why your next bag should outlast 2030 trends. Featuring our Racoon Backpack.
Published: November 2025Timeless Elegance: How to Choose the Perfect Handcrafted Leather Bag for Everyday Adventure
Expert guide to finding your forever bag—functionality, materials, and patina tips for travel, work, or weekends. Spotlight on Teddy Bear and Racoon Backpacks.
Published: December 2025The Only 7 Leather Backpacks Actually Worth Buying for International Travel in 2026
47 bags tested across 5 continents. Only three survived — and they all come from Cape Town.
Published: December 2025Sustainable Leather Sourcing: Why Cape Town Hides Beat the World in 2026
The five reasons Cape Town’s vegetable-tanned, chrome-free hides are the most ethical and durable on earth — backed by real 2025 data.
Published: December 2025Your Leather Patina Care Calendar: Look Better in 2030 Than 2025
The exact month-by-month routine that turns good leather into heirloom status.
Published: December 2025How to Clean Full-Grain Leather Without Ruining the Patina (2026 Cape Town Method)
Step-by-step Cape Town artisan method to safely clean vegetable-tanned full-grain leather — zero damage, zero colour loss.
Published: December 2025How to Spot Fake “Full-Grain” Leather in 60 Seconds Flat (2026 Edition)
90 % of “full-grain” bags online are fakes that peel in months. Never get scammed again.
Published: December 2025Inspired by Cape Town's craft heritage. Worldwide shipping included. @groundleather for features.