About Us

Eight years ago, Red Bird began with a single boot, a needle, and a vision. Having never worked with leather before, we had to learn from scratch—figuring out how to install snaps, set rivets, cut, and handle leather properly. With no machine to rely on, we hand-stitched our very first purse, transforming a once-worn cowboy boot into something entirely new and unique. We took our one-of-a-kind creations to local craft and art shows in Rochester, MN, where our followers fell in love with the originality and craftsmanship behind every purse. Their enthusiasm and encouragement inspired us to push further, and soon, we set out to create something even more remarkable—a purse made from a matching pair of boots.

However, the journey wasn’t easy. Learning to craft a double purse proved challenging, and our early attempts fell short of the vision we had in mind. Stitching thick leather by hand was labor-intensive, and our equipment simply couldn’t keep up with our ambition. Working with full leather hides, we hand-cut straps and painstakingly experimented with hand-dyeing to create the perfect supporting strap and accessory colors. After much trial and error, we upgraded to a hand-pull, non-electric leather sewing machine—one that allowed us to make every single stitch with precision and care. Mastering the new design took time, patience, and determination. We wanted our purses to be as aesthetically beautiful as they were functional. Within a year, we had refined our technique, creating a double-boot purse that was both durable and eye-catching, all while continuing to craft our original single-boot purses.

In 2019, we embarked on a new chapter, moving to the sunshine and coastal breezes of Florida. There, we continued creating our handcrafted purses, soaking in the inspiration of the sea and sand. As our business grew, we upgraded our machines once again, investing in an electric heavy-duty leather sewing machine that allowed us to work more efficiently while maintaining our high standards of craftsmanship. When summer arrived, adventure called. We packed up our RV and traveled to Montana, spending months exploring the rugged beauty of the mountains while showcasing our work at craft and art festivals. The western landscapes and the people we met along the way opened doors to an entirely new customer base, and soon, we found ourselves with a loyal following in that region.

Now, Red Bird has found its newest home in the beautiful state of Missouri. We work in our small shop on our property, handcrafting each purse with the same dedication and attention to detail that has defined our journey. If you're in the area, drop us a note to schedule a time and swing by to see what we do. Or, if you catch us on the road, come visit us at one of our events. Check out our website section, 'See the Bird Live,' for an up-to-date event schedule where you can test drive every beautiful purse and take in the rich scent of leather in person.

With every purse we create, we carry forward the passion, craftsmanship, and adventure that brought us here. Each design tells a story—one of transformation, perseverance, and the art of making something old into something extraordinary. And as we continue down this path, we remain committed to crafting unique, one-of-a-kind purses that speak to the hearts of those who carry them.