From Salvaged Hides to Wearable Stories: Carrie Rae’s Unique Craft

She Lets the Leather Speak—And the Results Are Stunning.

Tucked away in the artistic haven of Laguna Beach Canyon, Carrie Rae’s workshop is more than just a place where leather is cut and sewn—it’s a magnetic space, drawing in those who resonate with its energy.

As I sat down with Carrie to talk about her work, I quickly realized that what she creates is more than just fashion or accessories. Every piece carries a story, a history, and an intention.

Carrie’s journey as a leatherworker and curator is deeply tied to her philosophy of sustainability, craftsmanship, and intuition. She doesn’t just make bags and belts—she crafts wearable art, pieces that embody history and purpose. Her materials come from ethical sources: small-batch deer hides from South Dakota, cow hides rescued from the restaurant industry to keep them out of landfills, and vintage fabrics that carry the essence of another era.

“I love recycling,” she tells me, gesturing around the studio filled with antique furniture, fine vintage clothing, and found objects waiting to be reimagined. “Everything has a second life, a purpose beyond what it was originally intended for.”

For Carrie, preparing for her shows is a year-long process. She primarily showcases her work at the renowned Sawdust Festival, and each piece takes time and intention to create. She’s selective about when she participates in shows, choosing to focus on quality over quantity. “It takes all year for me to get ready for the summer show,” she explains. “I can’t mass-produce, and I don’t want to. The winter show only happens if I have a strong head start. Otherwise, I just can’t tool up fast enough.”

Her process isn’t rushed, nor is her approach to business. She doesn’t advertise. Instead, she follows her intuition, trusting that the right people will find her work at the right time. “Isn’t it interesting to see who finds us?” she muses. “I love when someone walks through that gate and says, ‘Oh, you found us! How did you find us?’ That’s the magic of it.”

It reminded me of a saying I’ve grown to love: “Don’t chase butterflies—create a garden where the butterflies come to you.” And that’s exactly what she’s doing. Carrie’s space is a garden, layered with leather, plants, furniture, jewelry, and art. It’s not just a store or a workshop; it’s an experience. She doesn’t worry about the ‘how’—she trusts that the energy she puts into her work will create the magnetism needed to attract the right people. “I don’t stress about the money or how things will sell,” she shares. “I just focus on making, on creating what feels right. The rest follows.”

One of the most captivating aspects of her work is the storytelling behind each creation. Belts and bags are adorned with antique buckles and repurposed materials, each element carrying a history. “Every piece is one-of-a-kind,” she says. “My clients come back, not just for another bag, but for the next piece of art.”

Carrie’s creative process is guided by intuition, and when she strays from that guidance, she feels it—sometimes quite literally. “If I start overthinking, if I’m forcing something that isn’t meant to be, the piece will let me know. I’ll get poked with my needle, I’ll make a mistake. It’s like the work itself pushes back.” Instead of resisting, she listens. Each creation tells her what it wants to be, and she allows it to unfold naturally.

She also embraces what others might see as imperfections. “I highlight the flaws—the scars, the rough edges. That’s what makes each piece unique. I don’t try to smooth everything out and make it pristine. The edginess, the character, that’s where the soul of the piece lives.”

Beyond her leatherwork, Carrie has cultivated a creative community in her space. She hosts events and workshops, inviting other artists to share their crafts and create alongside her. Whether it’s a hands-on leatherworking class, a gathering for like-minded makers, or an intimate showcase of new pieces, her space is always alive with artistic energy.

Her work is available at select shows, her personal space in Laguna Beach, and through word-of-mouth connections. “I don’t push sales—I let people find what speaks to them,” she explains. And time and again, the right person walks in, drawn by the energy of the space and the story behind the pieces.

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for Carrie—it’s a way of life. “So much goes into landfills, and it’s heartbreaking,” she says. “If I can rescue something, give it a new story, and make it meaningful, that’s what I want to do.”

Her trust in the creative process extends beyond her materials. She doesn’t force inspiration; she allows it to come naturally. Each design emerges when the time is right, and she never forces a piece into existence just to meet a deadline. “The right piece will find the right person,” she says confidently. “And that’s what keeps it all flowing.”

As our conversation winds down, I realize that Carrie isn’t just creating fashion; she’s creating a movement. A reminder that beauty, sustainability, and craftsmanship can coexist. That art doesn’t have to be mass-produced to be valuable. That when you follow your intuition, the right opportunities, the right people, and the right energy will always find their way to what’s meant for them.