Critics of Hand Tooled Leather?

Question

I was given a gift certificate to Nordstrom, and I bought myself an expensive beautiful Brahmin purse which was on sale for half price. The purse is made of hand tooled leather, and the design looks like mock crocodile skin. It is specially done by the artists at Brahmin, and it is quite realistic. I've been scorned and ridiculed for having a purse that looks like crocodile, and when I tell them it is made to look that way by artists, I am told that it is unethical for leather artists to be making something that looks like endangered animals. This happens at least once a day by someone. Yesterday I was told that I should give the crocodile his skin back, and today I was told that I was lucky they didn't have a can of red spray paint. So I am wondering, do you think it is unethical for leather artists to make goods that look like crocodile skin? Am I hurting the cause of an endangered animals by using this purse?

I put my questions here because I feel that my ethics are being questioned because I am not politically correct in their eyes. I feel that it is also a legal matter, because the person who told me that I should give the crocodile skin back was a nurse at my doctor's office, and the person who told me that I should be spray painted with red paint is a co-worker who also harasses me about wearing any leather product.

Answer 1

Nobody ever said animal rights' activists were smart or considerate.

Answer 2

I too, am a leather crafter, as well as saddlemaker. I started out by setting up at local craft fairs. That was in the days before the internet came along. You can also make up samples of everything you make, and price lists-both retail and wholesale, and spend several days going to stores in your area, and showing them off. You might be surprised at who will either buy from you or know someone who will. Beware-there is not alot of profit margin in wholesaling your products. You will find that you are better off retailing the stuff yourself. Also beware of consignment. That has not worked well for me-I always get the short end of the stick, and it is my work that seems to get "shoplifted", "stolen" and the like. Other things to keep in mind. Are you buying your leather and supplies wholesale? If not, you cannot make a profit, with a decent wage for your time and creativity. Are there other folks in your area that are also doing leather? Try getting a co-op together. If you can afford it, open your own shop.