About
Welcome to After Eleven. Based in Vilnius, my studio is dedicated to creating minimalist, hand-stitched leather goods that celebrate slow, intentional craft. Transitioning from corporate design to manual leatherworking allowed me to reconnect with myself and live a slower life. Today, I hand cut and hand stitch every piece using traditional techniques and premium vegetable tanned leather.
Story
It all started about eight years ago when I stumbled upon a video of a leather artisan at work. I was completely in awe of how versatile a single material could be, and the absolute precision it required. Soon after, I ordered a basic starter kit and began practicing late into the evenings after my corporate job shifts.
Then, life happened. I built a family, and two kids were born. Suddenly, my quiet hobby became a little too loud. No one wants to punch stitching holes with a mallet while a baby is sleeping nearby.
As my kids grew, my perspective on what truly matters began to shift. I found myself craving a slower, simpler life. I was working as a digital product designer. It was work I genuinely enjoyedm, but something was missing. I wanted to touch, feel, and shape raw materials with my hands, rather than staring at a screen all day. That is when the seed for After Eleven was planted. At first, stepping away felt impossible. But sometimes, to build a simpler life, you have to take the leap. And that leap began with a childhood nickname.
When I was little, my family’s nickname for me was Vienuolika, which means eleven in Lithuanian. After eleven in the evening has also always been my sacred time. It is the hour when the screens go away, the bright lights dim, and everything slows down to just me, a book, and the quiet.
The name is a celebration of that calm, and a gentle reminder to that little Vienuolika that she is entirely capable of following her dreams.
Thanks for being here, it means a world to me!
I believe that the objects we interact with every day should be high quality and tell a story. That is why every piece at After Eleven is crafted exclusively from premium, full grain vegetable tanned leather.
Unlike modern mass produced leather, which is quickly processed with harsh chemicals and coated in plastic paints, vegetable tanning is a traditional, environmentally conscious art form. It relies entirely on natural tannins found in tree bark, oak, and chestnut leaves. The process takes weeks, sometimes months, of patient soaking and conditioning resulting in a rich material that smells exactly like leather should - warm, earthy, and organic.
Why Vegetable-Tanned Leather?
This leather acts as a canvas for your daily routine. It absorbs the natural oils from your hands, sunlight, and everyday friction. Over the months, it will transform beautifully, developing a glossy sheen and a rich, deep patina that is entirely personal to how you live.
Materials
Every piece of leather is sourced from Conceria La Perla Azzurra in Tuscany, Italy. It is a natural byproduct of the food industry, free from synthetic coatings, and fully biodegradable. Because the process relies on plant matter instead of toxic heavy metals like chrome, it is completely safe for your skin. This chemical free environment also protects the tannery artisans, ensuring they work in fair, safe, and healthy conditions.
Because the natural collagen fibers of the hide are preserved rather than broken down by chemicals, vegetable-tanned leather is incredibly resilient. It doesn't wear out over the years. It softens, matures, and grows more beautiful with age.
Longevity
Integrity
Your story
Vegetable-tanned leather is a living, organic material. It doesn't require constant fuss, but a little intentional care will ensure your piece matures beautifully and lasts a lifetime.
General Maintenance & Hardware
Daily Use
The best way to care for your leather is simply to use it. The natural oils from your hands act as a continuous, gentle conditioner.
Hardware Check
If your item features screw closures, check them occasionally. Because natural leather is flexible and stretches slightly to adapt to your carry, screws can loosen over time. It probably won't happen, but quick twist keeps everything secure.
Sun & Storage
While sunlight beautifully accelerates a rich patina, prolonged, intense exposure can over-dry the hide. When not in use, keep your item resting in a cool, shaded spot.
What to do if it gets wet?
Reshape
While the leather is still damp, gently smooth it back into its original shape. If it’s a larger pouch, stuffing it with a clean, dry cloth helps it retain its form.
Air Dry Slowly
Leave it to dry naturally in a well-ventilated room. Never use a hairdryer or place it on a radiator.
Replenish
Once completely dry to the touch, the leather will need its oils replaced. Apply a light layer of natural leather balm to restore its suppleness.
Conditioning
Every 6 to 12 month, or whenever the leather begins to feel dry or stiff, it is time to nourish it.
Dust off the dry surface with a soft brush or cloth. Always test a tiny amount of your conditioner on an inconspicuous spot first. Using a clean cloth, massage a small amount of high quality, wax based leather balm or natural leather oil into the surface using gentle circles.
Let the leather rest and absorb the nutrients for at least 24 hours.
Cleaning Minor Stains
If you need to spot-clean a mark, avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
Dampen a clean, soft sponge and work a gentle, neutral soap (like glycerine soap) into a very light foam.
Clean the area using soft, circular motions. Wipe away any soap residue with a clean, wrung out damp cloth, then let it air dry completely away from heat.
After spot-cleaning, always condition the entire item, not just the clean spot. This ensures the leather hydrates evenly and ages with a uniform color.
Care guide
How do I care for my leather item?
Because our leather has a high natural oil content from the tannery, it requires very little maintenance. If it begins to feel dry after months of use, apply a tiny amount of high-quality, wax-based leather balm with a clean cloth. Learn more
Frequently asked questions
What is vegetable-tanned leather?
It is leather tanned using organic, natural matter like tree bark, oak, and chestnut leaves rather than harsh chemicals like chrome. It is a traditional, environmentally friendly art form that takes months. The result is a natural leather that smells earthy and organic, is safe for your skin, and ages beautifully. Learn more
Why do you hand-stitch instead of using a sewing machine?
Saddle stitch is incredibly durable. Unlike a machine lock-stitch, which will completely unravel if a single thread breaks, a saddle stitch uses two independent needles. If a stitch ever breaks, the rest of the seam remains secure. It takes much longer, but it ensures your item lasts a lifetime.
How long will it take to get my order?
Because everything is crafted slowly by hand without shortcuts, items are often made to order. Please allow [X] business days for your piece to be crafted before it ships. Once shipped, delivery within Lithuania typically takes [X] days, and international shipping takes [X] days.
My item has a small scratch or mark on it. Is this normal?
Yes. Premium vegetable-tanned leather retains the natural characteristics of the hide. Minor markings or slight color variations are not flaws. They are proof of a high quality material and a slow, handmade process. I celebrate these details as part of the unique character of your piece.
Can I buy your items in person?
Yes, you can find a curated selection of my work in person at Local Concept, 9 Pilies St, Vilnius. Stopping by is a wonderful way to touch, feel, and see the texture and quality of the leather firsthand before making your choice.
Where are your products made?
Every single piece is proudly hand-cut, hand-stitched, and finished by hand in my home studio in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Do you accept returns or exchanges?
I accept returns on unused, standard items within 14 days of delivery. Please note that custom/personalised orders are final sale.
