Project TransAction Leather Work Inspired by the Sami

July 22, 2010 – Inspired by the reindeer leatherwork of the Sami people indigenous to the artic circle, Jacob Vaughn Gushue of Project TransAction is a one man leatherworking and screen printing phenomenon! He designs and manufactures unique handmade screen printed leather goods in his workshop located in the heart of San Francisco.

Each Sami bracelet is designed and hand-crafted with close attention to detail, using eco-friendly, bio-degradable cleaners, and a focus on ethical decisions on all fronts. Jake creates finely crafted and unique accessories designed to last. Now that’s a Scandinavian attitude. Check out the full line of modern Sami bracelets here.

Read what Jacob has to say about Scandinavian culture and design :

To a New England born artsy anglo-mutt transplant living in San Francisco, Scandinavian design influence may seem like a foreign concept. Sure, I’ve had my share of Ikea hand-me-down furniture from Craigslist. I have also appreciated the clean, simple, and satisfying aesthetic of Marimekko style prints displayed loudly in chic boutique windows. But how does this foreign land of fjords and the Finnish directly influence my work? Enter Sur Flicka: A modern take on classic Scandivanian traditions and designs presented with an innovatively minimalistic and modern approach.

In this fast paced world of reality television and bluetoothed cyborgs, it’s refreshing to appreciate the simplicity of classic stylings while continuing to respect the art history of other cultures. Working with animal hides has been a part of our civilization from the start- and Scandinavian designs are some of the most intricate and interesting styles around. Traditional Sami artists of Lappland used strands of silver to accent their designs, but Sur Flicka and Project TransAction have teamed up to bring you a new take on this classic design by combining the bold, bright colors of today with the simple and ever popular style of the braided leather bracelet. We’ve taken a classic folk art approach and made it modern- combining super soft and supple earthtoned leathers with bright contrasting edges to create the Lappland Sami bracelet of today’s fashionista.

Jacob Vaughn Gushue
Project TransAction
www.project-transaction.com