Making a Mark

Etching new life into enduring materials.

I’ve always been pulled toward tactile crafts—coating my hands in anything from paint to sawdust. But Fadó Leather began because I felt a deep disconnect in how we consume things today. We’ve been conditioned to trade investment pieces for disposable alternatives, letting beautifully made materials sit forgotten in the backs of closets, or overlooking the value of slow, intentional creation.

Leather is a material built to endure for generations, making it the perfect canvas for preservation. Whether I am sourcing pre-loved, gently used leather bags to give them a second life, or selecting premium, genuine leather blanks for journals, bookmarks, and hand-crafted banners, the goal remains the same: to respect the material and make the absolute most of the incredible pieces we bring into the world.

Using a tattoo machine, I etch original artwork permanently into the grain. Tattoos are a profound way we tell our stories, but not everyone wants to mark their own skin for a lifetime. Bringing this machine work to leather—whether onto a vintage handbag or a custom-built wall hanging—is my way of keeping that tradition of record-keeping alive. It allows us to be playful, abstract, and deeply creative with the art we carry and welcome into our spaces every day.

Why Fadó?

Fadó [fah-doe] is the Irish word for "long ago"—the traditional opening line for old folktales, the Irish version of "once upon a time."

For me, choosing this name was a calling to hold fast to my Irish roots and to a history of storytelling that refuses to be quieted. It is my way of saying a quiet hello to my ancestors and honoring the resilience of a heritage that survived despite every attempt to root it out.

It’s also a deliberate choice that extends far past the logo. In a world flattened by globalization, native languages easily get pushed into the background. By incorporating traditional Gaelic phrases directly into our pieces, I’m bringing that living language into the present—ensuring these vibrant, enduring roots stay part of the art we hold and live with every day.

Two ways to shop Fadó:

This is where the one-of-a-kind, hand-tattooed vintage purses, bags, and wallets/goodies live. Because I source these pieces individually and tattoo them by hand, they are released in limited, curated drops. When a piece is gone, it’s gone.

Tattooed Leather

Apparel & Goods

This is a permanent, always-live collection of premium tees, hoodies, journals, and desk gear. Created in collaboration with artist Redoi, these pieces bring his incredible artwork into the Fadó universe, offering high-quality, everyday essentials that complement the aesthetic of the studio.

The Steward

Hi, I’m Lori. I see myself as a bit of an archivist, a steward of stories, and a creative multi-passionate who just loves to make things with her hands.

When I’m not running a tattoo machine over leather goods, I’m usually messing around with paint, photography, or whatever new craft has caught my eye this week.

Let's chat—ask me about my latest romantasy read, my dog Demi, or send over your best estate sale tips.