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Observations
The Signature Collection is my foundation. It consists of a few, intentionally limited designs that are permanent and built to last. Observations are different. They're also built to last, but they add another layer by incorporating designs inspired by what I see and experience in Motril. Small things, details, moments found in my surroundings that catch my attention and won't let go. I sketch these moments, carve them into Lino, and print them onto leather in limited runs. They're tied to specific moments of paying attention.
This observation celebrates the Cherry Tomato.
A valet tray that's also a small work of art.
This valet tray features a hand-carved cherry tomato design printed on the interior bottom. Keys, wallet, phone, watch - hold what matters to you on your desk, nightstand, or entryway table. Each print is unique. The interior is fully lined with soft, olive-green goatskin that echoes the foliage in the Lino design. It's both practical and beautiful. Handmade and hand-printed in Motril, Spain.
What it's inspired by:
There's just something about Motril, located on the Costa Tropical. If you've been here, you'll understand it; the light, the warmth, the abundance of fresh, local fruits and veggies year-round. I buy so much fresh produce from small, specialty shops that dot the city, and cherry tomatoes are a must-have in my kitchen at all times. Green vines with ripe, sweet little tomatoes clustered on them, just picked that morning. I appreciate their local importance and have certainly eaten my weight in cherry tomatoes over the years. For those reasons, I've decided to translate and celebrate this appreciation into Lino prints. This is the first of my Observations Collection.
The design is hand-carved, then printed one by one onto the interior bottom square for each tray in this limited series using traditional print methods. No two are exactly alike.
What it's made from:
Natural vegetable-tanned leather for the exterior and the interior square (where the design lives). Olive green goatskin lining - soft and durable complement to the hand-printed design.
The details:
✔️ Hand-stitched construction throughout
✔️ Olive green goatskin lining
✔️ Hand-carved Lino design (cherry tomatoes on the vine), each print is unique
✔️ Hand-sewn leather reinforcement on the interior bottom for structure
✔️ Sealed with a topcoat finish and leather conditioner to protect the print
✔️ Finished edges, buffed and sealed with beeswax
✔️ Cream thread
✔️ Dimensions: ~7" wide at widest points, 5"x5" center square, 1.5" height (17.8 cm x 12.7 cm x 3.8 cm)
✔️ Holds keys, wallet, phone, glasses, jewelry, watches, coins
✔️ Solid brass rivets at the corners
Why the investment:
This tray is handcrafted from start to finish. Every single stitching hole is hand-punched. Every stitch is sewn by hand. The interior is carefully lined with goatskin, then reinforced on the inner bottom with a robust, hand-sewn square panel for durability and structure. The Lino design is carefully translated and carved, then printed onto each reinforcement piece. The edges are all sanded, beveled, smoothed with a burnishing cream, protected with beeswax, and buffed. It's the kind of piece that sits on your desk for years, becoming more beautiful and more yours as time passes. It's meant to be seen and used.
How it lives with you:
The exterior leather develops marks, color variations, and darkening over time - part of the intentional design. The hand-printed design on the interior bottom is your own secret: a small reminder that you're using something made by hand, with intention, by someone who was paying attention to the place she calls home.
Limited Edition:
Only 5 are available with olive green goatskin lining. Each one is hand-printed, so slight variations in ink coverage and placement make each tray unique.
Care:
Condition the exterior occasionally with a quality leather balm. Clean the interior with a soft cloth. Avoid prolonged water exposure. Let it develop its own gorgeous patina.
All Boyles Handmade goods are made using premium, full-grain vegetable-tanned leather. Hand-sewn with two threads using the time-honored saddle stitch technique. Textile goods are made from quality, European linen, hefty canvas, heavy ticking, and occasionally some Spanish vintage pieces.
Orders are processed and shipped in a timely manner to ensure that your goods reach you as soon as possible.
My commitment is that you have a positive shopping experience and love your Boyles Handmade goods. Please see the FAQ page for all return information.