Elke C. Nied, Artisan Leather Crafter 

Elke Nied grew up in the Black Forest Region of Germany. From a very young age Elke could often be found drawing everything and anything found in her microcosm. She became fond of Mother Nature and outdoor sports such as cross country skiing, kayaking and downhill mountain biking.  Elke made her final degree at the Academy for Communication & Design in Frankfurt. Eventually working for some of Germany’s most prestigious Graphic Design Agencies, where she earned quite a reputation. 

Also including her excitement about bringing living forms into her art on wearable pieces such as bracelets, belts or guitar straps (further wallets and utility bags) is ongoing. 

She truly is … into the woods ... 

In her own words: 

“I feel a deep connection to nature and a love for the rich green forests and the wild ocean. I channel my impressions of these environments into my burnings and paintings. Every step of my work is an intense process. I begin with premium vegetable-tanned cowhide. After cutting and shaping I begin burning my designs freehand into the leather. This technique, known as Pyrography, utilizes a stylus with a heated tip, and allows for great clarity and detail. When my illustrations are complete, the dyeing process begins. Using eco-friendly and water based products, I treat my leather pieces individually to many layers of dye, oil, and wax, to produce a finish of warmth, depth, and durability as well. No two pieces are alike. 2 

My art work will remind you that nature is the basis of our lives. You will find in my collection all manner of organic forms such as plant life, marine organisms, insects, and skeletal structures to name a few. Each belt is signed on the backside.” 

Elke is an ecologically conscious person; all of her processes reflect this. By purchasing one of her pieces you also support the protection of our forests and marine life, as percentage of her profits goes to support various environmental protection organizations. 

"Bless nature!" 

~ Elke Nied