Hands on with Braun Buffel

German premium leather goods brand, Braun Buffel have been actively involved in a number of community-building programs and charitable initiatives around the globe through a series of corporate donations, support and partnerships. For Singapore they are a supporter of Community Chest and a programme partner with Very Special Arts Singapore (VSA Singapore).

VSA is a charity launched in Sept 1993 to provide people with disabilities with opportunities to access the arts for rehabilitation and social integration and to assist them to obtain financial assistance/independence through art making.

This year, Braun Buffel is involved in Buffel Art Project (an inaugural charity event) which will take place in Singapore.

From 6 – 12 May 2014, the German craftsman will be demonstrating the art of crafting Braun Buffel leather products together with a series of workshops.

I was invited to craft my own product as well. It wasn’t easy and the German craftsman is quite a perfectionist. I had to redo some parts because it wasn’t perfectly done. I guess the high expectation from him says a lot about the brand. They want nothing but perfect. And some Bran Buffel leather products handmade. WOW.

There were different kinds of leathers to choose from. I was choosing between the 2nd from the left and 3rd from the right but my final product was made from none of my choices because I couldn’t decide which is better.

Tadahhh! So glad I picked this leather because it was very very hard to craft on soft leather.

My partners for the day both picked the “snake” skin leather.

This is Regina, the pretty and gentle girl who had trouble with her soft leather skin! It was tooooooo tough!! 🙁

I was already half way done in the picture before. A simple iPad mini pouch took me 1.5hour. Can you imagine a wallet or bag? I think I might take half a year to finish a bag oh my god.

After all the cutting, sewing and hammering, the craftsman helped me with the buttons.

He looked fierce in this picture but he is kinda friendly. I admire his work attitude and passion. Most importantly, I admire his perfectionist attitude. He made sure that my pouch is near perfect before allowing me to leave. Any minor areas that are not cut properly would be amended by him.

Hard work… Hard work…

Tadahhhh! The final step was the brand name.

We were also given choices to make other products like a phone casing or keyring.

Had wanted to make this keyring as well but there wasn’t sufficient time 🙁

The lady in the picture below is the great grand daughter of Braun Buffel.

The Braun Buffel Art Competition was held last Sat where selected applicants will express their artistic flair on the Buffel figurine at Vivo City atrium. You can view the complete Buffel figurines from the completed at Esplanade Upper Concourse Area from 16 May to 15 June.

After that, from 20 June to 29 June, the beautifully designed pieces of Buffel figurine will be displayed for auction.

I believe in giving back to the society and I am more than happy to know that Braun Buffel shares the same though. This is such a meaningful event. Show them some support will you?

My view of Braun Buffel has certainly change from good to even better! I

f it’s leather, consider Braun Buffel! 🙂