Local artisan brings precision and joy to leatherworking craft

The merit of a piece of art is often measured through a romantic lens. A painting can evoke emotions in its viewer, so it is judged to be of high quality. The viewers' assessment, however, is largely a response to the techniques of the painter. Contrasting shade, complimentary colors, and other factors unite to bring a sense of cohesion. The viewer measures quality in emotional terms but, in doing so, speaks to the technical or intellectual merit of the piece. To put it simply, when art is made with intention, it has the power to resonate and move.

This synthesis of objective and subjective quality is featured in the philosophy and work of Kylie Thacker. A third-generation resident of Wahkiakum County, Kylie is an artist, mother, entrepreneur, and founder of Kylie Raquel (KR) Studio. Since 2017, she has strived to refine her vision for KR Studio through the medium central to its existence: the traditional craft of leatherworking. Today she specializes in the fabrication and sale of unique, high-end leather handbags. Each bag is designed, shaped, and sewn entirely by hand.

"I love form that is functional, [and] I want everything I do to be honest and straightforward to the bone," said Kylie. "When something is transparent and simple, it leaves so much room for joy." This idea is evident in Kylie's KR Label line of handbags. The KR Label displays craftsmanship with minimal excess. Edges are beveled and burnished in a process akin to sanding wood or sharpening a blade. Leather is hand-sewn with a coarse poly thread. This gives each bag a natural aesthetic without compromising durability. Kylie sells the KR Label line alongside her KR Designer collection. In this series, she elevates her techniques to a higher level of complexity. Designer bags feature internal lining, fine thread, premium hardware, and hand-painted edges. The process of edge-painting involves three to four layers of paint, sanded and heat sealed between each layer. As with the Label bags, structure and durability are prioritized. Where a Label bag may be completed in a day, however, a Designer bag can take 25 to 50 hours to create.

Kylie describes KR Studio as having a relationship-based business model. "I'm selling handbags, but I'm also connecting with people who want something handcrafted and personal," she said. "There's an exclusivity to each piece. I'm not making multiples. I love the idea of my bags being mementos for people – gifts for birthdays, graduations, or achievements – and I want them to feel like something special and unique." Kylie offers made-to-order bespoke bags for customers seeking an even closer connection to the creative process. Bespoke bags are personalized to the clients' specifications. Elements such as external leather, lining, thread color, edge paint, hardwear, strap length, and accents are all considered.

Elaborating on her creative philosophy and the experiences that drive her work, Kylie said, "I have a technical background in instrumentation. When I don't understand or know how to do something, it feels very messy and chaotic. The process of streamlining and finding efficiency is soothing. It's a relief to gain understanding and clarity. I've done a lot of endurance sports – mountaineering, running marathons – and I like the challenge of doing difficult things and maintaining that drive and discipline. It's not so much the process; it's how I feel at the end. With my handbags, the goal is to make something as simple, perfect, and straightforward as possible."

Independence, grit, and motherhood have shaped the way Kylie approaches her craft. "I'm a very driven person, and I will grind and work hard," she said. "When I became a single mom, it was very important to me to be available to my son at any time. I worked during naptime and after bedtime. I was forced to slow down, which gave me the opportunity to really refine my craftsmanship and find clarity. I took time to do more research and see what's actually possible. I did a lot of deep dives into fashion houses and big brands and kept thinking, 'I can do that.' Ultimately, I love how inherently optimistic the act of creating is. It's hopeful. There's no ceiling: you can dream as big as you want. The downfall is that it can be incredibly isolating, but in the end, it's all for a reason. I am raising my young son and developing a craft to a level where I know where I want to go."

Reflecting on her accomplishments over the past nine years, as well as expressing her excitement for both the present moment and the years to come, Kylie said, "I think it's very important, as a creative entrepreneur, to have faith in yourself and be accountable to yourself. If you know where you're at on your trajectory, no one else's opinion matters. The time it takes to make something substantial is measured in decades, not years. I've had to withdraw to develop myself and reach my current level of competency. Now I feel ready to engage with an audience and with peers. The question on my mind now is, 'How do I build community in the creative realm?' Recently I've been working with an apprentice to help accomplish some of my goals. I would love to eventually create an artists' or makers' cooperative studio. There could be multiple studio spaces for rent, and a space to showcase and sell artists' work."

For now, Kylie has built lasting connections and community simply through the process of selling her wares. She said that she hopes to continue this trend in the near future, selling at festivals, concerts and whatever other opportunities arise. Perhaps most importantly, as she looks forward, Kylie hopes to prioritize her own enjoyment of her craft. "I have been so inspired by fashion, art, and the creative community, and now I feel like I have something to bring to the table," she said. "Now that I have emotionally and spiritually done this heavy lifting, I can bring a lightness to my work. I can find joy."

Kylie's handbags are available for sale on her website, kylieraquel.com. She can be found on Facebook and Instagram under Kylie Raquel Studio.