Mott's Story
From Guide to Craftsman
Mott’s journey began under the vast skies of Botswana, where he spent years as a guide in the bush, learning the rhythms of the land and the stories it held. Those same lessons now shape his work at the leather bench, where patience, respect, and a deep connection to place are stitched into every piece. What started as a life of guiding travelers through the wild has become a craft that carries the spirit of Botswana forward — durable, timeless, and grounded in tradition.
In starting Mott’s Leather Works, the vision was simple: to take the lessons of the bush — resourcefulness, respect for the land, and attention to detail — and carry them into a new form of craft. Every belt, bag, and wallet is designed not only to endure but to tell a story, shaped by the traditions and textures of Botswana itself. What once was guiding footsteps along wild paths has become guiding hands through leather, crafting pieces that honor both heritage and the future.
For Mott, this work is personal. Guiding taught him to see the small details - a track in the sand, a shift in the wind - and that same eye now shapes the way he cuts and stitches leather. The pieces he makes aren’t about fashion or trends; they’re about carrying forward the lessons of the bush: patience, resilience, and respect for what lasts. Every bag, belt, or wallet is part of his own story, rooted in Botswana and crafted by his hands.
News From the Bush
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Elephant News from Botswana
Botswana is home to the world’s largest elephant population — over 130,000 strong. While that’s a success for conservation, it also brings new challenges as elephants roam further in search...
Elephant News from Botswana
Botswana is home to the world’s largest elephant population — over 130,000 strong. While that’s a success for conservation, it also brings new challenges as elephants roam further in search...
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This Week at Mott’s Leather Works
The workshop has been busy shaping a fresh batch of hand-stitched wallets, each one made from hides sourced in Botswana. Mott has been experimenting with new dyeing techniques inspired by...
This Week at Mott’s Leather Works
The workshop has been busy shaping a fresh batch of hand-stitched wallets, each one made from hides sourced in Botswana. Mott has been experimenting with new dyeing techniques inspired by...
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Conserving the Land
For Mott, conservation isn’t a slogan — it’s a way of life. Years in the bush taught him how delicate the balance of nature really is. That same respect guides...
Conserving the Land
For Mott, conservation isn’t a slogan — it’s a way of life. Years in the bush taught him how delicate the balance of nature really is. That same respect guides...
