About Us

Otter Ridge Leather is located on our farm in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. I started working with leather more than 25 years ago creating original leather art on gourds and leather tapestries.  During that time I developed my original patterns and designs for my custom made window valances, the "Carolina", the "Durango", the "Aspen" and the "Western Yoke.
 
Otter Ridge Leather - Our Gallery
Here's a picture of my studio. Otter Ridge Gallery. Where customers can pick out their leather, rugs, stick rods and accessories.


The Otter Ridge Gallery.
 
You are welcome to visit our Gallery - see the location page for directions


Uses of Valances:
   

Leather valances can be used anywhere in the home, let your imagination go wild.  No rule says all drapes have to match, you can have drapes on one window and a leather valance on the other, or a leather valance over drapes or lace curtains.  When decorating a large room that has a kitchen, dining and living room area, it is not necessary to have all leather valances the same.  You could use a different color or style for each window.  Install valances in doorways, use as headboards, in bathrooms and over shower doors, wonderful in dens, bedrooms, living and dining rooms, covered patios and motorcycle rooms, the possibilities are endless.

Measuring:
    Measure your entire width, including molding, from rod end to rod end (or where rod will be installed), if you want a straight valance.  If you want gentle folding (as with fabric), add 12" to your measurement.  If you are doing a large window or bay window, add 12" to each side for gentle folding.  The length varies from 15"-20" including loops with an irregular bottom edge, unless specified otherwise.  Please feel free to e-mail me questions and I will be happy to help.
 
Patterns and Piecing:
    Smaller valances are usually one piece.  Larger valances that require more width will be pieced together using saddle glue and stitching. Genuine leather hides are only the size of animals. The use of 2 or 3 valances in smaller widths (ex: 2-3 ft. for a 5 ft. window) will often work to avoid piecing.  All patterns are glued.
 
Colors:
    A wide variety of colors are available, the most popular being beige, tan, brown, red and burgundy.  If doing a large room in the same color, requiring more than one hide, order all widths at the same time to get the same shade of leather.  Hair-on cow hides usually have a mix of white, black and brown.  Brown & white and black & white are also available.
 
Reversible valances:
    The "Carolina" and "Durango" style of valance can be made reversible for an additional charge.  Your choice of hardwood buttons or silver conchos and hand cut laces.
 
Time, Payment & Shipping:
    Please allow 2-3 weeks for your completed order.  Payment is required with your order.  Contact me if you wish to send a personal check.  Shipping is USPS priority mail.