At Scout we are inspired by local artists who create worthwhile items. Tam Fuller is a designer who crafts beautiful custom, hand-made leather and wood pieces. See what she gets up to here and check out more of her goods there.

What are three things about your neighbourhood that make you want to live there? It’s central, friendly, and peaceful. I live in Brewery Creek/Mt Pleasant area. I moved here a year and a half ago and love it because it’s so close to everything yet you don’t feel like you’re right “in it.” I lived in Gastown/Chinatown for 6 years and didn’t realize how hectic it was until I left. Although I still love that area for so many reasons, mostly food and beverage related.

Four words that capture your design style: Classic, clean, androgynous, long-lasting (let’s pretend that’s one word).

Where do you enjoy shopping in Vancouver? Tell us about some of your favourite local haunts. I eat out a fair amount so it’s a long list of favourite places: The Boxcar & The Cobalt (best, most inclusive friendly bar around) have a fantastic amount of rotating beers on tap and a delicious cocktail list, plus you can grab a pizza from Pizza Farina next door and bring it right on in; Mamie Taylor’s – if you haven’t eaten there for dinner or brunch, you’re missing out; Bao Bei’s fried chicken kills in the best way; Bestie for their happy atmosphere and delicious currywurst; Brassneck; Pazzo Chow; Ask For Luigi; Savio Volpe; waffles at Medina; Cartems Donuts recently moved into my area too. Ugh…we have so many great spots in Van; we are spoiled. It’s amazing I ever accomplish anything. For clothing and other fun things – hands down — Nouvelle Nouvelle and Duchesse Vintage, both are fantastic.

Where do you find the best cup of coffee in the city? Matchstick in Chinatown, or at my friend’s studio.

If you had to choose between the two, which would you choose, leather or wood? That’s tricky. Both can stand the test of time, which is part of the reason I love working with them. I’ll go with leather though, easier to carry it with you than a plank of wood.

If there was a T. Leather & Wood soundtrack what would it sound like? Total chaos.

Tell us about your favourite space to work: My apartment, because it’s also my studio.

What is the most important tool in your studio? A mallet/hammer – because I use it for both leather & wood; so important I got the tattoo.

Why do you think Vancouver is such a good city for independent design? I think people are increasingly seeing the value of supporting local, independent designers/makers. Buying goods that last because of the care and attention put into them. Plus independent designers are really supportive of each other in this city, which is exactly how it should be.

If you were to choose one of your wood or leather designs to send as a secret admirer, which one would you choose, and why? For leather: a Morgan bag because I love its clean lines and how classic looking it is. All my bags/wallets are made using one solid, hand-cut and hand-stitched piece of leather. The fewer the pieces the stronger the item. That’s my logic anyways. Built to last. Seeing someone I secretly admire toting one around would make me smile.

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