Everything from design product engineering and construction happens in our Oakland studio. From shipping to customer service, everything is done in-house so that you can get info straight from the source. At Free Bird of CA, our artisans work together to produce in small batches handmade leather goods with an eye for fine details and thoughtful care.

OUR VALUES

Ethical Sourcing

We choose to partner with suppliers that certify fair labor practices through the supply chain and tanneries from the Leather Working Group that value following strict waste protocols, reduce energy usage and water retreatment in the tanning process.

Sustainability

Since this is leather, in respect to the hides we believe in using as much as possible and try to produce as close to zero waste as possible. Through upcycling, handbag scraps can be remade into earrings and keychains or filling for cushions

Locally Made

A living wage is a human right. Our goods are produced locally and employees paid a living wage in a safe working environment.

Timelessness

We provide leather goods repair and reconditioning to keep your products lasting a lifetime and out of the landfill. To learn more about our repair services CLICK HERE.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Amber Washington is the founder and creative force behind Freebird of CA. A graduate of the Academy of Art University and product designer by trade, Amber started Freebird on a lark to create delightful and fresh personal leather goods that fit her budget and express creativity in her off-hours. It’s a work of passion- illustrating, reading, studying techniques, finding influences on the streets of Oakland and experimenting with methods, materials, machines, and tools.

our values

Ethical Sourcing

Sustainability

Locally Made

A living wage is a human right. Our goods are produced locally and employees paid a living wage in a safe working environment.

Timelessness

We provide leather goods repair and reconditioning to keep your products lasting a lifetime and out of the landfill.

To learn more about our repair services.

Button text

Our Mission

Freebird of CA creates timeless leather pieces, of uncompromising quality built to last. Skillfully handcrafted in Oakland, California.

About the Designer

Amber Washington started Freebird of California after finding an unlikely passion in leather as a designer for the leather watch strap brand, Hugel. In order to fully understand the handmade strap collector industry, Amber researched leathercraft techniques used by the finest leather goods company, Hermes, and spent time teaching herself the art of hand stitched leather.

An Oakland native and graduate of the Academy of Art University, Amber started her career with 11 years in apparel design and production in Los Angeles, Bangladesh and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Freebird of California was created to merge the three elements of revival of fading local American production and skilled craft, sharing creative skills for community nourishment, and a passion for well made leather goods.