Product & craftsmanship
1. Are your bags really handmade? Who makes them?
Each part of the process is done by hand - made by me and, newly, one part-time staff member, in my home and workshop. I cut everything by hand, saddle-stitch every detail, hand-burnish the exposed edges, and package all orders.
2. What type of leather do you use, and where does it come from?
I use full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather for all of our products.
- Natural vegetable-tanned leather is sourced from Guanajuato, Mexico. This is a sillero leather, sturdy but softens and ages beautifully.
- The tobacco, blue and black leather are from one tannery in Guadalajara, Mexico. This type of leather is called vaqueta. It’s stretched
slightly during the tanning process, so it is softer than the natural leather.
3. What is full-grain vegetable-tanned leather?
Vegetable-tanned leather is a more traditional way of tanning leather, using natural tannins from tree bark, fruits etc. instead of chemicals. This is not a ‘vegan leather’. All of our leather is currently bovine, from cows.
Full-grain leather uses the natural finish of the hide, instead of shaving the top layer off to create a more even finish. This brings an added level of beauty to our products, as they will all have a unique texture and quality.
4. How long does it take to make one bag?
I typically make each style of bag in batches so I can streamline the process, but each bag takes approximately 1.5 days (Luna) - 3 or 4 days (the larger totes) to produce, with the straps taking the longest to sew.
5. Will my bag look exactly like the photos, or can there be small variations since it's handmade?
There will be small variations in each bag, since it is handmade and because of the variations in the full-grain leather.
6. How do I clean and care for my leather bag over time?
Vegetable-tanned leather requires little maintenance and will continue to patina and become more beautiful with time, but there are some simple steps to making your leather goods last even longer. Check out my Leather Care info here.
7. Do your bags come with any kind of warranty or repair service?
My bags do not come with a warranty. Our bags are saddle-stitched for optimal longevity; each strap is doubled and hand-stitched. However, if something comes up, I am happy to discuss repair options on a case-by-case basis.
Ordering & availability
8. Why do certain bags sell out, and will they come back in stock?
I rotate through making each style, trying to keep up with the demand of my online shop and local shops. So, sometimes it takes time for a product to come back in stock. Please help me by adding your e-mail to the waitlist, so I know what you are interested in, and that will push that style to the top of my list! Yes, every signature product will come back in stock.
9. What does "handmade in small batches" mean, and when's the next drop?
I am currently making a small amount - usually 8 of each bag (2 of each color) at a time. This allows me to streamline the making process and just focus on one style for a couple of weeks. Check the announcement bar on my website, or sign up for my email list to be informed of the next drop.
10. Can I get notified when a specific bag or color is restocked?
Yes, on the specific bag web page, when you click on the color you want, if it’s sold out, you will be prompted to join the waitlist, and you will automatically get an email when it’s available.
11. Do you still take custom or made-to-order requests?
Yes, I do, depending on my schedule. Send me an email; I’d love to hear from you!
Shipping & returns
12. How long does shipping take within Mexico?
All packages are shipped with Fedex of DHL, and take between 3-6 business days to arrive. More information on shipping, here.
13. Do you ship internationally?
Yes, there are standard prices for Canada and the US. For other locations, send us an email, and we will create a custom shipping estimate.
14. What's your return or exchange policy?
Returns and exchanges are accepted within 14 days of the delivery date. Click here for more return and exchange information.
business background
15. Who's behind Contra — is this a one-person studio?
Contra is run by me, Christine: the owner, maker, and designer. As of October, 2026, I have one part-time staff member helping me create!
16. Do you offer workshops, and what do they involve?
Yes, I offer workshops between Bucerias and San Pancho, in Nayarit, Mexico. I have a few projects for you to choose from, and a calendar of public dates, as well as the option to come to you and host a private workshop for 4-8 people. check out my workshop page for more info.
17. How can I see real customer photos of the bags in use?
Check out some testimonials at the bottom of the Shop page, or on my Instagram.
18. How do I contact you if I have a question about an order?
You can reach me through my contact form, or send me an email: christine@contrahandmade.com
