Wood… or Leather?
The Story Behind CHUMA SERIES I
At first glance, most people think the buttons are wood.
That reaction has become surprisingly common whenever I share these layered pieces — buttons, pendants, clasps — handcrafted from leather and shaped entirely by hand.
But they are not wood.
They are leather.
And the story behind CHUMA SERIES I begins with remnants.
The Leather
Years ago, I was commissioned to create custom leather mic stand covers for country music artist Morgan Wallen.
After completing one of the commissions, I held onto some of the remaining raw harness leather that had not been used in the final piece. It was beautiful leather — rich, natural, undyed, and full of character — the kind of material too special to discard.
Over time, I began experimenting with it.
Layering it. Punching it. Shaping it. Sanding and burnishing it smooth by hand.
As the edges became polished and the layers compressed together, something unexpected began to happen.
The finished pieces started to resemble carved wood.
Warm. Organic. Almost ancient in appearance.
Yet entirely leather.
What began as experimentation slowly evolved into a signature detail used throughout my work — handcrafted buttons, pendants, and clasps with a tactile, sculptural quality unlike anything mass-produced.
The Beads
The beads used in CHUMA SERIES I were collected years ago.
Philippine Brown Horn Beads with warm reddish-brown tones, natural translucency, and beautiful organic striations that immediately drew me in.
I never forgot them.
There are certain materials I purchase not because I have a design planned, but because I know one day the right piece will appear.
These were some of those beads.
Over the years I searched for more and never found another source quite like them.
When paired beside the layered leather buttons, the combination felt immediate and complete — as though the two materials had been waiting for each other.
Natural. Warm. Grounded.
A rare and perfect pairing.
Reimagining CHUMA
The original Chuma Bracelet has long been one of my most recognizable leather bracelet designs.
Its tribal-inspired simplicity, hand-knotted construction, and tactile materials have made it a favorite for years.
But CHUMA SERIES I became something different.
Not simply another variation.
A collectible release.
A deeper exploration of material, texture, and craftsmanship.
Each handcrafted leather button is individually layered, shaped, sanded, and burnished smooth entirely by hand.
No molds. No shortcuts. No two exactly alike.
The horn beads are hand-knotted onto doubled leather cord for durability and comfort, creating a bracelet that feels both rugged and refined.
A piece designed to age beautifully over time.
Only 10 Will Be Made
Because of the rarity of both the remnant leather and the Philippine Brown Horn Beads, CHUMA SERIES I will remain an extremely limited release.
Only 10 bracelets will be created.
Once these beads are gone, this exact version will not be reproduced.
Future releases within the CHUMA SERIES may explore other rare materials, stones, beads, or leathers, but SERIES I will remain its own distinct chapter.
The Meaning of Chuma
The word Chuma means “wealth.”
Historically, trade beads carried tremendous significance throughout Africa and were often associated with status, exchange, adornment, and cultural identity.
For me, CHUMA has always represented something beyond monetary value.
The wealth of craftsmanship. The wealth of story. The wealth found in materials shaped slowly and intentionally by hand.
CHUMA SERIES I carries that spirit forward.
Watch the Video
Watch the full story behind CHUMA SERIES I here:
Shop CHUMA SERIES I
Only 10 bracelets will be made.
Website: https://lisacantalupo.com/products/chuma-series-i-limited-edition-leather-bracelet-w-philippine-brown-horn-beads
Etsy: https://sexyskinsleather.etsy.com/listing/4498519629/limited-edition-leather-bracelet-w-rare
Lisa Maria Cantalupo
Where leather meets lineage.
