About me
Hi, I’m Arkady, the founder of Workshop Jackal. I make leather goods ranging from impact tools like whips and floggers to custom accessories like bowties and collars. Every piece is made from vegetable-tanned leather, carefully designed, cut, dyed, and moulded by hand. I focus on creating items that are built to last with lots of personality and craftsmanship in every detail.
Early Beginnings
During the Covid pandemic, while a lot of people were baking bread as their new hobby, I went in a more expensive direction. I decided to dive into leatherwork, and my first project was making myself a <describe in one word the type of> harness. I’ve always liked giving myself a challenge, but this time I fell in love with the process and just wanted to make more.
My mind was full of designs, and I spent hours learning from YouTube videos and leather forums, absorbing as much information as I could. I made many mistakes along the way; lots of wonky cuts of leather, spilling dye all over myself, and countless finger plasters, but each one taught me something new. Even now, I don't know whether I get more satisfaction from the final product or the journey of making and developing a piece. Either way, every piece is unique and reflects my journey.
From there, my knowledge of the craft grew. Those early projects set the tone for everything I make now at Workshop Jackal, where I bring those techniques and aesthetics into my latest designs.
The First Market
What started as a personal hobby slowly shifted once people began noticing my aesthetic and the way I put pieces together. My designs were unusual and stood out more than I realised, with my leatherwork frequently became a point of interest for people. Every comment and bit of encouragement made a difference, and it stopped feeling like something I could only do for myself, pushing my work from a quiet pastime into a business venture.
I began collaborating with other creators, sharing stories and advice relating to our craft. This prompted us to organise markets for fetish enthusiasts and makers from all across Ireland and it gave me the motivation to do try doing this fulltime.
Current Venture
As things grew, I started looking beyond Dublin. I focused on improving my craft, researching and experimenting late into the night figuring out how to improve the quality of my designs or develop new ones. I learned from people who had already navigated the markets I wanted to reach and they introduced me to those who could give me a foot in the door. Bit by bit, those conversations and experiments shaped the direction where Workshop Jackal is heading now, something I could only dream about a few months ago.
Currently I’m focused on expanding Workshop Jackal’s reach and continuing to refine the quality of every piece I make. I’m also connecting with more makers, shops, and communities as I work toward getting my work featured in markets outside of Ireland. Who knows, maybe you’ll see me at a market near you soon!
Leather and Leather Care
I work exclusively with high-quality vegetable-tanned leather due to its strength and long-lasting durability. All hides are hand cut, stitched, and in some cases, I dye and finish the leather myself to achieve deeper colour, richer tone, and a unique look. Veg-tan leather ages beautifully, softening over time and developing a patina that reflects how it’s used. I finish each piece by moisturising and waxing each side to offer further protection for in-use and storage conditions.
To care for your leather piece, wipe it occasionally with a dry or slightly damp cloth to remove surface dust or sweat. When the leather begins to feel dry, apply a small amount of a good leather conditioner or oil to keep the fibres soft and flexible. If too much oil or conditioning is applied onto the leather, you can then use talcum powder to absorb oily stains from leather by applying a generous layer, letting it sit overnight to draw out the oil, and then gently brushing it of. Always allow leather to dry naturally at room temperature.
Please keep your item away from heat and moisture. Direct heat, such as radiators, heaters, hot cars, hairdryers, fireplaces, or strong sunlight, can dry out the leather, cause cracks, or fade the dye. Excess moisture or prolonged soaking can lead to warping, staining, or the growth of mildew. If the item gets wet, pat it gently with a cloth and let it air-dry slowly.
Avoid harsh chemicals, alcohol based cleaners, baby wipes, detergents, or silicone products, as these can strip oils or damage the surface finish. Store your leather item in a cool, dry place when not in use, and avoid leaving it pressed under heavy objects to prevent creasing.
With simple, regular care and protection from heat and moisture, the leather piece will stay strong, supple, and beautifully aged for many years.
Event: Birmingham Bizarre Bazaar
Venue: The Nightingale Club, Kent St. Birmingham B5 6RD
December 14th
Future Events
The Birmingham Bizarre Bazaar is a long-running monthly alternative-lifestyle and fetish market held at The Nightingale Club in Birmingham, offering a welcoming and inclusive space for newcomers and experienced kinksters alike.
Spread across multiple floors, it features traders selling leatherwork, latex, corsets, toys, accessories, art, and handmade gear, alongside social areas, bars, a café, and a relaxed garden space to meet people and explore the community. Each event includes optional performances, demonstrations, and a low-sensory “quiet hour” to ease first-timers in, creating a friendly atmosphere that blends shopping, learning, and social connection in a safe and respectful environment.