The name "A Thousand Rasps" comes from the Icelandic idiom þúsundþjalasmiður, or "smith of a thousand rasps," which is used to describe a jack of all trades. Though I am primarily known for leatherwork, I also do digital and traditional illustration, draw knotwork, write fiction, paint miniatures, and occasionally carve bone and horn buttons for my pouches.

Meet the Artist

Maddock Malys - it/they

Maddock is a self-taught artist from Maryland. They started working with leather in 2008 after thinking "Huh, neat. Maybe I could do that." They graduated from UMBC in 2012 with a BS in computer science, but soon realized that their career needed to focus on creative endeavors.

Please note that Maddock is faceblind and has difficulty recognizing people, even friends, so you're encouraged to reintroduce yourself and remind them where and how you met.

The Process

Because my work is hand-tooled, it means I can vary my designs slightly on the fly, resulting in subtle differences that keep them fresh and interesting.
Designs are traced onto the damp leather, then carved with a swivel knife. Small stamping tools are used to create texture and dimension. The leather is colored using custom blended antique gels, which emphasize the contrast.

Care and Feeding

​My leather is coated with a sealant that is water-resistant but not water-proof, so avoid submersion and torrential rain. For added water resistance and suppleness, they've been treated on both sides with mink oil.
Don't store your piece in direct sunlight, which can cause brighter dyes like purple, blue, and green to fade. The color of leather develops over time, as it can tan much like human skin does.
For cleaning, I use Oakwood glycerine cleaner. Spray it on and scrub in gentle circular motions with a soft-bristled brush, making sure to focus on the tooled areas where dust can accumulate. Wipe off with a paper towel. You may wish to occasionally treat them with another coat of mink oil and/or a waterproofing spray like Gardmore Rain and Stain Repellent.