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(music by Allison Sattinger)
Allison Sattinger, aka Sunny Rising Leather, has had the nickname “Sunny” ever since she was a kid. When you watch this video, you’ll quickly know why: Allison just glows with warmth and goodness. She learned to tool leather in 2004, and her first pair of cuffs read “Let me be (L) that light (R)”…”Let me be that light”.
Allison still strives to be that light with everything she does, from crafting her beautiful leather goods, to singing with her angelic voice, to silversmithing jewelry, to being an inspiration for artisans wishing to quit their day jobs. Allison takes the old tradition of leather tooling and makes it her own with her signature koi fish necklaces and her custom made leather bags.
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98 comments
Sign in to add your ownkatiearms says:
such lovely video of such a charming girl!
3 years ago
beeczarcardsandgifts says:
BEYOND inspiring!! I adore your work Sunny(Allison) and your beautiful energy. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent and spirit with us all. We are all so lucky and richer for it as a result. xoxoxo
3 years ago
katrinakaye says:
How adorable. The girl AND the designs. :) Leather looks amazing to work with! Have to try it one day... Thanks for sharing the enthusiasm.
3 years ago
MewPaperArts says:
That was maybe...no it WAS definitely...the best thing ever!
3 years ago
mermaidclaire says:
Oh my goodness, when she hugs the hide it's the cutest thing I've seen all year. The peacock feathers are to die for!!!
3 years ago
gemmafactrix says:
cutest. ever.
3 years ago
objecked says:
I love what she says about the masters of leather tooling sharing their techniques in order to pass on the craft. Her leather work is so beautiful, and her music ain't half bad either!
3 years ago
sonyarasi says:
Awesome video! I love your blog. What an inspiration to take a leather tooling class. Just in time to ask for Christmas.Thank you!
3 years ago
thenoisyplume says:
WELL! That's JUST how you are Allison! Sweet sweet sunshine! Loved this little documentary! With all my heart, J
3 years ago
papermenagerie says:
I LOVE Allison/Sunny! She is so talented and so supportive of others in the Etsy community. And her first CD is fantastic, I cannot wait to get her second one. Best video seg yet.
3 years ago
PearsonMaron says:
She's the only person I've seen that can make a Madonna song seem thoughtful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVOo2s4qQl8
3 years ago
BeadsInTheBelfry says:
well of course Allison is sunny! Yay!
3 years ago
DewberryVintage says:
That was WONDERFUL!
3 years ago
taddyporter says:
A beautiful angel on earth this woman is. multi-talented and a joy to watch, her fabulous energy is infectious!
3 years ago
sseloske says:
Sunny: You are talented and vibrant and I'm not afraid to tell you that I have a total girl crush on you and your craft.
3 years ago
pheeadornments says:
What a great feature :) Yay for leathercrafters!
3 years ago
sunnyrisingmetal says:
You have all been so kind - thank you thank you - Tara is amazing and this whole experience has been out of this world.
3 years ago
jmichelle says:
What beautiful pieces of art!
3 years ago
crankbunny says:
she is so wonderful - i'm so happy to see this video!
3 years ago
weirdwolf says:
I am a huge fan of Allisunny!! At the end of our wonderful shoot she taught me a thing or two about tooling and even set me up with a little starter kit!
3 years ago
jessicajane says:
best portrait ever. I cannot, I repeat, CANNOT, wait to move down to Oceanside, and meet you! I loved this portrait, and i loved seeing my little tree stump utensil holder on your desk! :) You do beautiful beautiful work Allison.
3 years ago
magnoliastreet says:
My dear friend, you are a radiant miracle. So lovely to see you featured here -- my best, heartfelt wishes for your continued success!
3 years ago
MissLissOriginals says:
WOW doesn't begin to say it! This girl has it ALL. Beautiful, sweet girl, absolutely stunning leather works!! Not to mention that she also works with metal and sings SOOOOO beautifully! Unbelievable!
3 years ago
hazelnutcottage says:
:) oh, hello sunny, or is it, allisunny? you and your video are beeeauuuteeeful! thank you for sharing yourself with this etsy community! sigh...i am inspired... :) jan
3 years ago
TheSingingBird says:
your work and your music, sooo beautiful!
3 years ago
WingsDove says:
What a lovely and talented young artist! Your work is beautiful, Sunny.
3 years ago
kmwatkins says:
That was such a great video!
3 years ago
evesimone says:
Mmmmm, love me some Sunny...great find. Love it.
3 years ago
theaxx says:
Delicious voice too, I'm in NEED of this cd.
3 years ago
flurrsprite says:
awwww what a great video!! it's kind of funny, i was going to the starbucks next to that tandy leather store and ran inside because i was so excited that there was an actual tandy store near where i had just moved! almost left with five million things before i decided that i should probably figure out whether or not i actually want to really try tooling leather or not ;) but yay for sunny!
3 years ago
Sinta says:
Nice feature ^_^
3 years ago
BluCille says:
Neat magnets.
3 years ago
LushPunk says:
WOW - fantastic video. I absolutely loved seeing how you create your pieces! So much time goes into each one. I also love the bit where she hugs the hide! :D
3 years ago
bamboobaby says:
Adorable! And great shop.
3 years ago
EttiandOttisOddments says:
That was so great! Beautiful video, beautiful art! Thanks for sharing :)
3 years ago
wildstrawberry says:
Lovely! Amazing work.
3 years ago
BlackStar says:
and that's what it's all about!
3 years ago
scrapbookcompleted says:
You have an energy about you that is contagious! You deserve all the success in the world. Keep going with your passion and share it with everyone!
3 years ago
littlealouette says:
I love these features so much. gorgeous.
3 years ago
FlanneryCrane says:
I love leather items and these are gorgeous! I enjoyed your story and wish you much continued success! Keep Smiling!
3 years ago
vozclothingandart says:
So amazing and inspiring! Thanks so much for sharing.
3 years ago
thePhotoZoo says:
FANTASTIC video... i LOVE to see and hear artists who are SO passionate about their art/craft. it is contagious!! thank you for sharing this. it made my morning.
3 years ago
leatherprince says:
Very nice work!!! Thank you for sharing this wonderful artist!!
3 years ago
MissCrowland says:
I wish I had your peaceful spirit.
3 years ago
TheBritishEccentric says:
Now I can see the where the amazingly stunning designs come from!! Sunny made me a leather Bee necklace with a gorgeous tuquoise stone, it really is a work of art and you can see the love that went into it! Her style is so unique, and she is such a lovely lovely person, it was great to see her in the flesh!!
3 years ago
RADCOW says:
AHHHHHHHhHHHHhhhhh LisssUnnnnnnyyyyyyyy! I love you! I grinned like a fool the entire time watching this! Im so happy with/for you! and I totally got the whole hide excitement bit. yay!
3 years ago
sewlutionsbyamo says:
I enjoyed this interview very much, what a wonderful story.
3 years ago
sunnyrising says:
You are all so lovely!! Thank you :)
3 years ago
LeatherFromtheAbyss says:
very nice! awesome interview showcasing a talented artist. ~Mike
3 years ago
christinececelia says:
beautiful- I really do love this stuff!
3 years ago
worksandfinds says:
Oh, how beautiful and friendly. Very talented artist.
3 years ago
vivikas says:
Oh! I come here just to get inspired by those wonderful artists, sunny quit her day job, what can I say... hm... AWESOME! Beautiful shop, talented girl!
3 years ago
thepuddlepeople says:
Sunny, I love how your face lights up when you talk about your art. People tell me the same thing happens when I am describing my work...now I know exactly what they mean! Wishing you rays of sunshine to brighten all of your days!
3 years ago
crzyskiier says:
Hey if you guys are interested in eco friendly clothing you should check out earthbitch.etsy.com. She makes really cool jackets out of recycled and repurposed materials and natural fiber wedding gowns. She also donates 5% of her profits to the Natural Resource Defense Council. It is really unique stuff so check her out!!!
3 years ago
missbatch says:
It's so nice to meet the people behind the amazing items!
3 years ago
Suzan says:
Hi Their! Loved your video. I too have been to Tandy many times as leather excites me too! I use it in designs here and their,but still in the early stages of designing with it. Watching you hug the leather roll in the shop made me laugh! Paydirt indeed. Your jewelry designs are very inspiring,well made (even though I don't have one) I can tell by the pictures and now seeing your video. Ya gotta love etsy!! ..I just found you and will be back to see what your up too. Be safe..Be happy, Sincerely, Suzz ;)
3 years ago
TrilbyMade says:
great portrait piece. thank you for sharing your craft! Can't wait to see what happens to that fresh role of leather..
3 years ago
vwendy says:
This is a great video, I love the art she created and shared this on my blog:D
3 years ago
topsyturvydesign says:
*LOVE* What a wonderful wonderful video & subject!!! Sunny's work makes me swoon & I can see the love in each fantastical piece. One day I will delight in wearing one of her koi around my neck... or should a get a peacock cuff - I dunno!
3 years ago
KDemARTe says:
Thank-you for sharing your craft. Awesome video! Wishing you much continued luck doing what you love!
3 years ago
cthings says:
Wonderful video!! Congrats on your beautiful work Sunny!!
3 years ago
jodieflowers says:
beautiful work! Awesome viedo!
3 years ago
mykonos says:
oh, great list!!
3 years ago
DirtyRottenPaper says:
How fantastic!!! Much success to you!
3 years ago
HelloBirdie says:
you've made my heart happy. What a doll!
3 years ago
kalliART says:
aw, that was a nice video. I've never been that interested in leather tooling, but I can see why you enjoy it so much. The koi are beautiful!
3 years ago
saraaires says:
Wow! Nice to meet you Sunny! Your work is stunning! I love the relaxed way of the video, passionate feel of the artist and the showing of the process too. Thank you for sharing!
3 years ago
millcreekcottages says:
This is a nice peek into the leather tooling world. Thanks for sharing.
3 years ago
ravenwren says:
Hey, we go to that Tandy all the time! Haha. I'm from L.A. and my husband is a holster maker. You've definitely inspired me to try something new, but for now, I'll just go pick out some great things from your shop. Haha.
3 years ago
lillah says:
Thanks for sharing! Such great inspiration. I love your work. Hugs Lilla
3 years ago
SeptemberHouse says:
This was great! I'm looking at leather a whole new way now. :)
3 years ago
apinkmilk says:
I'm wondering if I was meant to watch that today, as bizarrely I had printed a couple of success stories off Storque, and was reading yours laying in bed this morning, and then came down turned on the computer and there you were on video. I've been feeling a bit pressured and a bit negative, thinking things aren't going to work, etc etc. And then I have a double dose of 'sun'. Thanks so much, it was almost like a random act of kindness. All the best with your dreams. Justine xx
3 years ago
RemnantsJewelry says:
Allison is so genuine. She truly is an inspiration to me. This is the first time I have ventured into this side of Etsy. I learn more about what a phenomenon this site is daily and I am so excited to be a part of it. It is like the comment that Allison made about sharing... what would life be without it? Thank you to all. samantha~
3 years ago
decoratethediva says:
She is amazing!!! What an inspiration!!! Thank you Allison!!!
3 years ago
yaffa says:
Awwww!!!! Oooooo!!!! It is amazing what you are doing!I love it! Just bless your heart, girl!Use, develop your gift, let people enjoy and admire this talent you use so fruitfully!The heart melting video...
3 years ago
lisahopkins says:
Wow--so beautiful and inspiring. Congratulations, Sunny. These seller video portraits are my new favorite feature. I feel energized after learning about such amazing, creative people and their work.
3 years ago
TrishaBrinkDesign says:
I am in love with this feature! Thank-you Sunny Allison!!! What an inspiration it was to watch you give others credit for sharing...when you were guilty of sharing yourself with us. Thanks for being so real. Thanks for being generous. You do beautiful work; may the sky be your rising limit!!!
3 years ago
grassrootsartworks says:
Fabulous story/video, beautiful work!
3 years ago
originalfancygirl says:
Incredible video and very inspiring! Thank you for sharing!
3 years ago
shabbyvintagemom says:
So inspiring! Loved the her story, Thanks for sharing the video.
3 years ago
kauaikwilts says:
Beautiful work and personality.
3 years ago
sunnyrising says:
I am just so honored and blown away by all the kind comments and sentiment here. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!! If I was in front of you I'd surely hug you :)
3 years ago
Jenarter says:
This video is amazing! Sunny, you are a gift!
3 years ago
FoglerGlassStudio says:
Thank you so much for sharing your passion. I truly enjoyed the video... and you were so adorable the leather shop!!! :)
3 years ago
luckylife says:
What an absolute doll! So "sunny" for sure! I love her and am off to see her shop! xo Melissa
3 years ago
SpiritedWoodland says:
Completely enjoyed this video... definitely made me smile! :)
3 years ago
yokojewelry says:
I'm very very impressed! She is a natural born artist and I love her way to toward to design and passion of leather art.Thank you so much.
3 years ago
SouthwestFlower says:
I feel so lucky to have this forum to see artists from everywhere sharing there delightful products. Sunny is a truly blessed artist.
3 years ago
simpledream2 says:
Enjoyable video, beautiful work...I'm impressed with all the work that goes into leather tooling. A REAL art form.
3 years ago
savoystudio says:
loved the video...very inspiring!
3 years ago
Nikifashion says:
Sunny, you are very talented!
3 years ago
esmeraldadesigns says:
Yay, way to go Alison!! Absolutely fantastic:)
3 years ago
SWANclothing says:
love this and love your work Sunny :)
3 years ago
kickrocks says:
Thank you for this. I really love your work.
3 years ago
weefaerie says:
i just found this video! it's so awesome to see you work!!
2 years ago
VintiqueLa says:
rise sunny rise :) love your stuff.
2 years ago