normalBehaviour

normal Behaviour is a one-woman studio. I do all the design, production, customer service, bookkeeping, marketing, etc., here in Oakland, California.

My name is Heather Van Winckle, and I’m a visual artist and sculptor with a love for making things with my hands and problem solving. When I’m not working, I’m working on DIY projects around my house, petting my dog, or running up a moderate hill. I’m from Canada originally, and yes, we are nice people.

Stain prevention is key with semi-aniline leather, and is much easier than removing them after the fact. Use a leather conditioning cream to protect the surface every 3 months, particularly with lighter colored hides. To clean treated leather, do a spot test with aniline leather cleaner before using as described, or take to a professional. Minor spots may be able to be patted out by creating a foam of the leather cleaner, and dabbing stain with a small amount of the foam to barely moisten the surface.

Our hides are sourced from ethical and eco-conscious tanneries, that follow ecological practices of recycling, water recycling, and frequent testing against harmful chemicals in accordance with REACH standards. With the exception of our vegetable-tanned leather which is raised in the US, our hides are from Argentina.

There is no such thing as normal, despite the fact that we are constantly judging ourselves and others in relation to it. I'm obsessed with how we collectively define, and constantly redefine, normalcy in our culture. It’s in constant flux, even though the nature of its definition is tied up with consistency, and it is with this in mind that ‘normal Behaviour’ was created.

It is both that itchy feeling that you’re going to be found out, and the confidence that maybe you’re passing and no one knows your secret. The naming of my business is both tongue-in-cheek and acutely sincere. We don’t want to define your style, or follow a trend, so instead we design products to be ubiquitous enough to cross styles and switch between codes. We’re normal so you don’t have to be.

When your items are headed out, you will receive tracking information, so if you haven’t yet, please sit tight. Typically, I’ll have your items out to you within 5 days of purchase, since they’re made to order. Occasionally I will have limited stock on hand and can send earlier. Please let me know if you have concerns and I will try to accommodate.

Most likely, I’d be delighted! Write me at heather@normalbehaviour.com so I can send you the best resolution of images and answer any questions you might have.

Indeed I do wholesale. Please write me at heather@normalbehaviour.com so we can further discuss. I’ll send you my linesheet with pricing and minimums, and we’ll make sure we’re a good fit to work together.

The short answer is yes I do custom work, but to a point.

I’m hoping if you’re reaching out to work with me, it’s because you like the stuff I already make, and are looking for something in the same realm. What I can’t do is custom colors, or different materials because the pricing just wouldn’t work for me or for you, since in many cases I’d have to buy an entire hide, to use only a small portion of it, or buy specialty hardware at retail prices. Please note, custom work takes time, and can sometimes cost more than twice what a bag of similar size might go for. Labor is ALWAYS the biggest cost, not materials. If this all sounds good, write me at heather@normalbehaviour.com and let’s chat.