Guided by Nature, Made with Intention
ABOUT PRIMAVERA LEATHERSPrimavera Leathers is rooted in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a lifelong love of the natural world, and a commitment to creating leatherwork that honors the beauty and bounty of nature.
Founded by Evenlight Eagles in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, Primavera brings together thoughtful materials, timeless craft, and a Pro-Impact philosophy that gives back more than it takes.
Meet Evenlight Eagles
Leather artisan, nature lover, designer, and founder of Primavera Leathers.
Hi, I am Evenlight.
I hail from the tiny mountain town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, where my family goes back for generations. I love these Blue Ridge Mountains for all I’m worth!
Whether I’m gardening, jumping into a cold mountain stream, bringing in firewood for the winter, or sitting on the front porch listening to the Appalachians sing their sweet song, my favorite place to be is outside, breathing in the mountain air.
I began leatherwork right out of high school while working with my uncle, master bladesmith Daniel Winkler. It was early in his career, and he had recently been asked to make the knives carried by the main characters in The Last of the Mohicans.
My aunt, Karen Shook, began making sheaths and other leatherwork to accompany his knives. I watched their small artisan endeavor grow and took in everything I could. They became my primary mentors, and I have worked with and for them in different capacities over the years.
I graduated from nearby Appalachian State University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies focused on Third World Studies and Sustainable Development.
Native plants and wildlife go hand in hand. Their symbiotic relationship is the backbone of a healthy ecology, so alongside my passion for wildlife conservation, I am also passionate about native plants and the removal of invasive species.
When I’m not doing leatherwork or playing in a river, there’s a good chance you’ll find me gardening at home or in my community. I am an NC Master Gardener and the Horticulture Chair of the Blowing Rock Garden Club. I spend a good bit of my time working with our awesome crew of volunteers to design and maintain the long, mostly perennial—and increasingly native—garden that spans the front of our town park.
Leather has been part of my life for many years, but nature remains my greatest teacher.
INSPIRED BY NATURE, GUIDED BY PRO-IMPACTThe time we spend in nature fuels the work.
Its colors, textures, patterns, and rhythms find their way into Primavera designs. When someone feels a little tug or spark of recognition in the work, we believe it is calling to the part of them that is deeply connected to the natural world, too.
That connection is also what led to Primavera’s pro-impact philosophy.
“Pro-Impact” combines the ideas of being proactive and creating a positive impact. It reflects our commitment to making practical, thoughtful choices that move the work in a healthier direction for the planet.
This is not about being pristine, perfect, or “green enough.” It is about taking responsibility, doing what is meaningful and attainable, and building momentum toward the kind of world we want to live in.
Honoring the Beauty and Bounty of Nature
Thoughtful Materials
We seek out leathers with positive environmental or social attributes, including free-range game leathers, traditionally or lower-chemically tanned leathers, and repurposed materials.
Mindful Making
We design with the full hide in mind, beginning with larger pieces and working down through smaller accessories so that very little material goes unused. Making pieces to order unless noted otherwise is part of this approach, helping reduce unnecessary production and waste.
A portion of each Primavera product sale directly supports wildlife conservation and efforts to preserve natural habitats. We also donate work to selected organizations for fundraising and auctions, helping extend the positive impact beyond the studio.
Giving Back
Leather is a natural material, and the source and process behind it matter.
The leathers we use come from a variety of places and traditions. Each offers its own textures, tones, characteristics, and connection to the larger story.
Materials with a Story
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The deer, elk, and moose leathers we use come from game animals that were legally hunted and used for meat. Choosing these hides allows more of the animal to be used rather than discarded. It also reflects the important relationship between responsible hunting, healthy wildlife populations, habitat, and conservation.
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Traditional tanning is hard and time-consuming work. Many modern methods rely heavily on chemicals to speed up the process. Whenever possible, we seek leathers made through traditional, natural, or lower-chemical methods. Depending on the design, these may include brain-tanned, bark-tanned, vegetable-tanned, or alum-tanned leathers. The specific leather used in each design will be identified on its product page.
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Repurposed leather helps keep useful materials in circulation and out of the waste stream. Some of these leathers come from remnants left by the furniture, automotive, glove, boot, and accessories industries. Others are reclaimed, passed along by friends, or saved from larger projects. We use each material as thoughtfully and completely as we can — from lanyards and bracelets to barrettes, keychains, Adventure Bling, and the smallest details.
Conservation and Giving Back
We believe caring for nature includes supporting healthy wildlife populations and protecting the habitats they depend upon.
A portion of Primavera sales and selected donated pieces support wildlife conservation organizations, including Fly Fishers International, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Trout Unlimited.
The Zen Journal offers a place to explore the relationship between nature, hunting, fishing, conservation, materials, and responsible stewardship in greater depth.
