At ShadowedBodies, every piece we make is built to last — and so is the story it carries. Our custom text engraving service allows you to add a personal touch to your leather goods, with craftsmanship that honours both the material and the meaning behind your words.
Three Ways to Make It Yours
We offer three engraving techniques to suit different leathers, aesthetics, and intentions:
- Blind Embossing — A subtle, tactile impression pressed directly into the leather, with no colour added. Understated and timeless.
- Gold Foil Stamping — A warm, luminous finish that catches the light. Classic and striking.
- Silver Foil Stamping — A cool, refined alternative for those who prefer a more minimal metallic look.
Your Copper Die — A Keepsake in Itself
For all foil stamping work, a custom copper die is crafted specifically for your text. This die is the tool that transfers your words onto the leather with precision and permanence.
Once your order is complete, we send the copper die to you along with your piece. We believe the die itself is something worth keeping — a small, tangible record of the moment you chose these words.
If you'd like to order from us again in the future, you're welcome to leave your die with us for safekeeping. Copper dies can be reused indefinitely, so if your words remain the same, so can your die. And if you'd like something new, we'll create a fresh one for you.
The Process, Step by Step
Step 1 — Confirm Your Text
When placing your order, share the text you'd like engraved. We generally recommend 1–15 characters for the best result. Our team will advise on the most suitable technique based on your leather, and suggest layout options and font styles to complement the size and placement on your piece.
Step 2 — Review & Refine
Based on your preferences and requirements, we'll assess feasibility and offer professional recommendations where needed — ensuring the final result is exactly right before we proceed.
Step 3 — The Stamping Process
Our engraving process is carried out with care at every stage:
- Calibration — We adjust the foil stamping machine's temperature and press time precisely according to the leather's material and thickness.
- Test stamp — Before touching your piece, we test on a scrap of leather from the same batch to confirm the impression is clean, clear, and correctly toned — neither too deep nor too faint.
- Final stamp — We secure the leather, position the foil, and press evenly for 3–5 seconds. Once the foil is gently lifted away, your text is permanently set into the surface.
A Few Things to Know
- Engraving is permanent and cannot be altered once applied — please double-check your text before confirming.
- Foil stamping may naturally evolve with everyday use. Avoid scratching the engraved area to preserve it longer.
- Patent leather or specially coated surfaces may not be suitable for stamping — we'll always discuss this with you in advance.
- As a handcrafted process, very minor variations are a natural part of the work. We take great care with every detail.
All photographs shown in this article are from real ShadowedBodies orders. Past examples are for reference only — your finished piece is what matters most.