About

Jesse Connor

“I’ve always had an affinity for structure, for old things,” says Connor. I’m a real lucky and blessed person, I’m doing what I’m supposed to do, what I’m born to do. I found this town where everything has history. To find out the
history of each individual building fascinates me.”

History

Jesse Connor started out in 1969 in his youth with a burning passion for artistry and a dream to own his own property and build his own home by the time he was 30. In Nevada City he opened a leather shop in 1971, stocked with only his original designs and restored leather trunks. In 1976 he sold the shop and entered into construction for 40 years which led to him completing a wide variety of projects that reflect his talent and vision.

Inspiration

His inspiration comes from the world around him. He loves to use natural materials in his craft, to repurpose unused items and enjoys making old things new and beautiful.

Current Times

As Jesse has done many home restoration projects, led whole home constructions, Jesse is now more focused on his artistry, working with his hands on custom projects, and construction consulting..

Artisan and Craftsman

The Secret of His Success

Jesse is a skilled craftsman with a passion for creating unique and functional pieces. He specializes in building custom birdhouses and feeders, restoring antique trunks to their former glory, tying intricate saltwater flies, and crafting bespoke leatherwork with attention to detail.

What Jesse Creates


Jesse Connor is a versatile artisan known for creating timeless and functional pieces across a variety of crafts. His leatherwork includes handcrafted belts, wallets, and key fobs, blending durability with unique designs. In antique trunk restoration, Jesse revitalizes historical trunks, preserving their character while enhancing their beauty and functionality. His birdhouses and feeders, made from reclaimed first-growth redwood and slate, are built to endure for decades, offering both practicality and charm to outdoor spaces. Additionally, Jesse designs custom saltwater flies, hand-tied with precision to meet the needs of anglers, combining durability and artistry for the perfect fishing tool.

Leatherwork

Jesse’s journey into leatherwork began in the 1960s, an era that saw him opening leather shops in Pasadena and Nevada City, California. His leather creations, including custom key fobs, belts, and wallets, were entirely handcrafted, making each piece distinct and durable.

What set Jesse’s leatherwork apart was his commitment to blending function with style. Every stitch, cut, and design element reflected his dedication to producing items that would last for decades. Though these projects belong to his past, their legacy endures as a testament to his mastery of the craft.

View Leaherwork

Antique Trunk Restoration

In 1969, Jesse embarked on his first antique trunk restoration—a journey that would lead him to restore over 100 trunks throughout his career. His restoration process was meticulous, preserving the character and history of each piece while revitalizing its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Jesse’s ability to share the transformation through before-and-after photographs highlighted his skill in breathing new life into these historical artifacts. His restored trunks, once vibrant storage solutions, now serve as cherished heirlooms and decorative treasures in homes across the country.

View Antique Trunks

Birdhouses and Feeders

One of Jesse’s more unique ventures involved crafting birdhouses and feeders from reclaimed first-growth redwood and slate. Each birdhouse was designed to last a century, reflecting Jesse’s commitment to durability and sustainability.

These creations were not just functional shelters for birds; they were works of art that enhanced outdoor spaces. Jesse’s patterns and designs were uniquely his, ensuring that each birdhouse or feeder brought a touch of individuality and charm to gardens and backyards.

View Birdhouses and Feeders

A Few of Jesse’s Products

Welcome to Jesse’s store, where you can find a variety of wonderful items that he has created and has for sale. From customizable pieces to restored treasures and unique practice items, you’re sure to find something that will last for many years to come. Thank you visiting!