Planet Craft specialises in the import & supply of Brazilian leather beanbags, leather pouffes, leather footstools, leather cushions, hammocks, cow hides, cow hide rugs, Mexican rugs, Egyptian Cushions & Bedcovers and other craft items of character, quality and individuality. We offer an alternative to mass-produced, throw-away and branded goods. We celebrate the diversity, character and quality that each artisan has given to everything we sell. We aim to provide the most comprehensive site of its kind backed up by its friendliest service.
Even if you don't buy from us, here's a few pointers. Making a beanbag isn't rocket science but it's surprising how many beanbags just aren't that good. Look out for:
Quality Material.
Leather beanbags are more expensive than fabric or faux-leather but leather provides the ultimate beanbag material since it ages so well, resists dirt well, feels good and can be very individual. There are many different types of leather but the most suitable leathers for beanbags are both strong & supple. Cow & buffalo hide are good for this purpose.
We offer two leathers.
1. Our "Buffalo" hide beanbags are made from quality, aniline leather. This is the whole hide thickness (not split for leather & suede and it is less “processed”). Less processed means it has more individuality from the original hide such as stretch marks and unique grain. This leather has a very luxurious feel. It is GORGEOUS and everyone loves these beanbags once they've seen, felt or sat in one. The leather breathes better and so doesn't get 'sticky'. This leather in light colours, like tan & pink, can be a little harder to care for since it can absorb particularly fatty or oily "spills”.Our leather really is the 'cream of the crop' - our supplier reserves the best for us and it's limited in supply. Check out Wiki! CLICK HERE
2. The "Regular" hide is cow hide tanned to have a much more uniform look, is a little thinner and is very easy to care for (needs practically no care at all). We say "regular" but it is very good quality leather; perfect for beanbags. Our regular leather is what you'll find on most other websites or in shops offering leather beanbags. These beanbags are made to the same top standards since they are made by our prefered supplier.
All our beanbag leather is dyed right through doesn't have a leather surface on a fabric backing like much cheap leather furniture. If you scratch the beanbags you won't reveal another colour or fabric - just the same leather and colour.
Regular Leather & Buffalo Leather
For more detail, please use websites that provide excellent online information about leather tanning, types, care and glossaries:
Good beanbag design should combine style and comfort.
By "style" we mean the beanbags should look good when they are being used and when they are not being used and should complement your home furnishing. (Our round beanbags have “segments’ which you will notice sometimes are made of smaller pieces. This is done for styling but mainly to keep the cost down. If each segment was without the extra panel or two then a lot of leather has to be wasted since there’s a limit to how many whole segments you can get out of each whole hide.)
Comfort comes from the size & shape of the beanbag parts. A beanbag should provide both support and sink-in comfort if it has a good design. That's the beauty of good beanbags. To achieve this the beanbag needs a base and sides that hold firm whilst the top should have “spare” space into which you can sink. This way small beanbags can be surprisingly comfy. They just need to be “high” ie: the height from base to the top should be at least the same as the base diameter – if not more. Our beanbags all have longer segment lengths than diameter base. These pictures show this idea in practice:
Craftmanship
Basically the beanbag needs to have been well stitched together so it doesn't fall apart! The stitching (as well as leather strength) supports all pressure within the beanbag. Double machined stitching is the way forward here. Also a good strong base is good too since this is on the floor. A zip for filling/refilling should be big enough to allow the filling to be taken out.
Our beanbags are all made of strong leather that have double machine stitching and have durable leather bases with large enclosed zip openings. These pictures show segments, double stitching & leather base.
Filling
Filling is generally standard but a little foam (shred or crumb) can provide a little protection to the beans and means that refilling is less frequent saving hassle and money. We can supply shred foam if your beanbag is feeling a little 'flat'.
Liners
Liners can constrict the movement of beans in the bag. Liners allow for the beanbag to be emptied to clean but this is not necessary with leather beanbags. Liners are usually made from a light fire-retardent “interliner” type material. We supply liners as an option (click here).
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