My Story

Handcrafted Leather Moss Bags by Julie Simon

Julie Simon 

The Heart Behind Moss Bags Moss Bags by Julie Simon

For over 12 years, I worked as a graphic and web designer - but after countless hours behind a computer, I felt a pull to create something tangible. Something I could hold, shape, and bring to life with my hands.

That pull first showed up years earlier - late at night, inspired by Project Runway and a lot of YouTube tutorials. I grabbed my keys, found the only store still open at 10:30 PM, and bought my first sewing machine. I stayed up all night cutting fabric from old clothes, teaching myself as I went.

I didn’t know it at the time, but that night changed everything.

In 2013, Moss Bags officially began.

Built by Hand, Designed for Everyday Life

Today, Moss Bags is a true family-run business.

Alongside my husband and two boys - and surrounded by leather hides, brass hardware, and well-loved tools - Moss Bags has become a true family-run business.

My husband now cuts the leather using our hydraulic press, and I bring each piece to life by hand - setting rivets, assembling, and preparing every order. 

We use full-grain leather that softens and improves with time - meant to be worn in, not worn out.

How Moss Dogs Became Part of the Story

As the business grew, so did my desire to create more intentionally.

After years of saving leather offcuts - pieces too beautiful to waste - I started experimenting with smaller designs. What began as a simple idea quickly turned into something much more meaningful.

Moss Dogs keychains were created to honor the animals who guide, protect, and love us - while also giving back to organizations that support service and guide dogs.

These small pieces carry big meaning. And over time, they’ve become the heart of Moss Bags.

An Evolving Story

Over the years, designs have come and gone, new ideas have taken shape, and the business has grown alongside my life.

More recently, that growth has expanded beyond products - into sharing what I’ve learned along the way. Through storytelling, conversations, and sharing systems, I’ve found a new way to connect with other women building something of their own.

Because this journey isn’t just about what we create - it’s about what we build with it.

Thank You for Being Here

I’m incredibly grateful to do this work - and even more grateful for the community that supports it.

Every order, every message, every shared story… it all means more than you know.

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Find the one that reminds you of yours ♡

Handcrafted leather keepsakes made from the offcuts left behind while making our bags.
A thoughtful little gift for dog lovers with big hearts.

  • HANDCRAFTED

    Made in our Bellingham, Washington studio.

  • MADE WITH PURPOSE

    Created from our leather offcuts to give beautiful scraps a second life.

  • GIVING BACK

    A portion of profits supports service & mountain rescue dogs.

  • BUY 2, GET 1 FREE

    Mix + match any Moss Dogs + Cats. Add 3 to your cart for discount.
SHOP ALL MOSS DOGS

It started with a pile of beautiful leather scraps.

When making leather bags, there are always pieces left behind - too beautiful to throw away, but too small to become another bag.

So we started turning them into dogs + cats.

What began as a simple way to give our leather offcuts a second life became one of our most-loved collections.

Moss Dogs are made from three pieces of leather, with a little movement in the tail that gives each pup extra personality.

Small keepsake. Big heart.

Which One Looks Like Yours?

Moss Dogs come in a playful mix of leather colors and textures - pebbled, smooth, even hair-on-hides. Some feel a little doodle-like, others bring Labs and retrievers to mind, and each one has a personality all its own.

Shop Moss Dogs + Cats

Choose your favorite leather, find the one that feels like yours - or mix + match any three and get one on us. ♡

View all

  • This key ring is adorable! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    "The size is perfect and the leather is really nice quality.
    I am so happy with it!"

  • Such nice quality leather! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    "I love how the parts of the dog move separately. The color, size and shape are perfect. Highly recommend."

  • Even cuter than the photos! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    "And when I purchased it, I had no idea that some of the profits went to service dogs! My Guide Dogs of America facility dog is very grateful!"

1 3

Small Dog. Big Heart

Moss Dogs are made to tag along - clipped to your keys, handbag, tote, or wherever you could use a little reminder of your favorite four-legged friend.

They also happen to make the sweetest little gifts. Tuck one into a college care package for someone missing the pup back home, add one to a kiddo’s backpack, thank your dog sitter who always comes through, or bring one along as a tiny housewarming surprise for your favorite dog person.

A bag charm. A backpack buddy. A thoughtful little gift with a whole lot of heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Moss Dogs + Cats?

Moss Dogs & Cats are handcrafted leather keychains or bag charm inspired by the four-legged friends we love. Each one is made by hand in Bellingham, Washington and designed to be a tiny keepsake you can clip to your keys, handbag, backpack or tote.

What are Moss Dogs made from?

Moss Dogs are created from the leather offcuts left behind while making our leather bags. Using these smaller pieces helps us reduce waste in our studio, while spreading a little love.

Do you make different dog breeds?

We make Moss Dogs in a variety of leather and colors inspired by different kinds of dogs. They're not intended to be and exact breed replica - the fun is finding the one that reminds you of your favorite four-legged friend.

Do Moss Dogs support organizations?

Yes! A portion of profits from Moss Dogs supports service and mountain rescue dogs. Giving back is part of what makes this little collection so meaningful.

How does Buy 2, Get 1 Free work?

Simply add any three Moss Dogs or Cats to your cart. Mix and match your favorites, and the discount is applied automatically at checkout.