About Mayhew Heirlooms
Sam has always been a creative mind, but over the years, that creativity found its way into craftsmanship. Woodworking was his primary medium after art school, but during a long recovery from hip surgery, he discovered a new passion: working with leather. He spends his days as a woodworker at St John's Abbey, often putting in eight hours at the bench before coming home to spend another six in his own shop.
What started as SZNS- a passion project and unofficial business- has grown into Mayhew Heirlooms, a collection of handmade pieces built with intention, character, and a belief that good things should be made to last.
From gifts for loved ones and custom commissions to home decor, renovations, and one-of-a-kind projects, Sam brings the same hands-on approach to everything he creates. He isn't interested in chasing trends. He's interested in traditional craftsmanship, classic design, and creating pieces that can outlive the person who made them.
About the Creator
Sam has always been the kind of person who can start with nothing more than an idea and refuse to let it go until he sees it through.
He can lie in bed thinking through the mechanics of a project, sift through online forums and workshop videos, and observe technical components of how things are made and operating around him. He spends his time sketching, thinking through, learning, and trialing different outcomes until bam- he's done it again!
Often, the ideas don't come from nowhere. He notices the things the people he loves most take a liking to- a certain purse style, a need for functionality, preferred colors, or an item they may have use for in the future. He stores those little details away, and they eventually find their way into something he creates.
His desire to learn and craft comes from an internal drive to see the process through. He's dedicated to the longevity of it, not just the finished product. He isn't one to stop when something doesn't work the first time. He will keep learning, adjusting, and trying until the idea in his mind becomes something tangible in his gifted hands.
Made With Purpose
We believe in sustainability, being environmentally conscious, and making things with purpose. Every Mayhew Heirloom is made in Minnesota using quality materials and pure ingredients whenever possible. We reuse wood and leather scraps in our packaging, give recycled boxes another life, and look for ways to reduce waste in the shop by repurposing items for continued use.
At the heart of Mayhew Heirlooms is a belief in pushing back against the throwaway culture of mass production. We believe the things you live with should have a story, serve a purpose, and be made well enough to last.
In a world increasingly filled with AI, algorithms, and endless internet noise, get your hands on something real. Something made by a person. Something purposeful. Something you can use, wear, admire, live with, and eventually pass down.
Now Sam and his wife are taking Mayhew Heirlooms beyond the workshop- traveling, showcasing his work, connecting with people who appreciate the time, skill, and story behind something handmade.
A Note On All Orders
Explore our staple pieces, take a look at some of Sam's past projects, and if you have an idea of your own, don't hesitate to make a custom request.
Each piece is made by hand, so good work takes time. Most custom orders will take 4-8 weeks to create and ship, though main items may already be in stock and available to ship sooner. We will keep you updated throughout the process, and shipping and handling is always on us!
Come Find Us
Follow along on TikTok at Mayhew Heirlooms and keep an eye out for us at vendor shows and markets across the country. We're excited to take Mayhew Heirlooms on the road and will keep you posted on where you may see us next!
Don't forget to check out our merch!