Partner Profile: Horace and Jasper / Tremendous

From Punk Rockers to lovers of high-fashion, Horace and Jasper has a broad appeal with their hearty, locally made leather goods. Starting with a debut of wallets and belts, they now make purses, razor cases, dopp kits and many more stylish yet durable products. All H&J leather goods are hand-crafted in their workshop in Ramsay, in Calgary, Alberta.

The brand known simply as “Tremendous” is the lovechild of H&J’s quality, and Jeffrey’s 2 decade old beard. They now craft oils, creams, washes and more under the label and their products are loved by many hirsute Canadians. Whether you sport a short scruff, or a proud wizard beard, Tremendous has you covered.

How in the world did Horace and Jasper come to be? And what's the secret behind the name? (Or would you have to kill me....)

After burning myself out performing in bands across Canada, I was in need of some new kind of kick. At the time I owned a commercial cleaning company and one day while cleaning up a house after someone pulled a midnight move, I found a set of basic leather working tools. I got to messing around with the tools and next thing you know, I’ve got this leather working gig. Flash forward to today, now there are four of us that make this stuff and we have plans to take it bigger with a production facility offering creative types the chance to learn the leather trade and thrive in a supportive environment.

Here’s the story behind the name. While my partner Liane and I were drinking wine and brainstorming names for the company there was a line from a song that we were listening to kinda jumped out at us. The song was Cruella by a great band called Deadsy.  This song is about Cruella DeVille from 101 Dalmations. The lyrics went something like ‘Horace and Jasper stole, So let the horror flow’. Our minds then invented this alternate reality in which Horace and Jasper, who were Cruella’s minions, got tired of her shit, quit, and started their own business.

You've got a fairly punk rock style, how does that philosophy get incorporated into your products?

Punk rock should alway be about doing things your own way, without concern for what may or may not be acceptable to established systems. Doing it with what you’ve got, and not waiting for conditions to be perfect, or waiting for permission.  Most importantly do what you’re doing in a way that benefits your community. Sure some of our gear has a punk aesthetic to it, but in relation to H&J it’s really about always doing our best with the resources we have at the time, and a commitment to being a positive influence on the people around us.

Of the goods that you make, which ones would you never be caught without?

I’ve been wearing one of our belts every day for the past 10 years. The H&J slim card wallet and belt loop key fob are also essential every day carry or EDC items. You’ll never see me without a leather cuff on my left wrist.

Your Horace & Jasper and tremendous lines have many fans, do you have anything you'd like to say to them?

Thank you for being the sort of excellent person that buys local, and/or buys from craftspeople. When you buy a product from H&J, you are directly feeding us, clothing us and paying our rent. That pretty much makes you family in my books.

Thank you for taking the time to talk with us Jeff! H&J just launched a new line of beard creams under the Tremendous line that help deal with beard itch and dryness. I highly recommend it for use during the colder months.

If you are feeling inspired by what Jeff has to say and you would like to learn more you can check out his products here: or on his website www.horaceandjasper.design

If you would like to know more about Horace and Jasper/ Tremendous, send us an email, DM on social media, or give us a call and we can answer your questions!