Behind the scenes in a leather workshop.

I thought I’d share behind the scenes in a leather workshop.

I feel very fortunate to be able to be able to work from home. My shepherds hut workshop is at the end of my drive. This makes it really easy for me to pop out and work at random times.My husband built the hut when he got fed up with my tools and leather cluttering the house.

For my own work I do not use a sewing machine. All my products are hand stitched using a method called saddle stitch. This involves two needles on one piece of thread. I use vegetable tanned leather that is produced slowly using a gentle process and no harsh chemicals.

As I create everything by hand I have an increasing collection of tools. There are several tools that I use on a daily basis and I couldn’t live without them. Below is a list of my essentials

• Rawhide mallet – rawhide protects the end of the tool that you are striking
• Wing dividers – these look like a compass but with two pointed ends to measure your stitch line
• Strap cutter – this is a most useful tool for cutting a strap in a chosen length
• Stitching clam – this is like having an extra pair of hands to hold the leather while you stitch
• Stitch markers – this tool imprints the stitch marks on the leather to keep your line straight
• Hole punch – easily punches holes through the leather
• Beeswax – to wax the thread, this makes it slide through the leather easily and protects the stitches.
• Hide knife – a super sharp knife for cutting the hide

There is no set pattern to my working day. So if there are orders in I will work through them first, followed by working on new products. I also take care of all the other parts of running a small business such as photography, email, marketing etc!

I also create commissions for customers and take in repairs. No two days are alike and I love it!