Rebecca Lloyd is a seasoned creative who has honed her skills over many years across a range of industries, including nearly two decades as a sculptor and a prop maker in film and television. With her partner and two pooches by her side, she said goodbye to the big city and relocated to Mangawhai, Northland, to pursue her dream of hand crafting high quality leather goods that exude beauty and functionality.
Talented Auckland leatherworker and embroidery designer Jennifer Strange says her travels have inspired and helped her learn from the very best. She says she feels truly blessed to have acquired her skills, and to be able to share them. Her acorn logo represents new growth, with the resulting tree becoming strong and dependable – values she connect with. Her experience has shown her that the art of creation is rewarding and teaches valuable life skills – and can be a great de-stressor too!
A lover of the ocean, Rowena Shirtcliff of Sonder & Wilde lived on the sea for three years and visited many remote islands while working as a chef on private yachts in the Mediterranean, Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific. It was here she grew her appreciation for traditional methods of making textiles, food, and products. Recently Rowena spent time at the Scuola del Cuoio (School of Leather) in Florence, Italy, where she worked alongside an artisan leather worker and learned incredibly valuable skills in construction and finishing. Sonder & Wilde comes from that love of creating and the need for honest, quality New Zealand leather goods.
Qi Huang of Coast Craft started teaching herself the art of making beautiful, durable wallets and cardholders in 2018, working at her kitchen table in Franz Josef. Her leather goods are built with care to be accessible, functional, and long-lasting essentials that age gracefully and uniquely to every owner. These days she does have a dedicated workspace, which she describes as “my spaceship in the universe.”
Nelson-based Pieter Wessels of Hendrik’s Leather is a self-taught leather craftsman who makes high quality leather wallets and card holders that are hand cut and hand stitched using the traditional saddle stitch method. His classic and durable designs are made to last for years to come.
Heads up! These stylish leather cardholders with antique brass stud closures from Missus Mac are still available in Mahogany and Slate, so get yours while you can!
New from Jennifer Strange, these sleek 100% genuine leather journal covers are fantastic gifts to spoil yourself or somebody special with.
This one of a kind wallet from The Cabin Supply Co is the perfect gift for your favourite adventurer…
Max Jones of Honey Bird Leathercraft has a way with words as well as leather: “Perhaps every man comes to a point in his life when he looks around at what he has created for himself and is thus afforded an opportunity to really consider … Read more »
We are constantly in awe of Auckland artisan Louise of Bibliographica – she makes the most beautiful books with attention to every tiny detail, from the intricate hand stitches and embossing to the vintage embellishments and tea-stained pages.