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.
Who says you can’t pick up your pooch’s business in style? These stylish and practical leather Poochies from talented leatherworker Jennifer Strange make remembering your bags for daily walks a breeze. They fit the standard doggy waste bags snuggly, with a neat opening for quick access.
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.