Su Nickless

Leathersmith

Having trained several years ago as a saddler/harness maker, now I enjoy using the traditional skills, tools amd materials to produce work that I have designed myself; usually handbags, breifcases, book-covers and belts.

This process takes time; starting with an initial sketch or idea; translating it to pattern form; then cutting this out, by hand, from a side or shoulder of leather using a saddlers round knife.

Often I dye the leather myself, before preparing the cut-out shape for stitching. The majority of my work being stitched entirely by hand, a quality rarely found in leatherwork these days. Finally I use waxes and edge stains to give the work a quality finish.

I aim to give my designs functional simplicity of line, sometimes using specially hand-forged iron fastenings and fittings or other unusual items, to give a striking and singular effect.

Being individually handmade, the articles I produce are, in most cases, different, and each can be considred a one-off, which will be attractive to those who appreciate individuality and a unique piece of art.