Handwoven Leather Accessories Made in Scotland

Aim

Support sustainable, local manufacturing and help me to produce my handwoven leather accessories entirely within the UK from start to finish

I am a textile designer and maker based in the Scottish Highlands and have spent the last three years working towards a capsule collection of handwoven leather accessories. A lot of thought and effort has gone into each of my bags. They take around 15 hours to make and use carefully sourced materials, meaning they have less of an environmental impact and are made to last. With your help I can produce my collection entirely within the UK - pre-ordering today makes my dream become a reality.

Materials (really) Matter.

Both the cotton and vegetable tanned leather I use are sourced from family run companies. The cotton is woven on 100 year old looms which are the last of their kind in the world. Even older is the natural process of vegetable tanning leather which can be traced back to 5000BC. These are truly time honoured materials.

The leather is made by an organic method which relies on natural tannins found in plants, bark, leaves, berries and fruits. As it is not chemically treated or coated the patina will change and deepen over time, gaining a rich quality over the years, rewarding you for your continued use. Any marks or scratches will eventually become part of the patina, softening and creating a bag that is entirely unique to you. It is the mark of quality when a material not only lasts a lifetime but gets better within it too. 

Making, Not Manufacturing.

I am passionate about making sustainably and valuing where and how our products are made. Pre-ordering your bag will allow me to make the entire collection from start to finish within the UK, leaving the lowest carbon footprint I can and supporting the best makers and shakers along the way. 

The huge majority of our garments and accessories are made abroad, where labour is cheaper, resulting in a disconnect between our products and the treatment of the people making them. Yet recently there has been a huge cry of outrage and support from people like you and me - who are trying to live a little better and look after our planet more. This crowdfunder invites you to support sustainable and local manufacturing, quality materials and finally, damn good design.

The Good Stuff.

Every single bag is handwoven right here in the Highlands, entirely by hand (mine, infact!). It is a slow process that cannot be quickened with the help of a machine. It requires time and patience and it is truly the most rewarding thing to see my weaves made up into my four designs. The Capsule Collection:

The Swing Case.

A wee bag designed just for the essentials - because true happiness is when we find beauty and joy in the day to day. It will house your phone and a few cards. Since I made the first one I've rarely been seen without it (yep, even up mountains). It's designed to hold most modern smartphones with the exception of oversized models (i.e iPhone Max).

The Barrel Bag.

Cylindrical in shape with a soft Italian suede pouch, perfectly sized to hold just what you need - your phone, purse, lipstick and keys - leave everything else.

The Half Moon Crossbody.

My first design. Classic, with a beautiful curve. Each one has a contrasting pop of colour inside to spark joy, and a little card slot to keep what you need at hand.

The Circular bag.

A thing of beauty, a carefully formed circle with a squared off base so it sits proudly when you put it down. Comes with two straps - one to hold her close, one to have her over your shoulder. This too has a contrast lining for a fun wee pop whenever you open her up.

Exclusive for Crowdfunder.

Take Your Time. To summarise our shared ethos signwriter extraordinaire Rachel E Millar and I have collaborated to create a limited edition of 20 signed and numbered prints designed exclusively for this launch. Printed in Scotland on heavyweight 310gsm Acid Free Paper, with a textured matte finish. A4 size.

Box Framed Weave. Because it's all about the weave. A large, slim box frame hand crafted locally by Emma Noble in limed Ash, showcasing the diamond patterned weave in a colour of your choice.

Flying Far Away?

For international shipments in the EU please add £15 to checkout. For all other inernational shipments please add £25.

Taking Time

I endeavour to have your bags ready before the estimated delivery time. However to do things right, to take the time, and to make sure they're perfect, I have over-estimated this to be on the safe side.

Helping Hands

A massive thank you to Ted at Just Trek for the brilliant video that so perfectly captured what this is all about. I am forever indebted to Emmi Keane and Calum Douglas for not only their unwavering support and belief in the last three years but also their incredible combined skill, talent and hard graft in the lead up to this campaign. They are responsible for all of the beautiful images here.

Be A Part of Something Bigger.

This crowdfunder celebrates true craftsmanship, skill, quality and the real value of making. This is the launch of my first ever collection, and I hope you will be part of this story, here from the very start, and help it become a reality.

This project successfully funded on 14th September 2020