One of the things I have been thinking about it how to develop my shoe making. I am considering options, one of which is starting with slippers. In January 2018 I had the pleasure of meeting Ollie and Lucy from Ottowin footwear. They were running a course in London on making hand painted and decorated slippers. What a great idea! A little out of my comfort zone with having to produce some handiwork but this was a good challenge.

This course gave me the chance to think about where I can go next. I need soe more time to practice hand welting before starting to make for customers. I like this idea of painting and decorating the slippers. Everyone on the course had a different style. I also like the idea of making moccasins, possibly in Devon shearling. 

At craft fairs the baby moccasins I have on my stall always draw the most comments and requests for adult sizes so I am thinking about starting there. I have also used my original lasts to try a slip on option too, see picture below. So watch this space for developments.

A few years ago I spent a weekend with Katherine Pogson at Designer Courses on one of her bag making courses https://www.designercourses.com/

Katherine had a lovely brown bag that was made from one piece of leather. I was quite taken with this and used it as inspiration to create my own one piece. I have made a couple of these since then and then recently when meeting with a client was asked to make another one. This client was having receiving the bag as a present from a friend so we needed to be sure of her requirements. 

Though she loved the original red bag it is not always possible to purchase the exact same leather, so you need to consider how to achieve the same result. It is similar to ordering enough fabric in a certain shade or enough paint so there is enough in the same dye lot.

Though I was able to find a beautiful red leather I needed to extend the lining to ensure that the bag stayed upright. My client also wanted an internal pocket for her phone and magnetic clasps to hold the top together.

The side view of the bag gives a sense of the depth. Ladies, this is not a bag to carry everything. This is a bag that is useful for anyone who likes to carry the minimum - purse, keys & phone. No fuss, just a simple bag.

Last summer at Bucks Open Studios (now called Bucks Art Weeks) a lady enquired about a new pattern for purse being made from one she purchased over 40 years ago. The old purse was stunning and alas was now falling to pieces. The customer wanted to retain certain features and adapt others. What a challenge! She also wanted it in navy blue. So with a clear brief I started to research navy blue leather and lining. We then met to discuss and confirm the fabric and leather, and then you can see the results below.

Already in April - where has the year gone? I hope everyone has stayed safe and survived the snow.

This year I plan to develop the teaching side of my leather and textile work. I am lucky to be able to teach at Queens Park Arts Centre, a local cultural hub. I teach leather work on the 'Sunday Specials'. There is a lot going on there and well worth a look http://www.qpc.org/

Here are a couple of photos from the belt and purse making workshops. The belts are made to fit the person and not a standard size. Student can either leave them plain, or stamp and decorate the leather which is a good to personalise your project. I have created a series of patterns for the purses which students can use or adapt, or design their own. The results speak for themselves.

I have also been teaching around the kitchen table, working with people in their own homes and delivering bespoke tuition. There is a lot of equipment to consider when doing this, so preparation is key. The photo below illustrates this.

Bespoke tuition also makes a great gift option.............................................