Pride and Joy

Sometimes I get photographs and the layout and artwork is left to me. I do the drawings and once they are agreed, I set to work on the leather. If you like, I can send you interim photographs of the various stages. For me, the surprise element is one of the best parts. I really enjoy the challenge of working with someone’s vision and ideas.

I loved this old David Brown tractor and secretly, I’ve always wanted a Willys Jeep, so this commission was a real pleasure to make. Both vehicles just oozed character and I got a real buzz from every step of the process.

A Wedding Guest Book

Of course, you could also submit your own artwork. It will never be reproduced unless you request it, meaning that it will remain unique to you. Here I was asked to reproduce the theme of a wedding (I do have the owner’s permission to show their design).

The groom-to-be sent me a copy of their drawings and I reproduced their image in a leather carving. It’s important to keep the colours as true to the original as possible and the painting was really fun to do. I thoroughly enjoyed making this beautiful wedding guest book.

Koi Carp

A passionate hobby or interest can make an interesting image for a note book or treasure box. And this is a great idea for a special gift.

The subject for the cover of this A4 desk diary was chosen by my client and she entrusted the drawing and layout completely to my imagination. Once I had played around with ideas, I sent her a selection and this was the layout she liked best.

As with all my custom work, I believe that good communication is the best way to achieve great outcomes.

Pouches and Bags

Wrist Wear

Guitar Straps

A whole range of bags and pouches is available from Old Barn Leather. They make ideal gifts for ramblers and dog walkers, cyclists and horse riders, festival goers and busy parents who need both hands free all the time.

Though I work mostly with tooling leather, I also use other types of leather to make bags which require a softer, more flexible character. Here you can see the contrast between the veg-tanned, carved stop-watch case, the soft leather of the sporran and the suede of the fringed hip bag.

Wrist bands and gauntlets (or bracers) can be made to order. All you need to supply is a description of what you would like on it and an accurate measurement of the wrist that will wear it.

The wrist bands shown here have been lined and embellished with stitching, lace and semi-precious stone beads. These examples come from my stock but will hopefully give you an idea of what can be done.

Straps for musical instruments need to be strong and yet flexible. And it also helps if the material used ‘learns’ the shape of its wearer. Leather is ideal for this. Guitar straps can be lined or unlined and your own design will make it unique to you too.

Apart from good music, a tattoo also united a group of band mates. And when it came time to look for a special birthday gift, a bespoke guitar strap from Old Barn Leather seemed just the thing.