Emma trained as a Saddler initially in the late 1980s then further diversified
her range of leathergoods in the following years. Having been involved with
the showing and training of horses and dogs for most of her life, she has
drawn on her knowledge to modify traditional saddlers designs to create
a wide range of bespoke items for people, horses, dogs, cattle, sheep, and
even cars.
Every item is individually handmade from start to finish and here's how
it's done:-
First the hide is cut using a plough gauge and head knife , the strips
of leather are then cut to length and marked for punching. - A mallet and steel punches are used to punch out the holes, slots for buckles and shape the tips.
- All edges of the pieces are bevelled using an edge shave before staining, sealing and burnishing to give a sleek finish.
- A creasing iron is then heated and used to mark the surface edges with a fine line to enhance the appearance.
- Next a pricking iron is used to mark the surface of the leather ready for stitching.
- Finally, the pieces are assembled and buckles and fittings stitched in place using a strong double handstitch, using 2 needles, strong rot proof thread and a sharp awl to pierce the leather, which is held in the jaws of a "saddlers' clams".
- Just a final polish, and the item is complete.
- Go to the Products page to see the full selection of Leathergoods.
Customers are welcome to visit Emma’s workshop by appointment only. All of her leathergoods are available by secure online ordering from this site, by telephone or direct from her exhibition stand at one of the shows that she will be attending during the year. If you prefer to order by 'snail-mail', please download the printable order form from the Contact Me page.
Please go to the News & Show dates page for more details.
