Leathers
I take great care to source exceptional high quality leather. My main supplier is the Metropolitan Leather Company which is one of the oldest suppliers of quality leather in the UK. They are one of the few which still finish leather by hand using traditional methods passed down through generations of skilled craftsmen.
The leather is carefully chosen for quality, colour and texture. As leather is a natural product every hide is unique.
Sometimes the skin has natural occurring marks, these are not faults but are part of the beauty and character of the leather.
The leather is carefully chosen for quality, colour and texture. As leather is a natural product every hide is unique.
Sometimes the skin has natural occurring marks, these are not faults but are part of the beauty and character of the leather.
Take time to browse through the choices I have to offer to make your personal bespoke bag. I have tried my best to represent both leather and colours true to character, however due to natural variations some colours and textures may vary slightly to those represented. If you are unsure about a leather or colour please contact me. Samples can be sent.
Rutland Leather
A soft vegetable tanned full grain leather. Dyed with a natural milled grain appearance from a tumbling process resulting in a attractive soft finish with a slight shine.
What is Vegetable tanned leather?
Vegetable tanned leather is made using one of the oldest processes and has been around for thousands of years. Natural tannins found in bark, wood and other plants are used instead of chemicals to change the animal skin to leather.
This Method is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to tan leather, the process is slow and lengthy.
What is Vegetable tanned leather?
Vegetable tanned leather is made using one of the oldest processes and has been around for thousands of years. Natural tannins found in bark, wood and other plants are used instead of chemicals to change the animal skin to leather.
This Method is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to tan leather, the process is slow and lengthy.
Cransley Leather
A soft vegetable tanned Nubuck leather, dyed through with a fine buffed surface resulting in a soft silky velvet like durable appearance.
What is Nubuck leather?
Nubuck leather follows the same tanning processes as vegetable tanned leather. Once the tanning process is complete Nubuck Is made by removing the very top surface layer of leather leaving a matt, non-shiny surface.
What is Nubuck leather?
Nubuck leather follows the same tanning processes as vegetable tanned leather. Once the tanning process is complete Nubuck Is made by removing the very top surface layer of leather leaving a matt, non-shiny surface.
What is bridle leather?
Bridle leather is a traditional vegetable tanned Leather. The finish is handworked and tallow waxed to give a strong smooth finish.
Bridle leather is a traditional vegetable tanned Leather. The finish is handworked and tallow waxed to give a strong smooth finish.
What is Suede?
Suede is split thin stretchy leather but used flesh side up. It is soft and velvety and has a warm feel to it.
Suede is split thin stretchy leather but used flesh side up. It is soft and velvety and has a warm feel to it.
Care for your leather product.
Leather is a natural product and may become dry and damaged particularly if left in direct sunlight or by a heat source. I recommend you give your leather a nourishing feed and polish using a natural leather cream periodically.
If you get your bag wet leave it to dry completely before using it again. (Stuffing it loosely with kitchen roll or newspaper will help maintain its shape while drying)
Do not be tempted to put in an airing cupboard or by a radiator as this will make the leather stiff.
Once your bag has dried use a natural leather cream which will help even out any watermarks. (test an inconspicuous Area first).
If you have purchased a product made with Nubuck leather I advise you treat it with anti-stain protector before you use it. (widely available at supermarket or shoe shops) Make sure you test the spray on an inconspicuous area first.
As your Nubuck leather ages the roughened surface may become smoother. To regain the matt look and feel use a Suede brush to buff the surface.
If you wish to leave the smooth surface you can treat the Nubuck with leather cream to nourish it.
To remove surface dirt from a leather or Nubuck bag make sure it is dry first. Use a Suede brush gently but firmly against the grain brushing with a brisk sweeping motion.
Leather is a natural product and may become dry and damaged particularly if left in direct sunlight or by a heat source. I recommend you give your leather a nourishing feed and polish using a natural leather cream periodically.
If you get your bag wet leave it to dry completely before using it again. (Stuffing it loosely with kitchen roll or newspaper will help maintain its shape while drying)
Do not be tempted to put in an airing cupboard or by a radiator as this will make the leather stiff.
Once your bag has dried use a natural leather cream which will help even out any watermarks. (test an inconspicuous Area first).
If you have purchased a product made with Nubuck leather I advise you treat it with anti-stain protector before you use it. (widely available at supermarket or shoe shops) Make sure you test the spray on an inconspicuous area first.
As your Nubuck leather ages the roughened surface may become smoother. To regain the matt look and feel use a Suede brush to buff the surface.
If you wish to leave the smooth surface you can treat the Nubuck with leather cream to nourish it.
To remove surface dirt from a leather or Nubuck bag make sure it is dry first. Use a Suede brush gently but firmly against the grain brushing with a brisk sweeping motion.
My bag has been damaged!
If your Fritha’s handmade bag gets damaged please get in touch and if it can be repaired I will let you know. I cannot guarantee an exact match if a part needs replacing as no two animal hides the same. I will do my best to restore your treasured bag back to its former glory.
I also offer a service repairing other favourite leather goods that have fallen apart which have not been purchased from me.
If your Fritha’s handmade bag gets damaged please get in touch and if it can be repaired I will let you know. I cannot guarantee an exact match if a part needs replacing as no two animal hides the same. I will do my best to restore your treasured bag back to its former glory.
I also offer a service repairing other favourite leather goods that have fallen apart which have not been purchased from me.