Saddlers Retreat

22/08/2026

The old leather from each saddle once split down is given some pamper time. I use leather cleaner to start with and then the leather balsam. This always makes a huge difference to the leather, giving it a beautiful sheen.

Once the old leather has absorbed the balsam I will begin to hand cut all the pieces for the bag this saddle will become.

🧵 🪡🧵

➡️ Follow along to see how this one turns out!

🤎Shaped by the past. Made for today 🤎

20/08/2026

On a quiet Thursday evening it is time for this old saddle to begin it's metamorphosis.

Note: Please don't put sticky labels on your saddles!!

➡️ Follow me to see what it becomes 👀

🪡🧵🪡🧵🪡

🤎 Shaped by the past. Made for today 🤎

19/08/2026

Did you know I'm a full time Master Saddler?

Here's a small glimpse into my day job! Covering blocks ready for the next bespoke saddles leaving

We use deer cow leather from to cover all our blocks as it's so easy to work with and gives a great finished look.

Busy, busy, busy!

🐎🧵🪡🧵🪡🧵🐎

17/08/2026

One old saddle transformation.

🤎 Shaped by the past. Made for today 🤎

16/08/2026

Introducing The Exmoor Bag 🤎

Another new addition to my Heritage Collection. Made from an old saddle, but definitely not looking like one anymore!

The Exmoor Bag has been designed by me and made using leather with a history of its own. I have used the sweat flap and saddle flap leather for the body and flap of the bag, with an old girth strap becoming the fastener.

For the shoulder strap, I've used lead chains, joined in the centre with a classic plain vintage browband, and I've kept the original makers plate from the saddle beneath the flap.

Nothing has been added just for the sake of it - every part has it's own story of saddlery history.

The Exmoor Bag costs £255. If you have a retired saddle to be transformed there is a discount! 🐎

✨️ If you are interested in having a bag made or have old saddles you'd like to donate, please do get in touch! ✨️

🤎 Shaped by the past. Made for today 🤎

16/08/2026

You will be able to meet all the arts and crafts people (including me!) at Pierrepont Farm on Saturday 19th September 2026, from 12pm-5pm. Enjoy meeting the makers, the beautiful surroundings and food and drink.

Art | Craft | Food | Drink

Find us here:

The Old Dairy, Pierrepont Farm,
The Reeds Road,
Frensham,
Surrey, GU10 3BS

✨️Please do like/share to get the word out about this event✨️

14/08/2026

These card holders are part of my Heritage Collection, made from leather reclaimed from old saddles that are no longer suitable for their original purpose.

Made from a piece of the past, ready for everyday use.

Each one is hand cut and hand sewn by me, using pieces of well-worn saddle leather with all the character that comes from years of use. The natural marks, patina and variations in colour are part of what makes each card holder completely individual.

Small enough to slip easily into a pocket or bag, but made from sturdy leather to stand up to everyday use.

Every card holder is slightly different, depending on the part of the saddle it has been made from — no two are quite the same.

♻️ Made from reclaimed leather from old saddles
🪡 Hand cut and hand sewn
🐴 Full of the character and patina of its previous life
🇬🇧 Made by me in England

£36 each.

⬆️ Available from my Etsy shop (see link in bio)

🤎 Shaped by the past. Made for today. 🤎

08/08/2026

03/08/2026

Introducing the Dartmoor bag from my Heritage Collection 🤎

This bag is made from a vintage saddle where every crease, mark and piece of patina tells part of its story. I love knowing that leather with such a rich history is getting a new purpose, rather than sitting forgotten and unloved.

Each handbag is sewn by hand using traditional saddle stitch and finished with thoughtful details: a sturdy stud and magnetic closure, internal pocket made from an old buckle guard, a key clip (because we've all spent too long looking for our keys!), and a shoulder strap made from old continental reins.

Leather from the past, ready for many more years of adventures!

A beautiful Dartmoor bag costs £365. If you have a retired saddle to be transformed there is a discount! 🐎

✨️If you are interested in having a bag made or have old saddles gathering dust, please do get in touch!✨️

🤎 Shaped by the past. Made for today. 🤎

26/07/2026

Sunday workshop = time with the dogs 🥰

At least they had a lazy day!

🐾