Meet the maker Pippa Dore

I began working with leather around twenty years ago when I started mending broken riding tack for a couple of local riding schools. From there, I discovered the more decorative types of leather craft and began making leather belts for my friends and family (which are still in regular use today!) and attending craft fairs.

I had a very long break during which time I married, moved house many times and had six children and a couple of years ago, I brought all my old tools out of storage boxes and began to work again, enjoying it more than ever.

I seeing the pieces progress from leather hide, to finished item - you never quite know how it's going to turn out and because leather is a natural material, you get some beautiful surprises when the dye is applied. I've always loved drawing and I use my sketches in the designs I carve into the leather.

Working with leather is very satisfying and is definitely my favourite way of relaxing.

You can see more of my work on my Facebook page -