My Story
Our Story
A craft that stayed with me
Explorer Leather began in 2021, after I attended a leather working course in Northampton. From there, I continued learning through several online courses and further in person classes in London, developing my skills and my understanding of leather and the different techniques used to work with it.
I’m Nick, the maker behind Explorer Leather. I design and make our leather goods in my home workshop in England, while my wife Debs helps keep the business running behind the scenes.
Made slowly, made to be used
I make wallets, card holders, bags and accessories with a simple aim: to create useful pieces that feel good to carry and will serve their owner for years. Each design starts in the home workshop, where I make, test and refine it before offering it for sale.
I work with full grain, vegetable tanned leather chosen for its feel, strength and the way it changes with use (Patina). Every piece is cut, assembled and saddle stitched by hand. The edges and small details take time too, but they are part of what makes a piece comfortable to use and satisfying to own.
The leather will soften and develop its own patina over time. Those changes are part of its character, shaped by the person who carries it.
Refined and timeless
Classic taste
What makes working with my wife Debs so special is that we both share a love for a timeless classic style. We appreciate pieces that are made well and made to last. That same philosophy helps guides every leather item I create, each wallet and accessory is designed and crafted to complement that sense of style.
A small business, made together
Debs and I share a love of classic, practical things made with care. She looks after much of the work behind the scenes, from admin to packaging. Explorer Leather remains a very small business, with each piece made thoughtfully and without rushing the work.
Behind everything you see here is just me, making leather goods from a room in our home.
I make things I like and would want to use myself, working slowly with consideration and paying close attention to the details. Working on my own means I can give each piece the care and precision I feel it deserves.
My hope is that what matters to me, the materials, the making, and the pleasure of using something that develops character with time will matter to the people who choose my work too.
A note about visits: my workspace is part of our family home, so I’m unable to offer workshop visits or welcome customers in person. Thank you for understanding and respecting our privacy.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about us.