After many years of corporate engineering, I decided to explore a different path.

Inspired by my wife's love of horses (can you mend me this?) I found leather work, took lessons from a master saddler and discovered a passion. Now I enjoy a simple life, I make the best products I can from the best materials I can buy.

I love to work with people to make unique individual pieces; if you would like to get involved and work on a project together - that would be very special.

I also repair and restore cherished leather items and deliver courses to individuals or groups.

I use the most appropriate leather for each project, my favourite is English bridle leather from old established UK tanneries that can guarantee sustainable sources and provenance back to the field.

I welcome any interest in my work, please contact me to discuss any of the images or to ask for a price for your project.

All my work can be purchase direct from me, stock items can be viewed and purchased through this site.

A magical interest - Moccasins

"Walk as if you were kissing the earth with your feet" Nhat Hanh

There is something particularly satisfying about making these moccasins from just a few pieces of suede; it is amazing how a three dimensional shoe emerges from the two dimensional material as I stitch.

Each pair (in fact each moccasin) is unique. They provide a special walking experience, as close as possible to bare foot walking and all the health benefits that brings. 

Soft, flexible soled shoes with plenty of toe space can support natural foot movement promoting health at any age but for babies and toddlers they may help when learning to walk by allowing unsuppressed nerve feedback to the brain.

The next best thing to being barefoot, I wish I could put it into words but think barefoot on grass or sand...

The process starts with you drawing around each of your feet and finishes with a pair of moccasins that will fit you like your favourite socks.

My right hand - Bertha

Bertha is a beautiful old Singer 'patcher' machine made in 1936. She can be hand or treadle driven and has a hypnotic working rhythm. At the moment she only helps when stitching new patches to farrier's chaps but she is a pleasure to work with.

View the latest  @ashfieldsleather on Instagram