From Saddles to Handbags, A Shropshire Designer Maker with a Unique and Individual Style

For over five years, Sue Nickless has been making stylish and uniquely designed handmade leather designer handbags and accessories, working from her workshop just outside of Craven Arms in Shropshire.

Sue, who spent ten years working as a saddle/harness maker, now enjoys using traditional skills, tools and materials to create contemporary handbags and accessories made from quality British leather. Designer maker Sue said “the design side of each project takes a great deal of time and I often dye the leather myself before preparing the cut-out shape for stitching, but my favourite part of the whole process is the cutting of the leather. This is when you can really see your design coming to fruition, I also find stitching the pieces is very therapeutic.” Each of Sue’s bags takes between 4-20 hours to make and is definitely closer to a work of art than a designer bag. Sue continued “My aim is to produce contemporary designs using bold colours as well as give my pieces functional simplicity of line, sometimes using hand-forged iron fastenings and fittings or other unusual items to give a striking and individual effect”. Sue, who accepts commissions, is a member of The Shropshire Guild of Contemporary Craft and also a guest member of The Worcestershire Guild of Designer Craftsmen. Her work can been seen at ‘Showing Off’ in Ludlow on the 25th and 26th October, and Sue will also be taking part in the Christmas Show at St Helen’s Church in Worcester alongside members of The Worcester Guild. The show runs from November 20th - 22nd please see the Worcester Guild website for further information. Sue’s work is also on permanent display at the Blue Ginger Gallery nr Malvern, Worcs.