I'm so excited to finally be able to announce that I have co-created a limited edition cardholder wallet and personalised leather cufflinks with John Legend as part of the Holiday Etsy Creator Collab!
Award-winning artist and entrepreneur John Legend has partnered with 12 women, Black and underrepresented Etsy sellers, including me, to create this limited-edition holiday collection.
The first product that I created with John, are these awesome limited edition personalised leather cufflinks with a knurled texture effect. Available in an exclusive range of leather colours; Midnight Black, Sacramento Green, Burgundy and Natural Oiled. These cufflinks can be personalised with hot foil in an amazing brass colour.
These cufflinks are perfect for gifting at Christmas, in fact, when asked what to get for the hard-to-buy-for guy, John replied:
I love personalized cufflinks – they are definitely unique. It is unlikely that even a person who has everything will have exactly this.
And I have to agree!
The second product that I co-designed with John Legend is a leather cardholer wallet. Crafted from italian-tanned full-grain leather in the striking colourway of Nero and Cognac. Carry your cards and some cash in style.
Check out the full John Legend Creator Collab Holiday collection.
]]>Wedding fairs are typically geared towards the bride, whilst grooms (in hetero and same-sex couples!) are forgotten about. His Day are changing that, it's His Day too!
A Wedding Festival? His Day are aiming to provide a less stuffy, less salesy and more relaxed experience for grooms, hence 'festival'.
The inaugural His Day festival, will take place on the Saturday 25th March 11am - 3pm at Duston Mill Wedding & Events Venue, Upton Way, Northampton NN5 5FP.
I'm super pleased to also announce that Kingsley Leather is one of the businesses that are sponsoring the festival.
For more information and to reserve your spot: https://www.hisday.co.uk/the-fairs
]]>To celebrate their 40th birthday, Abbey England invited nominations of the public’s favourite leather maker under the age of 40, to be Abbey England’s scholarship winner of 2022 - 2023. The scholarship was awarded to Lucy Ellis Leatherwork - well done Lucy! The final top 40 nominations for the scholarship (including myself!) will make up Abbey England’s ‘40 under 40’ list.
As part of my selection I have been invited to experience an exclusive masterclass workshop with the BBC’s Repair Shop star, Suzie Fletcher, Master Saddler.
You can meet the rest of the awesome makers here: https://www.abbeyengland.com/40-under-40
]]>Next up, this year's judges will handpick the 2022 winners. Wish me luck!
In the meantime you can help me win the People's Pick Award by favouriting my personalised leather cufflinks in brass at etsy.com/designawards. I'll let you know how I get on!
]]>Post your photo to instragram and tag me (@kingsleyleather) or email your photo to hello@kingsleyleather.co.uk and my favourite 3 photos will win a £50 Kingsley Leather gift card!
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BUY SOMETHING USEFUL
The golden rule of gifting is to make sure that what you are buying is actually going to be put to use. This is part of the reason that experiences can make great gifts. A wallet or cardholder is as about as usefull as a gift can get. It's something that he'll carry and used every day.
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BUY SOMETHING USEFUL
The golden rule of gifting is to make sure that what you are buying is actually going to be put to use. This is part of the reason that experiences can make great gifts. A wallet or cardholder is as about as usefull as a gift can get. It's something that he'll carry and used every day.
BUY GOOD QUALITY
Let's face it, it's going to be pretty awkward if your gift break or wears out quickly so it makes sense to always go for something good quality that is going to last. Aim to get him something that he may not buy himself as it is considered a little luxurious. A good example of this is a bespoke leather belt that's been crafted using sturdy english bridle leather and will stand the test of time.
MAKE IT PERSONAL
If you choose a gift that can be personalised then DO IT. Embossing or engraving a gift with a name, initials or an important date is a fantasic and thoughtful way to make it that little bit more special.
Personalised leather cufflinks certianly tick the box...
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There’s usually a lovely little poem on the wedding invite which encourages guests to pop money in a card or just turn up empty-handed (because no one wants a houseful of tat bought by other people). But in reality, for many, giving money just doesn’t sit right for various reasons and neither does turning up empty handed.
Now, I might not be able to help much with the Bride, but as for the Groom, I’ve got the perfect gift which is personal, stylish and special.
So, whether you’re a guest, the best man, a groomsman, parents of the groom or even the lucky other half, my personalised cufflinks make the perfect gift. They are real leather, hand punched and set in a quality cast pewter setting. You can have them plain or choose two initials to make it extra special.
Now that’s sorted, onto the next job…
]]>I can’t be the only guy who is hard to buy for, I’m sure to be among friends. So, on behalf of us all, sorry to all our loved ones who we make it impossibly hard for, every time a special occasion comes around.
But things are on the up, because Etsy recently put together a really cool gift guide for men. And here’s the thing, not only am I now eyeing up several items I would be more than happy to open on a special occasion (ahem, Valentine’s Day is coming up!), but my shop is also featured! How brilliant is that?! Here’s the post if you fancy a look.
So, there you have it, Kingsley Leather, making gifts for (awkward) guys since 2013.
]]>Let me start with Toby, who is ever such a talented (and young) guy. We’ve collaborated on a few items in the past, and our home is full of his things. He creates pieces with sustainably sourced and recycled materials but it’s his spoons, scoops and boards that would make great Christmas pressies for anyone who likes to cook – or eat! Check Toby out here.
Charlotte from The Aroid Attic is a self—professed plant geek and collector and she sells her beautiful exotic houseplants just round the corner from us at the all new Botanica Coffee and Kitchen in The Bramery Trading Estate. Each plant is named and comes with information on how to look after it (which is very much needed if you’re anything like me). These plants are certainly beautiful and would make great gifts. You can find the online shop for The Aroid Attic here.
Flora who set up Violet & Percy, an online shop, has an eye for good things. She only stocks things she loves herself and there’s a whole host of gifts in her shop suitable for all the family, ranging from scented candles, prints for the home, cookbooks, mugs, notebooks and sweatshirts. I know my wife has her eye on a few things and has been hinting - regularly! Take a look at Flora’s shop here.
I came across Field Fresh Skincare at an Etsy Made Local Christmas Fair last year and I bought the Marshmallow Dream Cream (a night cream) for my wife. I’m not afraid to admit that I tried it out on a couple of occasions and it was good! My wife swore by it, finally a cream that made her dry skin feel nourished. These products are special because they are all-natural, local ingredients and come as a kit which you blend yourself. It only takes 10 minutes to make and the range includes face creams, body creams, hand and foot creams, lip balms and healing balms. The kits can all be found here.
Piece by Jackson has been popping up on my Instagram recently and Amy’s copper and tile homewares have really caught my eye. Amy makes plant stands, candlestick holders, and little tables (call them what you like: side tables, coffee tables, bedside tables). Her designs are fabulous as a treat to yourself, but it’s the candlestick holders that would make great gifts. You can find Amy on Etsy here.
Happy browsing. Happy shopping. Happy gifting and Happy Christmas!
]]>Of course, it’s not just children going back to start a new school year; there are teenagers moving on to sixth form and college, youngsters flying the nest and going off to university, teachers returning to school and scores of people starting new jobs. New beginnings all round.
Do you remember writing, with your brand-new fountain pen, on those crisp white exercise books at the beginning of September? Didn’t it feel good?!
For that very reason, I’ve designed and made back-to-school supplies for grown-ups, so that we too can have that feeling once again.
For leather pen cases click here and for leather mouse pads click here.
]]>No doubt Harry will be suited and booted, but one of the great things about weddings these days is that more and more people are breaking with tradition. Not every girl wants the big meringue dress, or even to wear white, and not every guy wants tops and tails, or even a suit.
]]>No doubt Harry will be suited and booted, but one of the great things about weddings these days is that more and more people are breaking with tradition. Not every girl wants the big meringue dress, or even to wear white, and not every guy wants tops and tails, or even a suit.
We had a wedding in the country and so I did the whole tweed and cords thing, obviously finishing it all off with all things I think every dapper groom should have: A Kingsley Leather belt, personalised cufflinks and a bow tie.
Are you getting married this year? Are you going traditional or off-piste? Whatever you wear, and however you celebrate, I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness.
]]>Now, I wouldn’t usually panic about making a belt in a day, but that’s because it’s something I do often; I have worked with leather on a daily basis for the last five years, and I know each and every step that is needed to craft a good belt. My task on this particular day however, was to share my skills and knowledge with five people who have never done anything like that before and ensure they go home with something they are proud of. And that right there was the reason I was a tad nervous!
To the untrained eye, a belt is simply a long strip of leather with a buckle attached, but there’s actually quite a bit of workmanship that goes into making it.
So what is involved in making a belt?
Now you see, how it was so easy to fill a day!
Well done to the people who attended the day and did so well to make their own belt and thank you for being great participants for my first ever leather workshop.
]]>Being based in Cheltenham, The Festival is talked about a lot in our house, so I thought I’d share some of my tips for a great (and hopefully lucky) day at the races.
]]>Being based in Cheltenham, The Festival is talked about a lot in our house, so I thought I’d share some of my tips for a great (and hopefully lucky) day at the races.
First of all, when it comes to attire, Cheltenham is all about comfort, warmth and practicalities. It’s March, and no matter how mild the weather, you’re going to get cold being outside all day, so opt for heavier fabrics such as tweed, corduroy and fleece, and don’t be afraid to layer up. Think country wear rather than formal. You can pull out the trilby or flat cap to keep your head warm and make sure you’ve got comfortable shoes on; where horseracing is concerned, there’s always quite a bit of walking to do. Of course, comfort doesn’t mean you can’t dress it up a little bit. A neck tie or one of my leather bowties would fit right in at the races.
On the morning, make sure you fill up on a good brekky. Either cook something up at home or book a table at one of the many eateries in and around Cheltenham. There’s plenty of choice, so you won’t go hungry.
Get up to the course in plenty of time so you can check out the form, put your bets on and get a drink before the first race. With such big crowds, everything can take a while at the racecourse, even just getting from one place to another, so leave more time than you think you might need.
Be sure to visit the Guinness Village, the Golden Miller Champagne Bar, put a bet on with the bookies and visit the parade ring before a couple of the races. But most of all, don’t get so swept up in the atmosphere that you forget to watch some of the races from the grandstand; it’s all too easy to get a drink in your hand and just watch it on the television in a warm bar. Whatever you do and wherever you go, enjoy!
As the racing comes to a finish and the crowds flock into town, stay behind for just a little while and join in with the singing and dancing at The Centaur. That way, you extend your day of racing, get into the party atmosphere and you don’t get swept up in the huge throng of people.
If you are heading into town for a few drinks, don’t forget to stop somewhere for a bite to eat. Cheltenham has a number of brilliant restaurants, bars and takeaways, so either book somewhere in advance or just grab something on the hoof (see what I did there?).
Have a great night and keep safe.
]]>Now, I don’t know the ins and outs, but I am guessing they will be gifting those keyrings to people who purchase one of their Jaguars. What better product to give than a keyring alongside a mighty fine car?! As for the coasters, I’m sure they would be best placed sat under a glass of bubbly, when said purchase takes place!
]]>Now, I don’t know the ins and outs, but I am guessing they will be gifting those keyrings to people who purchase one of their Jaguars. What better product to give than a keyring alongside a mighty fine car?! As for the coasters, I’m sure they would be best placed sat under a glass of bubbly, when said purchase takes place!
I have worked with a number of companies to produce branded items; keyrings are definitely my most popular, but I’ve also made bespoke items like wrist-watch cases, a comb and scissor pouch for a hairdressing salon and desk pads for an office.
Could I help your company?
]]>Whether you’re the one buying, or the one doing the hinting, hopefully this Valentine’s day guide can make things a little easier for you.
]]>Whether you’re the one buying, or the one doing the hinting, hopefully this Valentine’s day guide can make things a little easier for you.
On the day, make sure you speak from the heart, you could even use one of my hanging leather heart decorations to do this for you. Left as they are, they make great rustic decorations for the home, or I can personalise one for you; perhaps with a name, a declaration of love or even a proposal?! To buy a heart, click here.
In every man-drawer, pairs of cufflinks lie waiting for the next fancy occasion when they may or may not be chosen to go out for the night. So I say, buy THE pair of cufflinks that will always shout ‘pick me’, unlike the others! Not only are they handmade, but they can be personalised with your loved one’s initials too. Make your date look and feel extra special with the perfect pair. To shop my cufflinks, click here.
For those love letters (proper ones, not a Whatsapp or text message), make sure your beloved is never without suitable writing material by providing a fancy pants pen and my leather pen case to keep it safe. To take a look at my pen case, click here.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Well, fear not, I've put together a gift guide that will make this years' Christmas shopping a breeze.
]]>Well, fear not, I've put together a gift guide that will make this years' Christmas shopping a breeze.
Let's start with the stocking, because asides from chocolate, bubble bath and an orange, you'll want to pop something in that isn't so predictable. So how about a Kingsley Leather keyring? Available in antique tan, classic black and dark brown, there's something for everyone. To shop my keyrings, click here.
Cufflinks have long been a staple Christmas gift, but wouldn't it be great if they were not only handmade but personalised too?! Well, I can do just that. Your loved one's initials will be on their cufflinks and so the next time they get all dressed up, they'll feel extra special. To view the cufflinks, click here.
My eye-catching hand-stitched belts are made with English Bridle Leather, making them super strong. Every belt is made to measure and I always put in a couple of extra holes which will come in handy for after Christmas dinner. My belts are appreciated by guys of all ages, but remember, you'll need to pass on their measurements to me, so you'll have to do a bit of detective work on the sly! To find about more about my belts, click here.
My wallets are THE gift to get for that special person in your life. Crafted to carry plenty of cards and notes, my wallets are known for their strength and durability. This is something that will be used often, probably daily, and stand as a reminder of Christmas all year through and beyond. A small but perfectly formed special pressie for a very special person. To have a mooch at my wallets, click here.
]]>Once you've got the belt measurement simply let me know in the "message to seller" box when checking out. I'll then get crafting it!
]]>I was very specific in my requirements and what Toby delivered was spot on. It's fantastic quality and I am over the moon with it.
Not only does this rack do a great job at storing my tools, it also allows me to be bit more organised and to instantly reach for the tool I need for the job. And what's more, there is space for plenty more tools! Doh!
]]>I am alongside great company; the other winners include Andrew McDonald and Simon Taylor from Two Makers, Matt Valentine who is a wood-carver, Lewis Hazlewood-Horner, an artist and Ali Holloway, a weaver.
I pitched my idea of building 'The Ultimate Man-bag' and the guys at The Jameson Works liked it so much that they kindly provided some funding for the project and they will be also be sharing the story of how it's made.
Stay tuned and follow my journey on The Jameson Works!
Search #TheJamesonWorks and #TheUltimateManbag on social media for more info.
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