After gaining a Distinction for her Masters in Textiles at UAL she pursued her love of using leather and created a range of leather bags & accessories. Rosanna also swiftly developed a range of courses and built on her previous career as a Design & Technology teacher to pass on her knowledge to others. Within just 2 years of setting up her business she was commissioned to write the now very popular leather craft book ‘Sew Luxe Leather’ published in 2018. The book comprises of 20 projects complete with step by step instructions, templates and detailed information on tools and suppliers to get students started in the craft. She also has a Facebook Group where she shares tips, techniques and tutorials for FREE, join here.
One of Rosanna’s passions is with reducing waste and utilising leather in every form. She loves to ‘upcycle’ leather products like old jackets turning them into handbags for their owners. This is particularly meaningful when the item has sentimental value. She likes to come up with designs that use up the smallest pieces of leather such as earrings and coasters with random designs made from offcuts. Her inventiveness with ‘waste’ has led to her taking part in the BBC TV programme ‘Money for Nothing’ where products destined for the tip are transformed by artisans like Rosanna. Her debut appearance was in series 9, shown on November 5th 2020 on BBC1. See here for current episodes.
Rosanna enjoys sharing her knowledge of leather craft to other people by running a series of workshops. She caters for both individuals and groups of up to 6 at her Essex studio or larger groups at other venues and often runs corporate events and away days. Rosanna’s clients include Soho House & Spotify for the large group events where she can cater for groups of up to 20.
Much of the leather she uses is discarded from the furniture industry or reused leather from sofas and leather garments. When she does buy new leather is is sourced mainly from Italy, Spain or Belgium. Rosanna’s products are all handmade in her studio and are packaged in tissue paper and recycled kraft boxes. She also use compostable clear envelopes for her tassel and earring kits.
After relocating from Surrey to North Essex, Rosanna has proudly become a member of the Suffolk Craft Society and will take part in their prestigious annual exhibitions.
See a short interview to find out how it all started, here.