UPCYCLED PROJECTS

One of my favourite things to do is turn redundant leather items such as jackets and sofa covers into desirable objects. I love these types of projects because not only does it save them from going to waste and possibly landfill, they often hold much sentimental value for the owner. Once transformed, they suddenly have a new life and new purpose and I find being a part of that journey very rewarding. If you have something you would like upcycled, please do get in touch and I’d be happy to discuss the options with you.

PAT’S HOLDALL

'“My husband's leather jacket was too good and held too many memories to let go when he died.  I had the idea of making it into a valise for our son and searched the internet for makers.  I was very lucky to find Rosanna. she has done such a wonderful job transforming the jacket into a sturdy bag.  Together we decided on the lining and placement of the pockets and labels and Rosanna added our son's initials too.  The result is a unique and extremely smart bag.  Our son was delighted to have such a personal memento of his father.  He commented on what a good size it was, just right for overnight stays, and also on the quality of the trimmings.  I am sure he will treasure it for years to come. Thank you Rosanna!” September 2023

SUE’S BAG COLLECTION

'“Rosanna recently undertook a very special commission for me.  She transformed my late husband’s leather jackets into amazing, precious and beautifully made bags and purses for myself, and his daughter and son.  They will enable us to keep his memory close as we use the bags for years to come.  They are so unique from the material to the design to the lining fabrics.  That they are embossed with our initials is the icing on the cake! I entrusted this task to Rosanna having enjoyed one of her workshops and seen her amazing work both in person, online and on Money for Nothing.  I never doubted she would do a great job but the results surpassed my expectations.  I can’t wait to give my stepchildren their bags!.“ March 2023

HEATHER’S HOBO BAGS

'“After completing one of Rosanna’s excellent rucksack courses, I had the idea of recycling a special leather jacket into some one-off bags for myself and my sister. The jacket was our Mother’s and she wore it a lot in the years before she passed away. It had been in the cupboard for 3 years, even though it was made of beautiful leather, and had a special connection for us both, we knew that we would never wear it as a jacket.  After sharing some ideas on designs, Rosanna worked her magic and create two beautiful one-off bags that have captured the essence of the jacket but in a new form that we can use and keep for many years to come.  There was even enough leather to make a smaller bag for my daughter which she is thrilled with. We all love the idea that a such a personal item with lots of memories, now lives on in our skilfully handcrafted bags.“ October 2022

SUE’S DUFFLE BAG

“In 2019 I did a leather work day and made my partner a bumbag, which he loved. I was struggling to think of a Christmas present and then I remembered watching Rosanna when she was featured on the Money for Nothing upcycling programme. She had made a fab bag from a throw and it gave me the idea of up cycling a much loved, lined leather throw. I was absolutely delighted with the result and it even has my partners initials monogrammed on it. When he opened it on Christmas Day he said it was magnificent. It is even more special because it was a much loved throw, which years ago cost a lot of money. We have also made a positive contribution by keeping something out of land fill.”

BEN’S HOLDALL
Rosanna has taken our beaten up old sofa and magically transformed some of the leather into this amazing weekend hold-all for me. It’s a great way to recycle as well as getting a great quality, one of a kind item. She took the zips and hardware from an old bag of mine that was falling apart and even reused the piping from the leather cushions and added my initials on the front for that extra personal touch, I love it!

LESLEY’S HOBO BAG

 Lesley contacted me with the following message last year (2019):

‘I lost my husband almost 3 years ago and he had the most wonderful leather jacket that hangs still in the wardrobe. I recently got to thinking about doing something with it and came up with the idea of having it made into a bag for myself - something I can take with me everywhere. The leather is beautifully soft and buttery and I think would be ideal maybe for a slouch style shoulder bag’. So after sending her a few design ideas and quotes I ended up making the bag shown below and this as what she said: ‘Just collected the bag and it’s fabulous. Just the sort of boho look I was after. I have to say the shirt has made excellent lining - it’s stunning ! And the key rings will be treasured by me and and his 3 sons. Utterly thrilled - thank you’

CATHERINE’S BAG SELECTION

 ‘Like many others we have been clearing our during lockdown. We unearthed a leather duffle coat I had bought for my husband ‘back in the day’ over 25 years ago. The coat, whilst out of fashion, was in good condition and had sentimental value and we didn’t want to just throw it away. I had seen an old leather sofa repurposed into a handbag on BBC’s Money for Nothing. I searched the internet and found Rosanna, made contact and had an initial chat about possibilities and prices. I sent the coat and once she had received it, Rosanna emailed a variety of designs at a range of prices for me to consider. She also gave me a varied choice of linings, a number of options that could be added to my bag of choice. The final results are fabulous, I have a gorgeous tote bag, a smaller tote bag and a clutch bag all made from my husband’s coat. The bags are amazing, beautifully made and finished and totally unique and original. I am absolutely delighted.’

SHAS’S BROMPTON BIKE BAG

‘It was a full on day of planning, cutting, sewing and gluing, but it was so worth it, particularly as the bag has been made from dad's old leather jacket and lined with one of mum's saris. I hate the fact that so many of their things are going to be thrown out and I'm particularly sentimental about clothes, so it really has been amazing to see the transformation and know they both have purpose again! It was also utterly incredible watching the sheer speed that Rosanna's brain was able to figure out how to cut and create this very custom bag. Whilst I'd given her a brief of wanting a "Brompton" bag, she had no idea of what that actually entailed until I rocked up! I thoroughly recommend going to one of her courses!’