The story behind my Leaderfoot Page Cuffs

When coming up with a new design or product there is a journey. Whether it's a commission for a customer or an idea of my own, the process is the same to make a quality product and something that looks unique (the creative part). It starts with research, sketches, trying out different prototypes and then making the finished product.

In this blog I am highlighting my popular Leaderfoot Page Cuff. Made from top quality British tanned calfskin and all hand-stitched by myself.

It started as a commission from a customer who had ordered from me before. Her husband is an avid reader and she wanted to get him a special gift. She knew that he liked the idea of corner bookmarks. She came to me asking if this was something I would be able to make. She was happy for me to come up with my own version and design.

As you know I take inspiration from my beautiful surrounding countryside for my designs. For the page cuff I got the idea for the shape from the The saddle of the Eildon Hills. The way the land lies between two of the Eildons. It is the perfect shape to fit around the page. I love when a creative design is also functional too - a sign of a good unique design.

I chose the leather very carefully. People who love reading, want to take care of their books. So, I wanted to use leather that wasn't too thick and that wouldn’t damage the book when closed. I decided to use the same beautiful soft British tanned calfskin that I use for my wallets. It's only around 1mm thick so won't damage books.

This also means because of their size, I'm able to use offcuts from my leatherfoot wallets and journals to make the page cuffs. It is such beautiful leather I don't want to waste any of it. I like to work in a sustainable way.

Like all my products it is all hand-stitched by myself in my workshop in Melrose.

The Leaderfoot Page Cuff is available to buy in my shop.

The Eildon Hills