Hi, I’m Heather, the designer and maker behind Leathermania, New Zealand. My passion for leather craft dates back to the early 90s, when I began creating from my home studio in the Waikato, now based in rural Taranaki. What started as a passion project to bring in additional income while raising my three boys gradually grew into a career, allowing me to transform something I love into a full-time job.

My work is crafted from 100% genuine leather, using up-cycled offcuts that would otherwise be sent to landfill. My creativity truly shines through in my patchwork pieces, where I bring together small leather fragments that may not look like much on their own, but when combined become a beautiful, long-lasting product.

Leather is a natural material that, when cared for, can last for generations. I take great pride in creating unique, one-off pieces that are designed and handcrafted in New Zealand. This is slow fashion — my items are not mass produced, but thoughtfully made by me, with care and longevity in mind.

When you purchase from Leathermania, you can be confident you’re supporting an ethical, New Zealand-based small business.