Front and back views of a pocket for a Padfolio showing skived edges on the back.

Leather is commonly tanned in two ways, each suited to different purposes. Vegetable tanning uses natural tannins from bark and plant matter. It is a slow process that creates a firmer, denser leather with more character than chrome-tanned leather.

Chrome tanning uses chromium salts to stabilise hides quickly. It produces a soft, flexible, and uniform leather, widely used in mass production.

Over time, vegetable-tanned leather develops a rich patina and can last for decades when properly cared for. Chrome-tanned leather is durable, but prioritises consistency and softness over ageing.

I use vegetable-tanned leather for its structure, longevity, and the way it improves with use.

In use, this means a leather that feels firm in the hand, softens gradually, and records its life through marks and handling. Each piece develops its own surface, shaped by time rather than remaining unchanged.

All Fattoad Press products use high-quality vegetable-tanned leather, sourced from trusted tanneries including Lamport Leather.

Workspace is a collection of objects designed to work together or stand alone, bringing quiet confidence to your desk.

This first release introduces the desk pad and mouse pad.

Each piece is made from mid-blue Lamport leather, hand-stitched around the edges, and finished with a dark grey felt backing. The result is a stable, tactile surface that feels solid under hand and comfortable for daily use.

The collection will be offered as individual pieces or as a complete set, in a selection of colours.

Lamport is a vegetable-tanned leather with a consistent finish and rich, even colour. The lightly aniline-surface retains the natural grain while providing a more refined feel.

It’s fully coloured on both sides, which allows for a cleaner edge and a more resolved finish in smaller pieces.

There’s a slight waxiness to the touch, adding durability and a subtle depth that develops with use.

It holds its shape well, while still allowing for moulding and embossing where needed. It’s the leather used throughout the Workspace collection.

I’m introducing the first collection: Workspace.

Each piece is designed and handmade using natural leather, high-quality paper, and natural ink.

Functional, tactile objects made to last.

The first part of the collection will be shown next week.

Sewing a cover for a Moleskine A6 book, using grey leather with silver grey thread. Part of the Fattoad Press custom packages.

Sewing the latest product to add to the product line for Fattoad Press, which will be going live in the next couple of months.

Lamport sky blue and mid-blue arrived today. New leather for new products, coming soon!

The handmade notebook is hand-made using Lamport Burgundy leather and hand-stitched using 0.6mm Tiger thread.

A small notebook, hand-stitched and bound in the studio.