Fattoad Press

Small decisions, better products

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:54:46 +0100

The products in the Workplace Collection are deliberately quiet. A desk pad, a mouse pad, a ‘block’ book. Useful pieces for a working surface.

Much of the work is in the small decisions. The size has to feel useful without taking over the desk. The stitch needs to be present, but not decorative. The edges are finished cleanly, but not disguised. The product should still feel like leather, paper, thread and handmade. More on the Journal.

Workspace: the collection takes shape

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:03:10 +0100

What began with a hand-stitched leather Desk Pad, Mouse Pad, and Block book (lay-flat book) has grown into a small collection of objects for the working day. Pieces designed to work together or stand alone, and to bring a quieter, more considered feel to the desk. More on the Journal.

Midori MD Paper Notebook A6

Padfolio A5

Working on pocket for Padfolio

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 23:45:00 +0100

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

Padfolio Front view of Pocket

Padfolio back view of Pocket

Template work on Padfolio

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:51:13 +0100

Working on the template for the next object in the Workplace Collection, a padfolio. Allowing you to organise and carry documents and notes.

Padfolio Template

Why I Use Vegetable-Tanned Leather

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:27:04 +0100

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 — Desk Pad & Mouse Pad

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:12:02 +0100

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.

Deskpad in mid blue

Mousepad in mid blue

Closeup in mid blue

Backing with Felt

Lamport Leather

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:25:15 +0100

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.

Workspace

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:30:00 +0100

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.

Workspace Lamport Blue Leather

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 20:19:18 +0100

Help a toad across the road - Britain’s toads have begun their spring migration.

A toad is a perfect tenner - recommended a wild candidate for new UK banknotes.

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0100

The first collection is called Workspace. Objects for daily use. A group of leather and paper objects designed to bring calm and clarity to daily work. Made to sit quietly, to be used without fuss, and to improve through time and use.

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 20:25:49 +0100

I have updated the Fattoad Press website with a new about page and a new homepage. The first collection is being produced and will be released this year.

Handmade wastebasket with Hardwood Base 🎨

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 19:20:00 +0100

The handmade wastebasket is of Lamport Medium Tan leather with a hardwood base and hand-stitched using heavy white thread.

Cross sewing of wastebasket

Inside sewing of wastebasket

Back of wastebasket

Front of wastebasket

Handmade wastebasket with hardwood base, in Lamport Medium Tan leather.

Template Work

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:32:34 +0100

Working on a template for my next project. At Fattoad Press, every item begins with a template—my way of guaranteeing neat edges, tight alignment, and a consistent finish.

Template work for next project

Sewing for a Molskine Cover

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 16:19:20 +0100

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

Sewing cover in Grey Leather

Handmade Artisit Book 🎨

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 20:32:53 +0100

A handmade landscape book for an artist, suitable for drawing, painting or other media. Quarter binding with cloth spine and blue and white paper sides.

Handmade Artist Book

Sewing latest product 🎨

Sun, 25 May 2025 16:04:25 +0100

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

About a Sketchbook

Fri, 16 May 2025 18:39:07 +0100

I saw this post from Marcel Wichmann today, which I thought was fitting: ‘a sketchbook as a daily companion’.

‘Something about a sketchbook as a daily companion for life has always fascinated me. Sitting somewhere and sketching what’s around you feels like the purest form of mindfulness’. Marcel Wichmann

Blue Leather 🎨

Mon, 12 May 2025 18:28:09 +0100

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

Down by the river 🎨

Wed, 07 May 2025 14:53:41 +0100

A slow sort of toad morning down by the river.

Notebook Cover Completed 🎨

Sat, 03 May 2025 18:42:10 +0100

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

Inside cover and Midori notebook

Midori notebook spread

Front cover of notebook

View of finished notebook

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

Thanks for visiting Fattoad Press 🎨

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 17:42:58 +0100

I’m in the early stages of sharing handmade books, leather objects, papers, and prints—quiet craftsmanship, real materials, and the joys of making by hand.

More posts and work-in-progress glimpses are coming soon.

Feel free to check back or follow along.

Hand-stitched edge with 0.6mm Tiger thread on 1.5mm veg-tan leather.