These came from the Cordwain Higgler clearance section. They cost £10 each and usually go for between £32 and £36 which is a reasonable price considering the work that goes into these binders. They also do custom binders – I am seeing a custom binder in my future with butterflies, dragonflies and ladybugs on it 🙂
The clearance section consists of old stock or models that they were not 100% satisfied with. But all binders have working hardware – it is just perhaps the finish or the design that they were not happy with. Having received these I can say boy what a bargain! The rings and other hardware are all perfect and tight as drums!
I fell for the moth one first. They said it would either be love or hate and for me it was love. What’s not to love about a binder that is pink and purple with bugs on it!
Here is the Cordwain Higgler website and online shop. They describe their products thus:
Cordwain Higgler is a family business, run by Guy and Pat Mather. We are based in East Sussex, close to the coast and the beautiful South Downs behind us. We make a range of unique hand made leather goods, both ‘off the shelf’ as well as bespoke. Our goods have a strong, nature, folklore and historic influence born from a background in history, art and archaeology. These elements have been drawn together to form Cordwain Higgler.
All items are made using the best traditional and natural materials available. Our leather comes from Britains last oak bark tannery. We use natural fibre threads. Fittings are made to last, for instance, solid brass, not plate, to prevent rusting.
Designs are made to our own pattern and applied by hand. We have dies (stamps) made for us exclusively. Each item is hand dyed and finished with our own beeswax polish made from wax from hives around the Beachy Head area.
Our aim is to provide quality English craft items in a world of mass production. we hope it would be extremely unlikely that you will come across anyone else with an identical item. The unique qualiities of leather means that it improves with age and becomes a more personal item.
“The pride in our work comes from knowing that our goods will last, and the owners, we hope, become more attached to them as time goes by”
Those are really gorgeous Janet. I’m loving my Bee one too !!
Your bee one is gorgeous Gill! I even went back to read your article today and have a look at it again!
Yes it is and I can’t see why they put it in clearance. I don’t use pockets very often but I’ll find a use for this
OMG, those are gorgeous! I particularly love the moth one – amazing colour. Guy and Pat are great to deal with – I’ve got a green dandelion Personal, and then a red Pocket with a Celtic design on that I asked them to do for me. I am seriously tempted by the moon-gazing hare or the green man.
They had the most gorgeous red dragonfly personal on their sale but it sold in two minutes! I am so loving the moth one – the colours are epic. It’s kind of tie dye!
Ooooooh! I’ve just emailed them to see if they will do me a moon-gazing hare with moths on the back. I was going to go for an A5 to complete the set, but I rarely use that size, so it’ll be pocket again, which is definitely my preferred model.
That sounds wonderful – what colour are you thinking of?
I like the purply/blue that you had. Either that, or green. Pat emailed back within minutes, and is getting back to me later …
She is amazing isn’t she? Did you mention my binder? I am dying for an A5 this colour with the moths – was wondering how easy the colour is to replicate.
Pat mentioned yours! Apparently the pink/purple effect happens by accident. I’ve asked for purple as I don’t want very dark blue.
Oh all I can say is it is even better in real life. I have it next to me right now just so I can look at it. The colour is almost 3D
The quality of the work and their customer service is fabulous! I’ve just put an order through. I did dither over a green man A5, but I don’t really use that size much. Pocket is definitely my preferred option! I love the red one they did for me a while ago.