News and Articles
It’s time to get organised for Christmas shopping
I am not the most organised of Christmas Shoppers, preferring to leave it to the last minute. However there are many people out there who are more organised. The early birds still have enough time to pop into my studio and commission a bespoke gift for delivery...
You have to love a bespoke bag
I had a lovely day out and about in Muswell Hill for the Autumn Makers Fair. The weather was fair, people were engaging, and happy to be alive. It was made even better when a customer commissioned a bespoke bag. Working with a customer to design their own bag is one...
MHC Autumn Makers Fair 2025
I am looking forward to being out and about talking to customers at the forthcoming Autumn Fair held by Muswell Hill Creatives. I will be bringing along a stock of belts, bags and smaller leather goods and accessories for you to choose from. As ever I will be only...
Open Studios for Open House Weekend
On 20 - 21 September I will be one of the studio holders participating in Open Studios held as part of Open House Weekend. Most of the artists and makers in the building are throwing open their doors to give visitors an insight into their work, and offering the public...
Customised Dog Leads and Collars
My collars and leads in English bridle leather are usually a classic style. They work brilliantly for most dogs, but sometimes something a little different is required. Laura, a very experienced dog owner, has a lovely, but very reactive, spaniel "Q". She asked me...
Card Wallets
My range is deliberately kept simple as that best suits the type of leather I have available. The majority of card wallets I sell are made from offcuts left over from other commissions. The English bridle leather I like to work with is typically thicker and stiffer...
How to Measure Yourself for Your Bespoke Leather Belt
A well-fitting leather belt doesn’t just enhance your outfit—it adds comfort, function, and timeless style. When ordering a bespoke leather belt from Steph Rubbo Saddlery, taking the time to measure correctly ensures that your handmade piece fits perfectly and stands...
Mondaine Watchstrap
My journey into making watch straps won’t really surprise anyone. We have friends who live in Switzerland, and every time we visit we spend a certain amount of time waiting around on railway platforms anxiously clock watching. So when I discovered that Mondaine...
Bespoke Leather Passport Wallets
A product after my own heart. As an expat Kiwi, travel is a large part of my lifestyle, either visiting family in NZ, or my own travels for leisure. So when one of my clients requested a family lot of double passport wallets I could understand their need for them. ...
MHC Spring Fair
I am looking forward to being out and about talking to customers at the forthcoming Spring Fair held by Muswell Hill Creatives. I will be bringing along a stock of belts, bags and smaller leather goods and accessories for you to choose from. As ever I will be only...
Make and Mend
Well after the disappointing weather that caused the cancellation of the MHC Winter Fair in December, I have signed up for the latest MHC Make and Mend event. No chance of this one being cancelled for rain or wind - it's inside. Come along and immerse yourself in a...
MHC Winter Fair Cancelled – High Winds Forecast
Message from Muswell Hill Creatives Saturday's Fair is Cancelled For the first time in 9 years of our Makers Fairs, we're having to cancel the postponed date because of the weather. Strong winds have become the bane of our lives over the last month and the forecast...
Seasonal Closure – I’m taking a break
I have had a fantastic year of making bespoke items and doing repairs of all types. I would like to say thanks to all of you who have supported me throughout 2023. I will soon be closing for the Christmas break. You have come to visit me in my studio, placed orders...
Planning for 2023
I cannot believe that we are already a week into February. I've started planning out my 2023 year. I have a few events confirmed, and applications submitted for others I hope to be accepted for. January was intended to be spent more on reviewing the last year, and...
Merry Christmas, and thanks for all your support
We have now arrived in the last week before Christmas, and I have no further selling events scheduled. I love being out and about talking to people at markets and other events, but by this time of year, I am looking forward to a bit of a break. I am open up until...
August Update
Well summer has definitely arrived with a bang. It really started when I was in a big tent at Craft Festival in Bovey Tracey. It then got seriously warm for a few days, and we still have some more heat to look forward to. Those of you who have visited my studio will...
Find A Maker – Makers Week
An exciting announcement this week. I was accepted into the Find A Maker family, just in time for Makers Week from 16-20 May 2022. Who are Find A Maker Find A Maker are a prestigious online directory that specialises in designers and makers of some truly fabulous...
R & R time – see you again in February
I would like to say a big thank you of my customers who kept me busy over the last year or two. Now I am finally able to schedule in some much needed R & R time. From 17 January until 6 February 2022, I will be out of the studio, flat out, in a warm...
Well 2020 Wasn’t what I expected
Can you repair an oxen yoke? This is one of the more unexpected conversations I have had in the last year. On the whole it was quite different to what I envisaged back in January 2020. I was home in NZ for Christmas visiting family and friends, arriving back in...
Trading under Covid Restrictions for Christmas and Beyond
My order book for bespoke orders in time for Christmas was closed in early December, and will be reopening in January 2021. My studio will be closed for the bank holidays over the Christmas break, and I will be back making full time from the 4th January 2021. With...
Christmas Shopping 2020 style
Christmas shopping in 2020 has raised many new issues for buying gifts for loved ones. If you are a last minute merchant, you may still be okay, but those who like to plan and enjoy a protracted period of gift shopping have been severely hampered this year. Now that...
Out and About – Or Not During Lockdown
Usually I am in the studio Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm, and love visitors. However the Coronavirus lock down has changed the way I am working a bit. The Muswell Hill Creatives Fair I had planned to attend in March has been cancelled, and Handmade in Highgate...
Muswell Hill Creatives
On 1 October 2019 I was delighted to be accepted as a member of Muswell Hill Creatives. I had previously attended some of their markets as a guest stall holder, and love their vibe and passion for what they do. As someone who often works alone in my studio, I also...
2018 Christmas Voucher Draw
Congratulations to Amy Irish, the winner of the Christmas draw for a £100 voucher. I will be in touch to arrange delivery of the voucher soon. Amy will be able to use the voucher on our website to commission any of our fabulous hand stitched, English Bridle Leather...
It’s time to get organised for Christmas shopping
I am not the most organised of Christmas Shoppers, preferring to leave it to the last minute. However there are many people out there who are more organised. The early birds still have enough time to pop into my studio and commission a bespoke gift for delivery...
MHC Autumn Makers Fair 2025
I am looking forward to being out and about talking to customers at the forthcoming Autumn Fair held by Muswell Hill Creatives. I will be bringing along a stock of belts, bags and smaller leather goods and accessories for you to choose from. As ever I will be only...
Open Studios for Open House Weekend
On 20 - 21 September I will be one of the studio holders participating in Open Studios held as part of Open House Weekend. Most of the artists and makers in the building are throwing open their doors to give visitors an insight into their work, and offering the public...
MHC Spring Fair
I am looking forward to being out and about talking to customers at the forthcoming Spring Fair held by Muswell Hill Creatives. I will be bringing along a stock of belts, bags and smaller leather goods and accessories for you to choose from. As ever I will be only...
Make and Mend
Well after the disappointing weather that caused the cancellation of the MHC Winter Fair in December, I have signed up for the latest MHC Make and Mend event. No chance of this one being cancelled for rain or wind - it's inside. Come along and immerse yourself in a...
MHC Winter Fair Cancelled – High Winds Forecast
Message from Muswell Hill Creatives Saturday's Fair is Cancelled For the first time in 9 years of our Makers Fairs, we're having to cancel the postponed date because of the weather. Strong winds have become the bane of our lives over the last month and the forecast...
Handmade in Highgate
I am delighted to be back at Handmade in Highgate for their third and final event of the year. I will have my usual stock of bags, belts and small accessories all great Christmas Gifts, and there will be just enough time to commission a small gift for Christmas...
Muswell Hill Creatives Winter Makers Fair
UPDATE - Fair now cancelled due to predicted high winds. I am offering free local delivery on stock items only until Noon on Monday 23rd December. Unfortunately my current stock isn't shown on my website, so to place an order, call me on 07733 320 969. It's getting a...
MADE London
MADE LONDON is one of the outstanding events that showcases a diverse selection of around 120 exhibitors working in disciplines that include stunning examples of textiles, furniture, homeware, lighting and design, not to forget jewellery. So to be invited to attend...
Open Studios – Part of Open House Festival
This weekend the doors on the building will be thrown wide and people invited in to look around two floors of artists and makers studios. Many of the building artists will be showing off their work in their studios. I can't guarantee that I will be there for the...
Muswell Hill Creatives Summer Fair
Summer Makers Fair - Saturday 22nd June 2024 - 10.30am-5.00pm The weather has finally turned to the good, and I hope it continues until Saturday at least for the Summer Makers Fair curated by the marvellous Rachael Booth-Clibborn. She always manages to bring...
Muswell Hill Creatives Spring Fair
Spring Makers Fair - Saturday 20 April 2024 - 10.30am-5.00pm The weather is supposedly getting better, so I will be back at the MHC Spring Fair this weekend. All of our fairs are carefully curated by Rachael Booth-Clibborn to bring you the best of designed and...
You have to love a bespoke bag
I had a lovely day out and about in Muswell Hill for the Autumn Makers Fair. The weather was fair, people were engaging, and happy to be alive. It was made even better when a customer commissioned a bespoke bag. Working with a customer to design their own bag is one...
Bespoke Bag for a Chess Board
Philip is an avid chess player, who carries his travelling chess set with him frequently. He wanted a made to measure box bag that would protect his set while on the move. The bag was made up in Dark Havana English bridle leather from Sedgwicks, lined with dark red...
I am excited to announce …
... that I have my first market date for 2021 confirmed. 21 - 23 May will see me back at Handmade in Highgate, along with a fabulous selection of other designer/makers. Full details will follow soon. Of course that is assuming that the recently announced emergence...
Making a Bespoke Leather Bag
So you want a nice new bespoke leather bag. Where do you start? The first bags I made all came out of my frustration that I could never find exactly the right bag for me. As someone who is always misplacing an item because I have put it somewhere safe, I don’t want a...
How to Measure Yourself for Your Bespoke Leather Belt
A well-fitting leather belt doesn’t just enhance your outfit—it adds comfort, function, and timeless style. When ordering a bespoke leather belt from Steph Rubbo Saddlery, taking the time to measure correctly ensures that your handmade piece fits perfectly and stands...
Card Wallets
My range is deliberately kept simple as that best suits the type of leather I have available. The majority of card wallets I sell are made from offcuts left over from other commissions. The English bridle leather I like to work with is typically thicker and stiffer...
Bespoke Leather Passport Wallets
A product after my own heart. As an expat Kiwi, travel is a large part of my lifestyle, either visiting family in NZ, or my own travels for leisure. So when one of my clients requested a family lot of double passport wallets I could understand their need for them. ...
Mondaine Watchstrap
My journey into making watch straps won’t really surprise anyone. We have friends who live in Switzerland, and every time we visit we spend a certain amount of time waiting around on railway platforms anxiously clock watching. So when I discovered that Mondaine...
Customised Dog Leads and Collars
My collars and leads in English bridle leather are usually a classic style. They work brilliantly for most dogs, but sometimes something a little different is required. Laura, a very experienced dog owner, has a lovely, but very reactive, spaniel "Q". She asked me...
This lucky pup got a bespoke collar at MHC Spring Fair
You too could pick up a wonderful item from one of the many talented creatives at the Muswell Hill Creatives Summer fair this weekend. Our fairs enjoy excellent passing trade and a great community vibe. People here really understand hand designed and made, and we...
Repair it, or Replace it?
One of best things about being a saddler is making beautiful items from sumptuous materials that will last and last, and be loved by their owners. Recently I was asked if I could do something about a bag that appeared to be at the end of its useful life. It may have...
Chair Repairs and more
September seems to be the month of the chair - at least in my workshop. I have just completed repairs to this lovely leather and wood safari chair. Over time the leather had become dry and allowed to crack. Tasks that were requested were: replace the loop that held...
Fairs and Chairs
Well it seems like an age ago that I was excited to see lots of people out and about at our Summer Fair. Since then I have been so busy working on lots of other projects, and the main theme seemed to be chairs. Oh and I did have a couple of weeks off to visit...
Kaare Klint Safari Chair
The words “You’ve got a Kaare Klint” were music to my ears. At the time I was sitting doing some research into a chair for which I had been asked to replace some leather straps. The answer just popped up. With all repairs I do, I like to have an understanding of the...
Chair Making and Repair, Trolley Handles and more
With all that is happening to disrupt our normal jobs this last couple of months, I got to thinking about some of the varied work I have been engaged in. Chairs, trolley handles, binocular cases are amongst the many items that have been on my workbench in recent...
Make and Mend
Well after the disappointing weather that caused the cancellation of the MHC Winter Fair in December, I have signed up for the latest MHC Make and Mend event. No chance of this one being cancelled for rain or wind - it's inside. Come along and immerse yourself in a...
Muswell Hill Creatives Make and Mend Festival
Looking for something to do this weekend. Muswell Hill Creatives are hosting a Make and Mend Festival at Hornsey Parish Church Hall at Cranley Gardens N10. This event is about making and mending, but also about sustainability and supporting local businesses. Learn...
Chair Repairs and more
September seems to be the month of the chair - at least in my workshop. I have just completed repairs to this lovely leather and wood safari chair. Over time the leather had become dry and allowed to crack. Tasks that were requested were: replace the loop that held...
R & R time – see you again in February
I would like to say a big thank you of my customers who kept me busy over the last year or two. Now I am finally able to schedule in some much needed R & R time. From 17 January until 6 February 2022, I will be out of the studio, flat out, in a warm...
Fairs and Chairs
Well it seems like an age ago that I was excited to see lots of people out and about at our Summer Fair. Since then I have been so busy working on lots of other projects, and the main theme seemed to be chairs. Oh and I did have a couple of weeks off to visit...
Kaare Klint Safari Chair
The words “You’ve got a Kaare Klint” were music to my ears. At the time I was sitting doing some research into a chair for which I had been asked to replace some leather straps. The answer just popped up. With all repairs I do, I like to have an understanding of the...
Chair Making and Repair, Trolley Handles and more
With all that is happening to disrupt our normal jobs this last couple of months, I got to thinking about some of the varied work I have been engaged in. Chairs, trolley handles, binocular cases are amongst the many items that have been on my workbench in recent...
Repair it, or Replace it?
One of best things about being a saddler is making beautiful items from sumptuous materials that will last and last, and be loved by their owners. Recently I was asked if I could do something about a bag that appeared to be at the end of its useful life. It may have...