Meet the Maker
The Quirky Hide began in a quiet corner of Derbyshire, where time slows down and old world tools sit comfortably alongside imagination. More than a shop, it is a space where artisan leathercraft meets storytelling.
Every piece has a purpose. It is made to be used, to be loved, and eventually to be passed down through time, quietly carrying memories with every mark.
I'm Jules, a leather artisan, storyteller and the founder of The Quirky Hide. I never set out to create products. I set out to make things that feel like they belong to people, to stories and to moments that matter.
Nestled in the Derbyshire hills, my workshop is a peaceful space where the scent of leather and beeswax lingers in the air. It is where ideas take form. Some days are for cutting. Others are for dyeing or stitching. The work flows in its own rhythm, guided by patience and purpose.
Every piece starts with a hide of vegetable tanned leather. It is shaped with care, dyed by hand and stitched using a thoughtful blend of time honoured techniques and quiet modern tools. Whether it becomes a bag, a dragon or a journal, each one is part of our artisan leathercraft and becomes part of the Quirky Hide story.
I make everything in small batches to keep each piece personal. Handmade leather bags, journals, pouches, belts, bottle carriers and yes, dragons. No two pieces are ever quite the same. Every cut and stitch is intentional, and each piece becomes part of the magic, one stitch at a time.
Most days, there is music playing, a few well worn tools on the bench, and I am never alone. Fred Furnace, our turquoise and gold mascot, oversees operations alongside my loyal dogs, Oli and Marley.
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I find inspiration in folklore, in the quiet magic of nature, and in wild places where stories linger. There is something honest in well worn tools and in pieces that seem to carry a soul of their own.
Sustainability is also something I care deeply about. I believe that as makers, we have a responsibility, not just to create with care, but to consider the impact of what we make. All the leather I use is a by-product of the meat industry, which means it would otherwise go to waste. By choosing to work with it, I’m giving a new life to this material shaping it into something purposeful, personal, and lasting.
I see leather as an honest, natural material. It’s strong, repairable, biodegradable, and it carries stories in every mark and scar. When used thoughtfully, it’s one of the most sustainable materials we have. That’s why I never treat it as disposable, and why I believe in making things that are meant to last, to be loved, and to be passed on.
The Quirky Hide exists to bring people joy through texture, story and small moments of enchantment. Whether you meet us at a market or find us online, we hope you discover something meaningful. Perhaps a gift, a journal, or even a dragon to keep you company.
Thank you for being part of The Magic Behind the Quirky Hide, it truly means the world to me. Whether you’ve wandered in from a market stall, found us online, or simply followed a curious spark, we’re so glad you did. Let your curiosity lead the way, may your story be stitched with joy, and may Fred add a little unexpected magic to every step of the journey. If you have questions, ideas, or simply want to say hello, we’re always just a message away.