The Porta Leather Story

       

 My vision and why I created Porta Leather

For many years I found finding that perfect bag or wallet a frustrating task.  A bag would look wonderful but it would lack the basics that made it practical for everyday use and therefore, I would not always want to use it.  When I started leathercraft, I set out to design bags and wallets that were practical, clean and timeless in design. 

I was also excited about bringing items to the market that were not only designed in Australia but made here too.     

Meet the Maker

Here I am, a mum of two little men and the wife of a produce farmer.  I live on a little property on the rural outskirts of Sydney with our big fluff ball English Springer Spaniel, our chickens and goats.  We have quite a lovely garden and veggie patch so I have lots of weeding to do but I enjoy this time as it gives me a chance to reflect.  I also enjoy bush walking and being outdoors.  When I am not spending time with my beautiful little family, I am enjoying my other passion… leathercraft.

I once read a quote that said:

"Whatever makes your soul happy... do that".  

So, I decided to do exactly that, immerse myself in my happy place by being creative!

I’ve always loved crafting and creating things.  Some of my earliest childhood memories involve me hiding away in my Dad's shed looking through jars of screws, nails and piles of scrap timber while trying to decide what I was going to make. I must have driven my parents crazy with my constant need to create things. That passion for making things only continued to grow.

In high school I studied textiles and learnt to sew, design and make patterns and I continued sewing and crafting into my adult years.

I had always wondered how I could improve on some of my designs and after being introduced to the idea of leathercraft one day, suddenly there was an option I had never considered. That night I went home and started googling about the process of making leather bags. That was it... I was hooked! For 3 months I watched every leathercrafting YouTube clip I could get my hands on. I was up most nights late into the evening researching and learning as much as I possibility could. Finally, I made my first trip to a leather store to purchase tools and leather to make my first bag and I haven't looked back.

 

 

While making items for myself and for family I started receiving requests for items and encouraging feedback.  After some time, I decided to take the leap and sell my handcrafted items and so Porta Leather came to life.

 

 

As mentioned earlier I reside in North West Sydney… but where from exactly you may ask.  The rural area of Maroota to be exact.  Nestled high in the bush land in the outskirts of Sydney, just before you reach the historic town of Wisemans Ferry. 

Creative Inspiration drawn from Nature

Some of you may know Maroota for its sand and sandstone but those of us that live here know it offers so much more.  Maroota is rich in natural beauty and has a strong agricultural history and with its sweeping mountain views, scenic bushwalks and beautiful wildlife it really is a wonderful place to sit and create.

My collection is focused around natural tones of browns and chestnut like the dirt we farm, blacks of the burnt stumps of our bush land and tans like the beautiful sun going down in the afternoon.  My designs are simple and timeless so as to truly showcase the leather and its, colour and feel.

My workshop overlooks the magnificent Blue Mountains and the rolling hills beneath it.  I have stared out that window for many years and I am still discovering things I had never noticed. The valleys seem endless.  This room is where all the planning and thinking happens and that backdrop is the perfect place to let the creativity take over.

I would not want to live anywhere else. 

So, when you are holding your wallet, bag or clutch I hope you can see a little bit of Maroota and its natural beauty there in your hands.

What it means when you buy from Porta Leather

When you explore my collection, I hope you find the item you feel you can take, and want to take on your journey as you explore and enjoy your world.  

Thank you for sharing in my journey as I bring Porta Leather to you.

Renee

Founder Porta Leather