I lived aboard the narrowboat 'Faustroll' for 3 years crusing the inland waterways of England. It was during this period that I designed my 'English Leather roses'. I've always loved the smell and feel of real leather and prior to living afloat I'd always grown roses. So it was just a small step to decide to combine my two passions and try to make a leather rose. The project occupied me for many a long winters evening, and I drew on all my crafting skills to perfect my original design. Eventually I was satisfied and in the Springtime the first “English Leather Rose” was finished to my satisfaction.

Although leather roses are a contemporary product, there is an echo of the ‘roses and castles’ tradition of the English canals, which prizes authenticity and manual skill.

I didn’t intend to sell the roses – but in the summer passers by kept stopping to watch me work and word soon spread. It quickly became apparent that I was making a unique item that other people wanted to own and to give as gifts. My husband, friends, and family encouraged me to make them available on a wider basis. So with their support I started "The English Leather Rose Co" in 2004. The Company grew steadily and became incorporated in January 2005. Today I send my leather roses all over the world.

I now have a dedicated workshop at my home in Scraptoft, Leicestershire and I work (full time) from home. Despite the success of the business I continue to resist all attempts to get me to expand further! I take personal responsibility for every order - from a single rose to a big wedding. I provide a personal service and I don't want to loose touch with my customers. I get enormous pleasure from doing a good job and exceeding expectations. Offering a high quality product and a personal service is of the upmost importance to me. I like to think of the English Leather Rose Co. as a worldwide ‘corner shop’ rather than a ‘superstore’ model of Internet trading. I frequently get to know my customers well and love it when I get sent emails and photos.

Whilst 'The English Leather Rose Co.' is primarily an internet mail order business, I enjoy taking leather roses to shows and exhibitions. We have exhibited at the 'SKIN TWO EXPO' (Barbican, London), 'EROTICA' (Olympia, London)2005 - 2007, 'THE BIRMINGHAM BIZARRE BAZAAR' and The LONDON FETISH FAIR.

Crafting leather roses for weddings has now become such a big part of my business that I have set up a dedicated weddings site with loads of pictures of all of my work at www.leatherweddingroses.com I enjoy working closely with 'my' brides enabling them to have unique and individual roses for their big day. Whilst I specialise in making leather roses for alternative weddings and ceremonies, leather roses have a wide ranging appeal. They provide a lasting reminder of the special day for the years to come.

Thanks for your interest
Louise Hugill

I also keep a shop on E-Bay 'Leather Roses'.