ARTISAN LEATHER MILLS- CUSTOM LEATHER CRAFTS NZ
My name is Les Mills and I carve and create artisanal leather items in my home workshop in Marton, New Zealand. I’m from a small country town, I’ve worked farms since I was young and I’m a 7th to 10th century reenactor and combat fighter.
I’ve always had a passion for more traditional handicrafts and hobbies, including hand stitching re-enacting clothing, blacksmithing over coal, carving antler and bone, hunting and foraging, cooking over a campfire, and even making cheese. After a workplace injury set me back a few years ago I created my first leather battle bag for my re-enacting kit. A friend loved it and requested a custom one for himself, with slightly different carvings – and so my love of custom leather work began and has grown into what lays before you, Artisan Leather Mills.
I love bringing people’s ideas and passions to life with custom carved leather work. My home workshop flows out into the living areas where I can work near my young daughter and my wife. Custom carved items are something I really look forward to creating, and generally it takes me about 2 weeks from concept to completion. I hand carve everything with simple hand held tools, then stain and dye the carvings by hand and finish them with a protective coating of oil or beeswax balm.
