This is my 'Not On The High Street' and not on 'Not On The High Street' gift section, where you can find something truly special and unique that your friends wouldn't have thought of. If you're like me you'll spend hours looking for the right present and sifting through so many websites and ideas, but those hours could be put to so much better a use. Here I've done all the legwork for you in finding truly special gifts for friends and family.
Gift of the Month: March
Beautiful, bespoke, upcycled leather bag
My idea for March is from Aly Bond Leather. Aly uses old leather products and clothing such as from chairs, jackets and bags, to make beautifully upcycled bags and purses. Because each item is handmade, there is a huge variety of choice in design, not just in the style but also in terms of materials. Send her yours, your mum's or your friend's old leather jacket that's been unworn and unloved for too long, take a look at her website for inspiration on what kind of bag you'd like made, and get in touch. The beauty of this is that Aly can also incorporate pretty much any other material into the lining of the bag, e.g. your dad's old shirt, a university tie, a child's fabric drawings, etc.. to really personalise the finished product.
I love this as a gift idea because You can created a totally unique, bespoke bag for a loved one made of recycled and sentimental fabric that has meaning and history.