Leather goods made in Uxbridge a good sustainable gift idea
by Shelagh Fitz
There is a new art studio in town. Late last summer, Chandra Cutter launched Hyde End Leather. Some astute shoppers may be familiar with Hyde End’s products, as they were featured in Preston Gallery.
Cutter grew up in Orangeville and for a time lived in Calgary. The family moved to Uxbridge about a year ago. They chose Uxbridge because it represented “the centre point for [their] life,” with respect to family and work commitments. Cutter is please with the small town atmosphere that reminds her of the Orangeville of her past.
A Hyde End Leather Card Holder Wallet, with wrist strap, in deep pink.
Cutter studied fashion design and retail management at George Brown College and has qualifications in web design. Hyde End Leather is a culmination of education and creativity.
The process starts with new hides from which larger pieces are fashioned. The production carries forward remnants to create sequentially smaller one of a kind pieces. The ultimate goal is to limit waste – effectively no scrap is left behind.
The business is currently exclusively web based, with forays into shops like the Preston Gallery or seasonal markets. As the business grows, however, Cutter plans to approach stores with a hope to expand availability. Eventually, Cutter hopes to open an in-house studio shop.
The products tend towards geometric shapes and linear lines. The goal of the design approach is to minimize needs in life, combining simple design with durable, and ultimately biodegradable, products. Instead of a purse with a wallet, Cutter creates what she calls a handsfree wallet. She will expand the line to include more everyday items that may not be thought of being made out of leather – bibs, for instance. She hopes to expand people’s conception of what can be made from leather. Cutter keeps things as natural as she can. Liners are made of 100 per cent cotton. Clasps are metal, not plastic. Nylon thread is used for its durability.
More information is available at www.hydeendsleather.com