I live in Christchurch, and have been doing leatherwork for over 30 years, starting with the fashion of the 1970's of traditional carving, bags, wallets, belts, book covers etc. I then discovered free form sculpture, and have delighted in producing many pieces over the years. This has extended to covered bottles and many other pieces. Working with leather is a journey of discovery.

Since 1982, I have been teaching leatherwork to a great variety of people, from school children to retired people. Over the intervening 33 years, the numbers have fluctuated, and I still enjoy teaching each week, and interest people in the joys of working with leather. It is a 2 way street, as one learns so much from the students. Leather is not just a material to use for functional works like bags, belts wallets etc, but can be moulded into contemporary and decorative pieces and used with other mediums.

ANZLA was formed in 1982, and has gone from strength to strength over the intervening years. I am currently the Director of ANZLA, and organise an international leather conference every 4 years, with 5 days of hands on workshops with local and overseas tutors. The conference location is alternated between the North and South island of NZ.

If you are interested in learning the secrets of working with leather, or wish to order an item to be made, please contact me at scnelson@xtra.co.nz

The pieces shown, are samples of some of the work I create. Each piece is unique.

Sue Nelson

scnelson@xtra.co.nz