Letters from Lucy : Taking time out for myself

Hey Everyone,

I don’t know what it is about 2023 but everyone I’ve spoken to seems to have had a rollercoaster of a year already. After a much busier start to the year than usual, I’ve tried to take a bit more time for myself this month. I think that when you get to do a job that you’re genuinely passionate about, finding a good work-life balance can be challenging. But just because you enjoy your work, doesn’t mean it’s not still work!

Although I’ve been having some down time, I have also been doing some serious catching up on things in the workshop. One job that has had me tearing my hair out since January, was to replace the worn-out leather and padding on a pair of elbow crutches. This is not my typical sort of work, nor something I felt at all confident doing but the customer had been turned away by several other leather workers and I wanted to try and help.

Finding the right leather for the job proved to be one of the biggest challenges, but once I found something that seemed to work, I drew from my panel making skills back at the Saddlery Training Centre. Although I wasn’t thrilled with the end result (perfectionist problems) I was over the moon to finally finish the job and get them back to the customer.




I’ve also been keen to get started on a recycling project I’ve had in mind for a while now and as I mentioned last month, I’m feeling even more inspired after seeing some of the entries at the National Saddlery Competition. Over the years I have acquired quite a few old pieces of tack but a couple of weeks ago I was gifted an amazing collection after a family friend had a tack room clear out.

The highlight by far was the fantastic selection of bits (taking my current stash up to well over 60 bits).

I guess you could say, I’ve got a “bit” of a problem!

I’m not sure if this is the same for all saddlers but I just love looking at different bits, especially those that are a little more antique in style. The next challenge is going to be going through it all of the leather and working out what I’m making with it!

Bye for now,
Lucy 😊