Welcome to our behind-the-scenes journey into the creation of our newest wedding collection, Ceremony: Love Beyond Death. Inspired by 60s horror and psychedelia posters, this collection is a celebration of love, nature, and the magic that lies in the bond between two souls and, you know, general trippy stuff. Join us as we share the inspiration, design process, and preparations for the photoshoot and launch of our glorious collection of psychedelic accessories made from leather.
First and foremost when it came to tackling this collection, was our desire to create something different to the usual offerings for weddings. We believe that marriage should be a deeply personal experience for couples, and we strive to help them express themselves as much as possible on their big day. This collection was created for those who prefer a darker and grittier aesthetic. But where did this aesthetic come from?
Originally, this collection came from ideas we had circling around large-scale patches and biker cuts. We both grew up in an era and sub-culture where leather, for us, was synonymous with bikers and rockers and it only felt right to work on a collection that came from those roots.
Whilst many biker cuts and rock and roll designs utilise very familiar font styles, we, of course, wanted to do something different. Inspired by battle vests at festivals and our love for early 70s font types used by bands like Black Sabbath, we found ourselves gravitating toward the ethereal strangeness of psychedelic-inspired horror. We took inspiration from movie posters like Suspiria and Dracula to music posters from Melvins and the 13th Floor Elevators as well as absorbed ourselves into the general feel for this era's vibe.
We then decided to dive into the world of symbolism - marriage ceremonies across the world are so steeped in different cultural traditions and folklore, and this is the stuff we love to sink our teeth into.
Symbolism has always been one of our muses, from superstitious old wives' tales to long-lived folklore. For the Ceremony collection, we sought to capture the ethereal essence of British folklore and mix it with 1960s psychedelia. A lot of darkness sits behind the traditions of British weddings - and we couldn’t help but dive into the macabre.
Whether you research into the reasons why veils became tradition (to protect brides from evil spirits of course) or why we feel the need to have an entourage of bridesmaids and groomsmen (to act as decoys against malevolent spirits and to fight your right to your bride respectively), there's a veritable feast of interesting elements that became part of weddings today - and that's not even including the vows.
The design process is by far the most time-consuming part of this creative journey, especially when it comes to product design. The first step was to define the types of products we wanted to include in our collection, this involved meticulous planning and brainstorming sessions to determine the direction we wanted to take. We delved deep into mythological lore and symbolism and we conducted extensive research to gather inspiration. From there, we carefully selected which ideas we wanted to explore further, leaving behind numerous concepts that didn't quite make the cut. This collection was easily the biggest we have released thus far, and if we hadn't been sensible it could have been twice the size!
Despite the constraints we placed on ourselves when designing our selection of psychedelic accessories, we managed to compile a list of key elements that we wanted to incorporate into our illustrations. These elements represented two parts of our core focus - life and death. We wanted visual symbols for both, resulting in flora, skulls and of course mushrooms - a symbol of life flourishing from death.
Additionally, we identified the shapes and forms that we wanted to experiment with to tie together our illustrative themes with the rock n' roll biker cut aesthetic. This involved shields, banners and hearts.
After refining our chosen illustrations and pattern pieces for the new pieces, it was time to test out the engraving of these designs. When designing for engraving we ensure that there is a consistency in the weight of the drawn line. Often with digital designs, where you can zoom in to the piece infinitely, I can get a little carried away with detail. This detail would get lost on the scale we were working with for this collection - so I restrained myself further by using thick brushes to draw up our final designs.
Colour was always a very important element for this collection - looking back over our plethora of inspirational imagery there was a mix of stark 2 tone colour in the horror movie posters and an explosion of bright and glorious colour experimentation in the psychedelic.
As you can imagine, when faced with a material like leather which is often synonymous with browns and blacks - we wanted to get as much colour across as possible. This involved hand dyeing a lot of our leathers and incorporating a fair amount of hand painting. Our colour palette involved green and orange - two of our favourite colours. We balanced these with burgundy and a neutral camel.
With our pieces finalised, we had one major task left to do - stitching those patches onto jackets and waistcoats for the photoshoot. We spent weeks searching for velvet blazers and waistcoats that would fit our colour scheme and aesthetic - we just loved the idea of these 70s velvet jackets getting adorned with these leather patches that you would usually see on a denim jacket. The contrast in texture is definitely luxurious and pleasing to the eye!
With our jackets and waistcoats in hand, it was time for us to stitch these patches on - final decisions on placements and which colour patches should sit on which jacket saw us through many coffees.
With hours of stitching in front of movies at home, we finally were getting so close to being ready for the shoot!
Whilst stitching up our pieces, we were still thinking narratively about the collection and how to portray our pieces in the photography. We adored the idea of having this bright celebration of colour and psychedelic accessories photographed on our local moors. Our local landscape is always an inspiration to us, and, it is genuinely part of everything we do. It likely sounds weird that a landscape can hold so much meaning to people - but for us Yorkshire folk it is part of our life-blood. Something which has so creatively and succinctly been demonstrated by the book written by Benjamin Myers and the subsequent prequel series by Shane Meadows' Gallow's Pole. In the final stages of putting this collection together, we couldn't help but be in awe with the synchronicity of Gallow's Pole being on the telly - with psychedelic whisperings and music by Goat filmed with a gritty backdrop of Yorkshire life circa 18th century. We felt justified for our weird pairings!
Glad rags gathered together, new t-shirts delivered, we were ready to take to the moors with Shutter-Go-Click and some valuable friends who had offered their afternoon to get cold on the wind swept moors of Marsden in some interesting finery.
With this in mind, we gathered props that often feature in our flat lay and product photos - animal skulls often found in the barren cloughs of the moors, flowers, vintage maps and binoculars. We loved the idea of this strange wedding party getting lost on the packhorse trails - these paths often trod by our ancestors bringing supplies to and from remote places with nought but clogs on their feet.
Finally, the moment arrived when we could unveil the Ceremony collection to the world. It was so lovely to see so many people share these awesome photographs and the results of our hard work. Orders for the new back patches, corsage pockets and clutches rolled in, and made it all worthwhile.
When you work on something that feels so intrinsically you, it can be terrifying to show the world. What if everyone hates it? Is it just too different and jarring for Hord as a brand? Luckily, all those worries ebbed away at launch!
What started out as a collection with weddings in mind soon started to evolve. We weren't just making personalised back patches that said "Just Married" or "Bride", this was us combining some of our favourite eras that are really important to us. We wanted to make pieces that stood apart from the above - as such we ended up with a collection that is loved outside of weddings and tradition. We have people wearing their shoe charms for all occasions. We have people stitching these patches to their jackets because they love and understand them as pieces of art. We don't just want to create pieces for one day, we want to create pieces that can be cherished for years to come - and if these psychedelic accessories speak to you, you are in the right place.
Get ready to embrace the great outdoors and level up your picnic game! Imagine a picture-perfect scene: lush green surroundings, laughter filling the air, and the sheer joy of indulging in delicious treats.
Our handpicked collection of picnic essentials is here to make your outdoor adventures even more enjoyable. From cosy woollen picnic blankets that invite you to relax in style, to double-walled stainless steel bottles that keep your drinks perfectly chilled or piping hot, we've got you covered. Sip your favourite beverages in our light enamel mugs and capture the magic of the moment in our nature journals.
Picnics were always a big part of my childhood - from large family gatherings at Cannon Hall, with fold-up chairs, bikes and a whole heap of my cousins causing havoc to smaller occasions, where the car door was flung open as a windbreak and I'd watch my mum and dad make tea from their thermos.
When Jason and I met, a lot of our courting days were spent having picnics in the local park - we'd treat ourselves with fancy bits and pieces from the deli (In fact, we still do this). With this, we want to celebrate the humble picnic - there's nothing quite like a bit of alfresco dining out in the wilds.
So let's move on to our top handmade picnic essentials this summer!
Have you heard about our blankets? They are simply perfect for outdoor adventures and cosy gatherings with loved ones. We have one permanently in our car for our picnics and for those chilly evenings round a campfire. These beauties are woven in Wales and carry a touch of rustic charm. Inspired by the colours of nature, our blankets come in a delightful range of shades. And guess what? You can bundle up and get our handmade picnic blanket carry straps made from genuine Italian leather. They're super handy for bundling up our blankets or you can purchase one separately to be used with your existing favourite picnic essentials. They're an absolute must-have for all your outdoor escapades!
So, let me tell you about our incredible insulated water bottles that are perfect for picnics and on-the-go adventures! These bottles are the ultimate companions for your outdoor escapades. Imagine sipping your favourite hot tea or coffee amidst nature's embrace, or quenching your thirst with ice-cold beverages on a scorching summer day. Our insulated water bottles are designed to keep your drinks at the perfect temperature for hours. Whether you prefer a piping hot brew or a refreshing chilled beverage, our bottles have got you covered. So, no matter where your picnic takes you, you can enjoy your preferred drink just the way you like it. With their sleek design and durable construction, these bottles are not only functional but also stylish. Stay hydrated and refreshed with our insulated water bottles – the perfect companions for your picnic adventures!
Another one for your beverages! Our fabulous leather-wrapped enamel mugs, are the perfect addition to your picnic essentials! These lightweight mugs bring a touch of vintage charm to your outdoor adventures. Enjoy your favourite hot beverages or refreshing drinks while surrounded by nature's beauty. With their durable construction and stylish leather-wrapped exterior, our enamel mugs are both practical and elegant. So, whether you're sipping a steaming cup of coffee or savouring an ice-cold beverage, our leather-wrapped enamel mugs are the ideal companions for your memorable picnics.
Capture the essence of your outdoor adventures with our exquisite leather journal covers. These covers are not just designed to protect your treasured nature journal, but also to ignite your inspiration to document the beauty of your surroundings and the experiences of each day. Crafted from high-quality leather, these covers are not only durable but also age beautifully over time. With their timeless appeal and customizable options, they make the perfect companions for those seeking to chronicle their outdoor explorations. So, whether you're embarking on a thrilling hike, finding solace in a serene garden, or simply immersing yourself in the wonders of nature, our leather journal covers will keep your thoughts and memories safe, ready to be revisited and cherished for years to come.
Raise a toast to unforgettable moments with our timeless hip flasks, the perfect companions for those who enjoy sharing a tipple during a delightful picnic. Made from high-quality materials, these flasks exude both elegance and durability, ready to accompany you on all your outdoor adventures. So, whether you're enjoying a crisp gin and tonic or a warming whiskey by the campfire, our hip flasks will add a touch of sophistication and make your picnic gatherings truly memorable. Cheers to good times and shared sips!
So with all of your picnic essentials packed, you've got one more task to do - the fun bit, food!
We hope this has sparked your imagination and ignited nd motivated you to get outdoors and enjoy a picnic with your loved ones. Whether it's a car picnic or one during a lengthy hike - enjoy!
Gear up for Father's Day with our handpicked collection of useful and stylish gifts that are sure to make Dad's day. From sleek leather and steel bottle openers with handy clips to lightweight cotton summer caps that provide shade and style, we've got you covered. Discover the perfect blend of practicality and style with our Father's Day gift guide.
If your dad is always on the go, whether commuting, exploring the outdoors, or hitting the gym, our adventure bottles make an ideal gift. Designed for convenience and durability, they are suitable for carrying water, tea, coffee, or even his favourite brew. With exceptional insulation, these bottles keep beverages hot or cold for a full 24 hours, ensuring he stays hydrated during long walks or enjoys a warm drink on chilly adventures.
What's more, our bottles are completely plastic-free, crafted with stainless steel and a convenient silicone ring for easy cleaning. By gifting him one of these adventure bottles, you're not only giving him a practical and stylish accessory but also supporting his commitment to reducing single-use plastic. Let your dad embark on every journey with a reliable and eco-friendly companion that will last a lifetime.
For those dads who still carry a bit of cash with them, our money clip card holders are a great option for those downsizing from a wallet. Full grain leather cut in our famed mountain scene, hand dyed and hand stitched for a durable and long-lasting finish - this card holder features a note clip at the back to easily slide your notes into.
To make it even more special, we offer complimentary personalization, allowing you to add his initials for that heartfelt touch. Presented in a linen gift bag, this slimline treasure is ready to be bestowed upon your deserving dad.
We have even more features and options in our range of wallets as we continue our journey crafting a wallet that suits different personalities. Check out a few of them below.
Dad hats, yep, they're a thing - who knew? But, they can be cool too, in more ways than one. This cap features a 100% cotton shell available in five awesome colours to suit all complexions. With its soft-structured and five-panel design, these hats offer a comfortable fit that he'll love. The low-profile silhouette suits many. Metal eyelets and nylon strap clip closure add a touch of comfort with size adjustability and air vents. Whether he's heading out for an adventure or simply enjoying a sunny day, this camper cap is the ideal companion for keeping him shaded and looking effortlessly cool.
Looking for the perfect gift for the beer-loving dad in your life? Look no further than our Swivel Bottle Opener Keyring. This compact and stylish accessory is designed for convenience and functionality. Crafted from thick and sturdy Italian vegetable-tanned leather, it features a stainless steel bar blade that swivels into a compact fob. With its handy clip, it can easily be attached to a backpack or belt loop, making it a perfect companion for camping trips. outdoor adventures or simply sitting in the garden.
What's more, we offer customization options, allowing you to add a personal touch with your choice of text. Compact, reliable, and customized just for him, this Swivel Bottle Opener Keyring is a gift that will make every beer-drinking experience more enjoyable.
Looking for the perfect Father's Day gift that combines style and practicality? Discover our collection of key fobs, designed with Dad in mind. These key fobs are expertly crafted using premium materials like genuine leather and robust hardware. Not only do they keep keys organized and within reach, but they also exude a sense of sophistication. With customizable options, such as engraved initials or personal messages, these key fobs become a heartfelt and distinctive gift for dads who appreciate functionality and fashion. Bid farewell to lost keys and embrace a sleek accessory that Dad will cherish every day. Say it with a key fob, a thoughtful reminder of your love and appreciation.
This Father's Day, show your appreciation and love for Dad with a gift that combines style, functionality, and personalization. Whether it's a rugged leather wallet, a versatile bottle opener, a trendy camper cap, or a sleek key fob, our collection offers a range of unique and handcrafted items that are sure to make him feel special. Each piece is carefully designed with attention to detail, using high-quality materials and customizable options. So, make this Father's Day unforgettable by choosing a gift that reflects his personality and showcases your thoughtfulness. Celebrate the bond between father and child with a present that he will treasure for years to come. Shop our collection now and make this Father's Day one to remember.
This Father's Day, let your dad know you care with a gift that speaks volumes, even from afar. Imagine his surprise and delight as he opens his letterbox to find a personalized and enduring present waiting for him. With our selection of Father's Day gifts that can be sent directly to the recipient and fit snugly into a letterbox, you can make this day unforgettable. These meaningful tokens, tailored to his interests and preferences, will serve as a lasting reminder of your love and appreciation. Let distance melt away as you embrace the joy of giving, knowing that your heartfelt gift will create lasting memories that withstand the test of time.
This Father's Day, give your adventurous dad a gift that reflects his spirit and style. Our mountain card holders are perfect for fathers who embrace the thrill of exploring the great outdoors. Designed to accommodate the modern trend of downsizing in cash, these card holders offer a sleek and compact solution for organizing cards and essentials. Each card holder is meticulously crafted and made to order, allowing you to personalize it to match your dad's personality. Choose from a range of leather and stitch colours that resonate with his taste. To make it truly one-of-a-kind, you can even have a small but meaningful text engraved on the cardholder. With this thoughtful gift, your dad will not only have a practical accessory but also a cherished memento that captures his unique spirit and the love you share.
Surprise your dad with a versatile and practical gift this Father's Day. Our key fobs, meticulously crafted from soft pull-up leather, offer the perfect solution for keeping keys secure and easily accessible. Featuring a convenient clip, they can be effortlessly attached to your dad's belt loop as he navigates from the car to the front door. The small D-ring provides a dedicated spot for his keys, while the precisely sized slip of leather allows it to slide onto his belt. Designed for adaptability, this key fob can be customized to match your dad's style and preferences. Choose from a range of leather and hardware colours that resonate with his taste, and add a personal touch by having initials or numbers engraved. With this thoughtful and functional gift, your dad will appreciate the practicality and convenience of his new key fob, customized just for him.
Delve into the realm of ancient language and intrigue with our engraved leather cuffs this Father's Day. Designed to captivate and inspire, these cuffs feature intricate engravings of Viking runes or Ogham text, representing hidden messages that only the wearer can decipher. Crafted from soft and supple pull-up leather, each cuff exudes a sense of rugged elegance and timeless style. Available in a variety of colours, you can choose the perfect hue that resonates with your dad's personality. These cuffs serve as a meaningful and personal gift, allowing your dad to carry a secret message close to his heart, and showcase his individuality with pride.
Rediscover the sentimental charm of gifting with our personalised leather bookmarks this Father's Day. Reminiscent of the cherished handmade bookmarks I lovingly crafted for my own parents, these bookmarks have now evolved into sophisticated keepsakes. Crafted from luxurious full-grain leather and hand-dyed in a range of captivating colours, each bookmark can be uniquely engraved with your chosen text. Stuck for ideas on what to engrave? A beloved quote from their favourite novel, a meaningful or memorable saying that they just can't stop themselves from saying (dad jokes anyone?, or simply and elegantly their name, can just add a touch of personalization that truly speaks to them. Embrace the nostalgia of those precious moments and present your loved ones with a gift that nurtures their love for reading. Let these exquisite leather bookmarks become cherished mementoes, that can be used time and time again.
You might be surprised to find out that our leather journal covers can fit right through the letterbox (even with the journal included). A perfect keepsake, these full-grain leather journal covers can be used time and time again, as not only are they made of high-quality materials and with long-lasting techniques, they're also refillable. Hand-dyed and stitched in your choice of colour, these beauties can be engraved with your choice of text too - from a monogram to a quote, we've got you covered. We chose Leuchtturm1917 as our refill books of choice as the company have had a long-lasting legacy producing these books and they are widely available internationally - including with us!
This Father's Day, let distance and busy schedules not hinder your heartfelt gesture of appreciation. With our letterbox-friendly gifts, you can send a meaningful surprise directly to your dad's doorstep. Whether it's a personalized card holder, a stylish key fob, an engraved leather cuff, a custom bookmark, or a refillable journal cover, our thoughtfully crafted gifts will speak volumes. Don't forget, you can add our lovely gift wrap and a gift note when purchasing, to ensure it really is a gift to remember.
The REPOSE collection is inspired by the beauty of nature, and the intricate details found in the world around us. These details are a constant source of inspiration to us. There are so many patterns found in nature, from Fibonacci spirals to Fractal Patterns, the mix of math and natural form is in sync. REPOSE will eventually become a true exploration of our love for these patterns and our Nature Studies. First up in the series is the Splitgill mushroom.
Nature is a magnificent artist, adorning the world with intricate patterns that never fail to captivate our senses. Among these remarkable patterns, one phenomenon stands out: the Fibonacci sequence. Derived from a mathematical series, the Fibonacci sequence manifests itself in nature's creations, from the elegant spirals of seashells to the delicate unfurling of fern fronds. It's a divine harmony, where each number in the sequence is the sum of the two preceding ones, creating a mesmerizing rhythm found in flowers, pinecones, and even the arrangement of leaves on a stem. The Fibonacci sequence is nature's secret code, unveiling a captivating order and a sense of aesthetic perfection that continues to awe and inspire us.
In the realm of natural beauty, one extraordinary occurrence also reigns supreme: fractals. These mesmerizing geometric patterns repeat infinitely, unveiling intricate details within details, creating a captivating visual symphony. From the delicate branches of a tree to the intricate veins of a leaf, fractals are nature's signature, a testament to its boundless creativity. Zooming in or out, the same mesmerizing patterns emerge, revealing a self-similar structure that transcends scale. These captivating fractals can be found in the grandest landscapes, like the majestic peaks of mountains, as well as in the tiniest wonders, such as snowflakes or seashells. Nature's abundant display of fractals is a reminder of its infinite complexity, inviting us to explore its intricate tapestry and immerse ourselves in its breathtaking intricacy.
At the heart of the REPOSE collection is a love for the natural world, and a desire to bring the beauty of nature into our everyday lives. Whether you're heading out on a hike, or simply curling up with a good book, our products are designed to help you feel connected to the natural world, even when you're indoors.
To kick off this series, we delve into the enchanting world of the Splitgill mushroom. Inspired by its delicate gills and captivating patterns.
The Splitgill Mushroom, scientifically known as Schizophyllum commune, is a fascinating organism renowned for its unique appearance and growth patterns. This mushroom species features thin, fan-shaped caps with distinctive split gills, hence its name. The gills, often displaying intricate patterns and colours, aid in spore dispersal. Growing primarily on decaying wood, the Splitgill Mushroom thrives in diverse habitats, from forests to urban landscapes. Its adaptability and resilience contribute to its widespread distribution across the globe. As the mushroom matures, its delicate forms and striking colours emerge, offering a captivating sight for nature enthusiasts and mushroom admirers alike. Whether encountered in its natural habitat or depicted in artistic interpretations, the Splitgill Mushroom never fails to inspire wonder and appreciation for the beauty of the fungal world.
We are captivated by the graceful undulations and intricate divisions within the frilled gills of the Splitgill Mushroom. These organic forms intertwine harmoniously with the contours of our products, creating a visually stunning juxtaposition. The natural flow of these mushroom-inspired patterns accentuates the grain of our leather and offers a striking contrast against the robust metal elements of our tankards, water bottles, and hardware. This delicate fusion of textures and materials is something that inspires a lot of our pieces and is often a starting point when applying an illustration to a product.
The placement of our splitgill illustrations on each product seemed to naturally align with the shape of the product, which was very satisfying, to say the least! We also curated a range of leathers and colours that would highlight the distinctive characteristics of each item in our collection. We focused on soft leathers in subtle, muted tones and paired them with our smooth vegetable tanned hides which are hand dyed in house.
We love the deep dusky pinks and soft khaki tones that are revealed in the frills and gills of this fungus - so we opted for our soft leathers to take centre stage. These leathers have a slight nubuck feel (like a peach) which we felt represents the fuzzy caps of the Splitgill Mushroom. We opted for Soft Sand and Soft Red and combined them with our Camel and Antique dyed Vegetable tanned hides. In order to add some intrigue and pops of a contrast colour, we paired these colours with Soft Blue and Soft Green, and a hint of Light Brown. These particular colours sit so well together and we felt they were the perfect choice for representing our first Studies in Nature collection as well as the beautiful mushroom itself.
So if you're looking for a way to bring a little bit of the outdoors into your home, look no further than the REPOSE collection. With a range of beautiful products to choose from, you're sure to find something that speaks to your sense of style and love of nature.
Not all mothers are the same. Hord has always stood out in matters of gifting; as we like to focus on non-gendered products filled with personality.
We've crafted a gift guide for those who are looking for unusual and unique gift ideas for their individual mums.
Gone are the days when we have to fight receipts and a thousand loyalty cards into already bulging purses and wallets. With digital alternatives on the rise, we've decided to craft a minimalist wallet that holds all the key and important items you need, and that's it. Perfect for a small pocket or bag, these purses are hand dyed in your choice of colour and can be engraved with a monogram or initials of your choice. These beauties are hand stitched for longevity. Each card slot can hold multiple cards, and over time will soften and mould to the items you pop into it - perfect!
I don't think it will be news to you that we love a bit of adventure and so many of our pieces embrace that part of our lifestyle. We also know that we're not alone.
For the mothers who are oft "parched" (as my own would say) and where a cup of tea is the most important drink of the day, our beautiful enamel mugs with a leather wrap are perfect for the garden and camping. Resilient enamel bound in leather means those precious hands don't get burnt - they can also come engraved with some rather beautiful designs.
We also make insulated water bottles made of stainless steel - bpa free and super easy to clean, these bottles are perfect on the go! They keep your hot drinks hot and your cold drinks cold.
Yep, you've heard me harp on about our removable leather journal and notebook covers - but you know what? It's because they're ace. I own about 4 covers, all for different projects - sketchbooks, work notebooks, journals and diaries. I'm sure it will only be a matter of time before I have one for my recipes.
They make great unique gifts for mothers day as they can be reused time and time again - even when they have filled up their journals. With space on the inside and out to add your own personal message and dyed and stitched in the colours of your choice.
With lots of designs to choose from, we have something for every personality. As always, if you have a particular idea in mind, hit us up with an email and we'll be happy to help you make it a reality!
Sometimes you just want a little something that will be used day in and day out, but they will think of you when they pick it up. Here are a few little mementoes that are perfect unique gift ideas, whether it's a bookmark for their latest read or a key fob for their keys.
We started our journey making Valentine's gifts - can you believe it? I guess I must have quite the romantic side. It is likely because the forging of Hord started around the time I met Jason - so I was likely up in the clouds making all sorts of bits for him in my endless declaration of love. Hah! Well, in time-honoured tradition we thought we should compile our most wish-listed, cool Valentine's gifts for those who have a flair for the unique. As most of our pieces are suitable for all genders, we've decided to draft up this guide by type of gift!
Looking for a Cool Valentine's Gift? Check out our content below and find the perfect fit for you!
We incorporated the idea of secret messages into a lot of our product line as they are perfect for occasions where you want to add something memorable and personal for the recipient, but without the world having to know what it says. Perfect for a romantic touch as a Valentine's or Anniversary gift - these pieces only get more cherished over the years.
We have a few different ways to add your secret message - form hiding it behind the product - like engraving the inner sleeve of our journal covers, or, the inside of a belt. Another way is to use ancient languages - a cool little puzzle for your partner to translate when receiving your gift.
We use a couple of ancient languages to convey messages. One is with futhark runes, an old way the Vikings depicted letters and meaning. We also utilise Ogham - an ancient Celtic alphabet that was often inscribed in stone and wood. Each carving is based on a different type of tree and these inscriptions were an early form of writing for the Old Irish language - one in which we find a lot of beauty and mystery.
These alphabets make a great way of conveying your heart in a graphical and decorative way.
Want a secret message or runic text on our other products? Don't hesitate to get in touch.
There's nothing quite like a romantic stroll on Valentine's day, and it just so happens we have quite a few treats to make it that little bit more special. It's safe to say, mine and Jason's courting days were filled with walks, wiling away the hours with talk of music and video games.
Our love-heart tree carving hip flask is perfect for a wintry February walk, fill it with your favourite tipple and keep warm on a lovely romantic stroll.
If you'd prefer to share a cup of tea, these adventure bottles are perfect for an easy way to carry a hot drink on your ventures. They are great for everyday use for the gym-goer, hiker, and those on the go. Insulating your drinks for over 12 hours, hot or cold.
Opt for our topographic designs to showcase where you had your first date, got married, or a place you both share. We draw up the topographic map of your special location, for a beautiful abstract piece.
If a flight of fantasy is more up your street than a walk in nature (or equally tantalising), fear not! Share a mug of grog and celebrate their favourite tabletop gaming character for a games night to remember. Perfect for the gaming table, whether it be a selection of board games or a dungeons & dragons session, these tankards have become a firm favourite.
Fill them with your favourite frothy beverage and toast to some of your favourite adventures, in life or at the games table.
Put your other half under your spell with our journal covers, fit for the arcane. Another spellbinding addition to the games table, or perfect for everyday journaling, our leather notebook covers feel luxurious and hardy and are sure to put a big ol' grin on their face.
Take a look at a few more of our adventurous products below to get a little inspiration for your partner in life's journeys.
Sometimes you just want a little something that will be used day in and day out, but they will think of you when they pick it up. Here are a few little mementoes that are perfect as little love tokens - whether it's a bookmark for their latest read or a key fob for their keys.
Add a little candlelight and a relaxing scent to your space with our curated selection of hand-poured soy candles and incense from the US. From the crackle of our wood-wicked Bloom travel candle to the gentle smokiness of our incense bricks - these home fragrances add a little bit of luxury to the home.
Pair it with a recycled cotton camper blanket that can be used for keeping you both warm or as a picnic blanket for your adventures. Perfect little touches for Valentine's Day.
We hope our round-up of unique and cool valentine's gifts has given you some inspiration for the day! Big love to you!
You've probably heard a lot of people talk about journalling and how it helps with self-care and processing your thoughts. With the introduction of Bujo (bullet journaling), we also ended up seeing beautiful page spreads, revisiting fancy letter sets, and 100 different coloured special pens - all of this can seem a little bit daunting. Well, we're here to let you know that you don't need all of the above to begin your journal journey in 2023.
Have you always been intrigued by the idea of keeping a journal but don't know where to start? This is the blog for you. And! It's written by someone who is kept so occupied by "life" that they struggle to find a few minutes for themselves. Yep, that's me.
Journalling in its purest form is simply writing down your thoughts - and the benefit? You can get a better understanding of yourself and gain a clearer insight into your own mind. From sharing your emotions and feelings to keeping track of some of those beautiful moments that can be easily forgotten, these benefits can really serve your positive mental well-being. You can use a journal to help to try and make sense of trauma and reduce stress, or to explore your life, goals, and dreams. Some also use it as a way to log and keep targets - especially with New Year goals and aspirations, journaling can provide an easy way to keep those aspirations alive.
First and foremost, find yourself a notebook that feels right and where the paper is a joy to write on. I personally love to use a Leuchtturm1917 A5 notebook with dotted paper for my journals and I shall outline a few bullet points as to why they are my go-to below!
There are, however, lots of different books out there. I would recommend first looking at size and binding - you want to ensure it's really comfortable to write in. I struggle with very small notebooks, as I like my hand to rest on the page as I'm writing, so A5 is usually as small as I would go for myself. Some folks may prefer something in an A6 size that can happily fit in their pocket. Have a play around and see what works for you - if you have ever used a diary, think about the sizes you preferred to write in over others.
You will find loads of prompts and suggestions online - in the hundreds! But, this can often lead to feeling overwhelmed and that can start breaking down your intention and disrupt this new routine.
I would recommend starting with one or two prompts and these prompts are ones you should try daily. They are helpful for your daily self-reflection and once you are secure in your routine, you can think about introducing more - or you might find you don't need the prompts, and you're in your own flow!
Handy Tip! If anything comes to mind and you don't have your journal to hand, set a reminder in your phone to write about later.
Now, this is a legitimate thing, and it's one I have had to contend with most of my life thus far. I am a bit of a stationery obsessive, I love the look of a clean page and I often over-worry that I am to be the one who ruins it. This would happen with my sketchbooks as well as notebooks - if I used them, whatever it would be, it needed to be perfect, but, that's not how notes, or ideas work.
If you suffer from similar, try to release those shackles and remember the purpose and intention of using that book. If you have the time and you want to make your journal fancy on this inside, there are many templates out there that will help you with layouts and decorations - but most important is trying to release yourself from perfectionism. Yet another reason to begin journalling in the first place.
One thing that hugely helped my sketchbook anxiety was actually our journal covers - one of the key reasons they became a product line for us, was my fear of ruining a lovely book. Well, if I ever did ruin the content of my sketch or notebooks (which has yet to happen, might I add) I still had the lovely cover to pop on another book, all fresh and new!
So don't be precious, make a mess and don't worry about it - it's all part of the process!
When introducing a new routine, it's always best to make it as easy to achieve as possible. Keep your journal and pen in the area you wish to write in and try your best to solidify that place as where you choose to write in your journal. Whether that is when you're tucked up in bed, or at a desk - seeing that place will remind you to pop a few words down in your notebook.
I am often one for writing in the morning and evening - so a good place for me is to keep the journal next to my bed. For many people, this may have too much crossover with other routines they have in the bedroom (wink, wink), such as meditation, reading, or sleeping. I get you. Find the perfect place for you to unwind!
Light a candle or some incense, pop on your favourite music, and indulge.
I hope these ideas have inspired you to take time out of your day to write and release your thoughts on paper - stepping away from the digital landscape and being in tune with yourself once again. With technology now being at our fingertips, it can be hard to shut out all the noise that comes with it - treat yourself to a little bit of quiet away from it all and enjoy!
"Family Is The Greatest Gift Of Life"
With the festive season closing in on us, it's that time of year when we're all frantically on the search for the perfect present for our loved ones and if you're stressing about it (like I used to), fret not, I have the perfect solution to ease those worries. Continue on with this guide, and you will discover an absolute game changer to your gifting game!
Every year I would tackle Christmas with the same open ended question "What should we get my dad for Christmas?" and it would often inspire very little. See, my dad is the kind of man who will treat himself (hell yeah, self care!) and often what we call the man who has everything. So I decided to change it up a bit and approach everyone's gifts the same way - by setting myself a specific theme each year that would apply to the whole family.
The benefits of having a specific theme for Christmas means it takes out a lot of the guesswork. Whether you go by the tried and tested four gift rule, or vow to only buy local this year, having that framework in place really streamlines the process.
So, let me showcase a theme that I'm sure you can imagine I revert to a lot, considering my day job. Leather. Yep, that's it, leather. Shocked? Yeah, didn't think so. Now, we don't keep it a secret that most of the products that you see in our store came to life following the hunt for that perfect something for each member of our family. We also understand the pain of finding something within that theme that also suits the personality of each individual in the fam. Well, we've tackled some of that guesswork too!
So, without further ado, here is our tried and tested line-up of the best leather themed gifts for your loved ones, handily sorted by their personality!
The musician... I’m surrounded by them! Jason, my Dad and my Sibling are all avid musicians - all with different favoured instruments. Unless you’re Jason. Jason is a multi-instrumentalist, or at least that’s what he tells me when a new instrument arrives at the house (I jest, he is stupidly talented). He always assures me that there's no such thing as too much music gear or too many accessories, and my dad tends to agree for some reason.
A musicians instruments are some of their most treasured posessions and require only the best accompanying accessories. Their face is sure to light up when they see that you've matched the value of their craft with a perfectly handcrafted and fully personalised leather guitar strap, a hand dyed and stitched drumstick case or a characterful leather microphone pouch.
Guitar Straps - Our guitar straps are lightweight, strong, and provide the maneuverability they need,and are built to last a lifetime.
Guitar Cable Tidy - Cables are notorious for being tangled, especially for a musician who constantly transports them from gig to gig in their bag. You (and they) might be thinking that this is just part of a musicians life, but I assure you it doesn't have to be. Our Guitar Cable Tidy is great for keeping any gig and studio cables tangle-free and easy to coil.
Rune Drumstick Holder - As a gift for those who have a drummer in their life, you can't go wrong with our rune drumstick holder. Masterfully handcrafted to keep their favourite drumsticks safe during transit and at all times.
Leather Microphone Case - Finally, for the one that spends all their time in the studio, try our luxurious leather microphone case that will protect their microphone in style! Pair the microphone pouch with a cable tidy for the perfect gift bundle for the vocalist in your family!
When I was young and embarking on my journey in fashion design, you can be sure I did my utmost to stand out from the crowd. This was always something my mum and dad supported, especially when it came to gifting me something at Christmas.
Some of my most memorable presents were items they chose that were crafted by small independents - timeless pieces that have stayed with me over the years. In a world which is being choked by fast fashion we have a few options that are perfect for those who want to accessorise and will provide a lifetime of use.
The Belt - full grain leather paired with solid cast hardware in either brass or stainless steel. These beauties are built for a lifetime of wear and beyond. There’s nothing quite like a simple belt made of beautiful materials that will age wonderfully. It’s a classic that can be worn dressed up or down. Add a personalisation on the inside and you’ve transformed this piece into a keepsake that will make this a Christmas to remember.
The Harness - We have a few fashion harnesses here at Hord, they are a little bit of a luxurious treat, but they are great for bringing a bit of an edge to an outfit. Our altar harness is one of the most popular pieces due to its modular design, making it a great choice for those who like to style things up their own way. Solid brass hardware and full grain leather - perfection!
Jewellery - All of our jewellery has been designed in a way which allows us to use as many of the offcuts we get from our other pieces. Made from our soft and supple leathers, these pieces have proved popular as a gift for the other half.
Patches - The perfect stocking filler for those who like to accessorise their gear. Whether they stitch it to a jacket or bag, these patches are great for showcasing who they are.
So you may have guessed by now, that my parents were nurturing some creative children. My sibling and I spent much of our childhood and adolescence drawing, painting and more. Little surprise that I ended up in a creative discipline, as did my sibling who has a career as an artist. My ever-growing sketchbook collection combined with my sketchbook anxiety (...where you struggle to start a new sketchbook for fear of ruining it) was the fuel behind crafting our journal covers.
Journal Covers - These luxurious, removable covers are great for the artist - they can be used time and time again to house their latest sketchbook and keep their pieces safe. Pair it with our heavyweight Leuchtturm1917 sketchbooks, which are great for inks and mark making and you’re onto a winner. Dyed and stitched in your choice of colour and available in a variety of designs, these covers can be monogrammed with initials or engraved with their favourite inspirational quote to get their creative juices flowing.
Leather Pencil Case - Fancy a matching pencil case? Sure thing! These pencil cases can be dyed in a matching colour to their journal and are perfect for keeping the tools of their favourite trade safe.
Now, the practical one, they often solely buy items that they "need" first and foremost, which often means those luxurious treats go by the wayside. Often seen as someone who doesn't desire or want things, especially if they don’t seem to serve a purpose for their life goals - however, they will always appreciate design and finely crafted pieces that will last a long time. I have quite the tendency for practicality - so Hord often combines the utilitarian with the beautiful.
When buying for the practical person you are searching for the gift they need - but they just don't know it yet. A good place to start is looking at the items they often use day-to-day, which are maybe getting tired or could do with a design-led upgrade that will last them a lifetime. We often recommend looking at our wallets and card holders, key fobs and water bottles, bookmarks and journal covers - items that have a practical purpose, but will last them for many years to come and look stunning in the process.
The craft beer or real ale aficionado (or let's be honest, beer geek) normally seems easy to buy for - beer, right? Maybe, but that doesn't fit the leather theme! why not mix it up a bit? Whether they're a CAMRA member, an UnTappd nerd or they just like to sink a few pints, the best gift for the beer enthusiast is something that they can use again and again - because when that beer is gone, it's gone!
Leather Wrapped Tankard - We've crafted the perfect leather wrapped tankard with a variety of designs that will bring immediate joy to the recipient of this epic drinking vessel. Our leather wrapped tankards are double walled and will keep their cold beverage cool for a long time and they just feel incredibly lovely with our soft and supple luxurious leather! Craft a truly personalised tankard with your choice of text and watch them beam with excitement on Christmas morning, waiting for midday to hit so that they can fill it with beer.
The Swivel Bottle Opener - If you're looking for something small and sweet, you can't go wrong with a custom leather bottle opener. A perfect stocking filler for the beer lover, this is a great gadget to bundle with some of their favourite bottled beers!
The Brewer's Journal Cover - Our brewers Journal Cover is perfect for those who love to homebrew, allowing them to note down their recipes, timings and the outcome of their brews. Featuring our illustration of hop vines and leaves, it's also perfect for those who like to make a note of and tick off the many hundreds and thousands of beers they've sampled on their travels. Grab yourself a Leuchtturm1917 journal to go inside the cover and their good to start scribbling right away!
I hope you’re sitting down before reading this, as the shock might just be too much… Jason and I really love hiking. I know, it hits hard and we don’t share it all over the place or anything, but, it’s true.
It’s always been a part of my life, conquering mountains with my family, my long blonde plaits (yep, blonde) flying in the air as I would rush to descend. All these family hobbies really built who we are today and the things we enjoy in adulthood.
Adventurous ones are always on the trail and seeking items that might aid them in their daring pursuits. With our own experiences hiking and camping amongst the fells, many of our products celebrate the outdoors. Keep their favourite trails fresh in their minds, even when they’re back in the office with our Topographic Card Holder,
When the time comes for adventure, keep them refreshed with our beautiful double walled adventure bottles - an insulated bottle that’s perfect for carrying their favourite refresher onto the moors, whether it’s hot tea or iced water. Completely plastic free, these bottles are easy to clean, meaning they can spend more time outdoors than preparing for them.
Our bestselling hip flasks are perfect to sip a celebratory dram when a summit has been conquered - our topographic design has been a firm favourite for the hiker.
And lastly, keep them warm and protect their ears with a cosy new beanie - useful all year round on the windy tops!
Browse through our curated list for the hiker to choose the best gift for the adventurer in your life.
As with all festivities and celebrations, the core of it all is one thing - family. Light up your home with our custom pennants featuring illustrative designs that are perfect for the living room, kids room and more! Surprise the newly weds with the custom family pennant that they can hang proudly in their home whilst gifting the new addition to the family with a custom small nursery pennant which is the perfect addition to their crib! Finally, grab a hold of our new luxurious napkin rings to set the table in style for a grand festive dinner!
Browse through our curated collection for the family below!
We know you're overflowing with ideas and a list to buy now. Order your treasures today for the perfect festive night!
"I'm not sure what to get him, he already has everything!"
He may seem to have everything, but we'll help you to find the perfect gift!
So that time has come around again - you need to buy a gift for a man in your life, be it your father, your son, your partner in crime or your best buddy. The problem is they seem to have that habit of buying anything they want, (what is this phenomenon!?) leaving no ideas for you when gifting time comes around. Just what exactly do you get for the man who has everything?! Never fear, dear reader, we're here to help.
The gentleman who seemingly has everything clearly has an eye for what they love and whilst they may appear to have everything they could possibly need, they're likely due an upgrade on a few items. Even better, they need something that won't just end up at the back of their wardrobe. Believe us, we've had a lot of experience over the years helping folks to create the perfect unique gift for those who are hard to buy for. And so, read on for inspiration and to find out our biggest recommendations for that 'hard to buy for' chap.
Sure, he already has a wallet, he says... but it's looking a bit tired and tatty. The paper thin bonded leather is cracking and peeling away, revealing the pale fabric underneath. The stitching is coming away in frizzy little curls that just get tucked away or trimmed off every few weeks. It's been stuffed with so many cards and receipts that it's stretched and coming apart at the seams. He needs an upgrade.
How about a fresh new wallet made with full grain leather and hardy waxed linen thread, hand dyed in your choice of colour and hand stitched for lasting strength. These wallets are built to last the test of time and wear and can even be personalised in a number of ways, from nice understated initials to fully engraved contour maps of his favourite place. He's sure to be impressed by the quality and beauty of such a thoughtful gift.
I mean, just look at this absolute beauty, sat all cosy by that roaring stove - I'm talking about that tankard of course! It is 100% a proven fact that drinking beer from a tankard feels much cooler than drinking straight from the can or bottle - I can attest to that myself.
Our stainless steel tankards are super easy to clean and maintain. Each of them comes with a removeable leather wrap with a selection of illustrative designs on a variety of colours - or we have our "custom quote tankard" for you to go wild with text on a blank canvas . These tankards are insulated and the perfect gift for those who love their frothy ale.
Is he getting a little girthy as time goes on? Be honest. Or has he been hitting the gym and keeps stabbing extra holes in his belt? How about a brand new, sturdy leather belt made perfectly to measure?
Made with full grain leather and solid cast brass hardware, our leather belts are built to stand out from the crowd with their quality. Perfect for formal or casual and truly built to last, our belts are made for the recipient, but will last long enough to pass down to the generations yet to come.
With the option to personalise with a name, initial, or a secret message on the inside, you cannot go wrong with a truly unique belt that totally complements his style!
In a world where people are cutting down on the cash that they carry, our card holders are proving ever popular for those who are thinking of down-sizing. I mean, who really needs all those rarely used loyalty cards these days that pack out your wallet, and your pocket with forgotten plastic? These card holders are perfect for nights out, where you just need your most important cards and ID.
Handcrafted for perfection, our luxurious card holders are made from full grain leather and hand stitched to maximise durability. They are built to last a lifetime and get better through use. Our card holders have a classic design, providing the perfect addition to a casual or formal style.
Personalise this beauty with an initial and make it the perfect accessory for their daily use, keeping their cards safe and protected in style. These card holders can be trained to fit as many cards in each slot as you need (I think Gemma might hold the record with 8 cards in one partition). A perfect gift for the adventurer in your life.
The adventurous one in your life has all the equipment he needs for his foray, right - right? Nope! Designed with a low profile and for those who love to head out camping, our swivel compact bottle openers are perfect for clipping onto your belt loops or keys to make sure it's with you at all times. Crafted from thick and sturdy Italian vegetable tanned hide with a stainless steel bar blade, it certainly looks the part. Personalise this piece with an initial or logo and have it clipped onto his backpack or belt loop!
He has been thinking and speaking to you about his creative endeavours and ideas for quite sometime. Give him the nudge to take the next step and get them all down on paper with our luxurious leather journal covers!
Handcrafted using high-quality leather, these removable journal covers can be personalised with initials or text of your choice and you can even pick the leather and stitch colour, making it a truly unique and personal gift to keep them inspired. Perfect for keeping them organised in the office or fuelled with inspiration at home with their hobbies.
We know how hard it is to find just the right gifts for the man who has everything, but we hope you have been able to find that little something that's going to leave him wonderstruck with your perfect choice of present!
If you have any questions about a product, you can get in touch with us here.
Amidst a new era of lockdowns and social distancing, the polarisation of the world has not helped us in rekindling our friendships and relationships in general. However, we all are yearning for genuine connections more than ever before. A connection that re-connects to the core of who we are; where we shower each other with love, support, appreciation, and simultaneously lift each other up.
Even though I'm constantly on the phone or staring at some other kind of screen for my work (or leisure), I do believe the rise in digitization has had a hand in reducing the amount of genuine connections forged. In fact, something that we all hear constantly is how people would love to transport themselves back to the ‘Good Old Days’ where everything was more fun and much easier. Now, I’m no luddite and really appreciate how technology has transformed my life and the whole globe. As going back in time is something which is not even remotely possible (and hoping for such a thing is the pathway to a life of regret), it spurred me to think of things that could help us out of this rut. After some serious research, gifting was what stood out the most. The magical power for a gift to reconnect with each other is amazing! With Christmas being around the corner, we do need to get our gifting A-game on. However, before we move into that, this begs the question, what are the wonderful benefits of gifting?
Even though gifts can be something that we worry will bring a bit of a dent to our wallet, they forge and cultivate human connections in unimaginable ways. In fact, neuroscientists have found out that the reward circuitry of the brain lights up more when giving a gift than when receiving one. Further, a lot of thought goes into a gift - understanding the recipients taste, preferences and needs and thus giving them something that they desire the most. This brings everyone closer as we understand and appreciate how much thought people put into the whole process.
Now that we've gauged the science behind gifting, another question remains: what should you gift this Christmas? In a world of mass-manufactured, low quality products, finding something that’s unique but also thoughtful to the recipient can be difficult. Finding such an ideal product is what’s going to give you the crown of 'The Best Gift Giver' this Christmas! Now, don’t worry if you’re fretting about finding such a gift because, *drum roll* that’s what HÔRD is here for!
With all of Hôrd’s products being made to order, we provide unparalleled personalisation for you, allowing you to create the most thoughtful and ideal gift this Christmas. Our products have been crowned countless times with the title of 'best gift I've ever received'. We've categorised our products on the basis of personality, allowing you to choose the best gift for that certain someone with ease. The most popular choices among our collections are the Topographic Map Collection and our Leather Journal Covers.
The custom topographic map hip flask and the custom topography leather adventure bottles are popular gifts for the hiker or outdoorsy person in your life! We will hand draw and engrave the contour lines from any place of your choice on the leather, allowing you to choose a special place to celebrate on the product which will always be with the recipient on their adventures.
If your recipient is a writer or artist or likes to keep a journal, you can't go wrong with our leather journal covers. Made to fit with the A5 leuchtturm1917 book (which we also offer), our journal covers are customisable by including a message or quote of your choice. Our 'Personalised Leather Notebook Cover' is a best seller, along with the 'Deluxe Forager Journal Cover'. Our customers normally have us engrave a message that reiterates their love and support, or a little in-joke for the recipient.
With Christmas being around the corner, it's the perfect opportunity to reconnect with our dear ones and shower some love with the magic of gifting. Grab your main presents and stocking fillers today and be at ease with the assurance that your gifts will be the absolute best!
Did you also know that we provide gift wrap for your favourite leather wares? Simply check the 'Gift Wrap' box when placing your order to put yourself at ease with our fully recyclable, ribbon bound gift wrap that comes with a wooden token and gift card and have it all wrapped and ready for your loved one!
Still stuck for ideas? We've put together some collections based on personality for those who have hobbies and interests that our products suit...
To shop by personality, click here
"The design journey we undertake always begins with understanding our customer; who they are, what story they are trying to tell, and how our designs could speak for them"
“Jason, Benromach have enquired about collaborating with us for a new series they’re doing and want us to design a limited edition hip-flask!” I said enthusiastically as I was scouring through the details that they had sent over. Benromach were planning on introducing a new collaboration series called ‘Firsthand’ where they work with makers and connoisseurs worldwide to celebrate things made by hand - and we were to be the first one! Excited about the opportunity to create something great, we were over the moon and eagerly embarked on the journey to craft the hip flask that told the Benromach story.
Crafting bespoke items has given us the opportunity to work with businesses worldwide and allowed us to create some really unique items that would help them appreciate their key stakeholders, be it customers or employees. Our luxury corporate gifts solution has allowed us to already work with numerous UK businesses and with this blog, we want to take you behind-the-scenes on how we craft the product and tell the story of a business through our designs.
The design journey we undertake always begins with understanding our customer; who they are, what story they are trying to tell, and how our designs can speak for them. As this was to be the first in a series of unique collaborations, understanding the brand identity was a key element and what stood before us totally blew us away, with Benromach’s long history and of course, their traditional manufacturing process. A traditional Speyside family-owned distillery, what made Benromach stand apart from their peers was their manufacturing process. True believers in how being handmade elevates a product and brings out authenticity, their single malt scotch whiskey is handmade using four key ingredients - barley, water, yeast and a human touch. Not stopping there, all casks are filled by hand, weighed individually, and stored at traditional dunnage warehouses to create the finest whiskey made by hand.
“We are looking for a brand to create a timeless keepsake that tells the story of our brand for our customers”, said a representative from Benromach. Benromach’s practice of creating the best products with a human element and Hôrd’s convention of crafting leather goods by hand was a perfect pairing and to be able to work with such a brand that aligned with our ethos and values meant a lot to us. We thus began our journey; to create a unique hip flask that tells the story of Benromach and who they are, whilst creating an accessory that would be a prized possession for Benromach fans. With that in mind, we began our design process and the end result was a masterpiece.
Combining Benromach's history with our design expertise unravelled a product that truly encompassed what Benromach had envisioned. Our design inspirations were brought through our connection with nature and travelling through the moors of Marsden, whilst Benromach brought their colour scheme and beautiful logo to the table. We went on to create a prototype and sent it on up to bonnie Scotland. They loved it and were excited for us to move forward with the production.
The Benromach hip-flask has been well received by their aficionados and has gained stellar reviews, truly representing their brand with a touch of Hôrd magic - mission accomplished!
If you're a business on the lookout for luxury corporate gifts that you could provide your clients or employees as a token of appreciation and gratitude, get in touch with us with your requirements and we can create a package that suits you!
West Yorkshire is a beautiful part of England and the World all year round, but when autumn starts showing its warm golden colours amongst tumbling rivers and craggy moors, my heart often swells just that little bit more with my love for home!
Here we have compiled a list of our favourite haunts for autumn walks.
For us, there are a few things that combine together to make the most perfect autumn walk. Firstly and most importantly, there needs to be some trees! Nothing screams autumn to us, more than the changing of the leaves - it actually inspires a lot of what we make and many of the leather tones that we use.
Alongside some woodland, we like to have a little bit of a water feature - a babbling brook or a reservoir. These pools of water often catch the autumn light as well as the seeds and leaves that have been shed from the trees.
West Yorkshire is home to a lot of heath and moorland, and these blustery hills are perfect for a little jaunt on a sunny Sunday and for a pleasant stroll in Autumn. The heathers have recently flowered in the months of August and you see their vibrant colouration turn to a rich deep purple in September, before browning further. The long grasses change to a russet as the vibrant greens of the mosses start to wane.
Hardcastle crags sits in a wooded valley, not far from the town of Hebden Bridge, made up of over 15 miles of footpaths amongst beautiful woodland and tumbling streams. Craggy stone rises up on either side of the bottom of the valley where old icons of industry still sit. Hardcastle Crags is owned by the National Trust and is a superb place to visit for a walk in Autumn.
With many footpaths to choose from that wend their way up stream and through woods, you can be pleasantly greeted by the National Trust visitor centre and café to warm yourselves up with a mug of coffee or hot chocolate mid-walk.
Hardcastle Crags is great for families and kids who like to explore - they can gather tree seeds, spot wildlife and learn about the conservation efforts of the area.
Find out more about the great woodland walking routes and facilities here!
I spent a good part of my life living near Holmfirth and before even that we used to spend a lot of time walking its hills. Hade Edge was a place we frequented often - and Jason and I still like to hop over the hills to visit and walk through its forestry.
Our favourite loop starts from the village of Hade Edge and takes us down toward Home Styles Reservoir and through Holme Styles Wood. This is a lovely loop that only takes a couple of hours - with streams running through heather flanked cloughs, fir trees, and bridle tracks. You can also add and extend these walks easily onto open moorland for those looking for a hike!
Yateholme was one of my favourite childhood walks, and one that I couldn't wait to take Jason on when we had first met. It combines a babbling river, woodland, a reservoir, hills and cloughs and a hobbit home! Also, a super pub at the end for a grand Sunday Roast and a crackling fire - the perfect end to an autumn walk.
I couldn't drive when I first took Jason there, but there's a bus stop that serves the village which makes it easily accessible. It's the last stop on the journey as well, so you will know where to get off for your autumn walk!
There's also a car park opposite the village, across the valley and this circular walk can be done from there. The only difference to the route we do, is we cut across Netherley Brow to the village.
Whether it's the change of the season, or the vibrant colours and shedding of seeds that Autumn brings - we find ourselves often lingering on our walks. We don't head out in a rush and we spend time with pale golden sun and enjoy the last tinge of mildness in the air before it gets bitterly cold. With that, we have a few activities that we love to do in the autumn months, especially out on a walk!
In early to mid September, we love to go out with a basket or Tupperware and gather some blackberries. The fringes of woodland are often good places to look for them! There's a small quarry on the Yateholme route where I recall as a small child clambering up with my mum and collecting as many blackberries as I could! Perfect for your apple crumble!
Another pastime for us both that has crossed over even to adulthood! Collecting all the beautiful conkers, acorns and pine cones that begin to drop from the trees. They end up as decoration in our shop and home!
Now, in honesty, we aren't big mushroom foragers - mostly because Jason isn't a fan of them on his plate. But! We do however love to spot them in the wilds, growing from fallen trunks, amongst mosses and more. I personally love to photograph them and try and work out the type with no book references to hand! I'm not very good, might I add.
You may catch squirrels dashing across the woodland floor, scooping up acorns to bury for winter! What are they gathering? Where are they taking them to?
It's also lovely to spot birds preparing their migration or nests for the coming months!
Well, after writing all of that I can't wait to get my scarf on and get wrapped up for those colder days! We hope to see you out on the trails!
Today, I’ll introduce one of my personal heroes and inspirations; crowned as America’s most celebrated pedestrian, Grandma Gatewood.
At the age of 67, Emma Rowena Gatewood conquered the 2,050-mile Appalachian trail solo and was the first woman to ever do so. What’s even more remarkable is how she accomplished it with minimal resources, pioneering ultralight hiking and women's 'thru-hiking' into a wider space. She carried a shower curtain to protect herself from the rain, several pairs of trainers, a Swiss army knife, a flashlight, band-aids, Iodine, and some food.
Even though this feat is extraordinary and inspired a whole generation of women, myself included; there’s another side to this story - a story of immense pain and of finding solace. After being married to her husband at the age of 19, she faced a barrage of physical and sexual abuse that almost led to her death numerous times. She sought refuge running into the woods where she felt restored and protected.
After one horrendous attack in which she was left with a broken rib, she was falsely arrested by the police for inciting harm on her husband. However, she was able to prove her innocence following which she applied for and was granted divorce. It was during this period that she came across a National Geographic article on the Appalachian Trail. What piqued her interest the most was how no woman had ever hiked the whole trail solo. With a new vision in mind, she set off for the expedition, simply mentioning to her children that she was going for a walk. However, her first attempt ended in vain with Emma being lost with broken glasses. She was rescued by the rangers who discouraged her to keep moving and advised to go back.
Determined not to lose again, she planned her next visit wherein she was able to taste the victory of her efforts at the age of 67. She completed the whole trail in 146 days with an average of 14 miles per day. Taking her age, her gear, and the condition of the trail into consideration, this is remarkable. People were intrigued and thus, local newspapers began to line up at various pit-stops along her way that sought to interview her. One such feature found its way back to Ohio, her hometown, which is how her children finally came to know about her expedition.
Prior to her death at the age of 85, she had completed the trail thrice, being the first person to ever do so!
After going through the National Geographic article, Grandma Gatewood underestimated the difficulty of the trail at that time, which meant she came across some surprising obstacles during her expedition. Thus, her training wasn’t as intensive as one might think.
Her main training regimen included only walking 10 miles/day to build her leg muscles. However, it could be said that she had been preparing herself for this ever since she was a child, with farm work which began during her childhood through to her adult life. Apart from this, she was quite resourceful. Even though her formal education ended in the 8th grade (around 13-14 years of age), she taught herself about wildlife, the medicinal properties of plants and which were edible. This helped her immensely during her travels.
As someone who loves nature and frequently explores and hikes within it for my own self care and mental wellbeing, Grandma Gatewood's story totally moved me and made me appreciate everything I have in my life. This is how I gained the inspiration to build products for people that seek adventure. The leather bound insulated bottles and leather patches are built specifically for the hiker and the adventurer in you and to showcase your achievements. These are both items that we use daily out on the hills!
The biggest lesson that all of us could takeaway from Grandma Gatewood's story is that we can achieve anything, if we put our mind and heart into it. I'm ready to conquer my dreams, are you?
To explore our Hiker Collection, Click Here
"The things that make me different are the things that make me." - Winnie the Pooh
With the new academic year just around the corner and "Back to School" emblazoned in every shop window, it's time to unfortunately face it, summer is nearly over.
Are you feeling stressed about your new academic year at school or university?
Every year I always faced a little bit of anxiety when September came around, especially when I was embarking on a new school year in a new college, school or university.
There is something about heading off somewhere new that can always be a little daunting. The excitement of a new chapter is met with the worry of a different schedule, finding your way and meeting new peers. Do you wish to exhibit your best-self to those around you but are struggling on the best way forward?
Take a leap and make this your best school year yet, by standing apart from the crowd and being your true self. I was always someone who wore my personality on my sleeve (and I still do to this day, along with a hefty dose of comfort.), it really helped me find those who were interested in the same things as myself, from music to film, art to books and create a real circle of true friendships.
Now, you might be wondering, how do I do that without compromising my true nature or authenticity?
As quoted by celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe, "Style is a way of saying who you are without having to speak". Let your accessories speak for you and bring out your personality and individuality by adding flair to your bags, jackets, and more. Read on to find out how you can use Hôrd's array of products to bring life to your belongings on a budget.
Our patches make the perfect addition to your back pack, pencil case, jacket and more. They make great temporary and permanent decorations to your garments and can be swapped out if you desire, or as your interests change. They are also made of durable leather, can be washed on a low temperature and can be used over and over again, your patch will likely outlive the item you stitch it to! Perfect for setting yourself up to go back to school!
You can personalise your patches by choosing the colour and monogramming it with your initials or choice of text. Have a drawing you would like represented on a patch? We can do that too!
These personalised leather patches can be added to any of your bags, pencil cases and more whereby you'll be able to create unique pieces that stand out from the rest of the crowd when heading back to school.
Outside of our personalised patches, we also have a range of illustrated patches designed around hobbies, the outdoors and more.
Browse through our wide range of patches that have been carefully crafted to express yourself.
The rise of outcasts as heroes in movies is not something new. Be it Belle from Beauty and the Beast or Hercules, all of these characters find true happiness from the acceptance of themselves rather that from the approval of others.
While we all enjoy these movies and resonate with them deeply, are we actually embracing ourselves and being true to who we are?
Begin afresh this academic year when heading back to school by bringing in some flair to yourself, standing apart from the crowd and celebrating yourself!
Now, you might be wondering how to actually sew the patches onto your stuff. Here's our no-nonsense step-by-step guide on how to sew patches onto anything. Perfect for getting you ready to head back to school!
Instructions
Our stationery collection ranges from journal covers to bookmarks allowing you to create a unique gift for yourself, one that celebrates who you are, or a gift for your loved ones - engraved with something unique and thoughtful that shows your love and support in the next chapter of their lives at university and more.
Our journal covers are crafted by hand in our studio in Marsden. Hand-stitched, hand dyed and crafted from genuine full grain leather with the utmost care, these covers are designed to last you a lifetime. Our journal covers are made specifically for the A5 Leuchtturm 1917 journals which come in ruled, plain and dotted paper styles; these are journals that I would heartily recommend for all your endeavours, be it creative or professional.
I've always been a huge fan of journals and notebooks, buying far more than I needed, and so it only seemed right that I put my head and my hands to work and create some bespoke leather journal covers. I started using the bullet journal system a few years ago and so creating covers for Leuchtturm1917 notebooks just made so much sense!
These journal covers will see you through your academic studies and beyond!
Personalise and create a unique piece that will last you a lifetime.
Still stuck for ideas? We've put together some collections based on personality for those who have hobbies and interests that our products suit...
To shop by personality, click here
When it comes to Christmas, there is always that one person who you just can’t decide what to gift them, either they are the person who has everything, or always buys for themselves…
Well, fear not, we have a load of gift ideas that we have worked on over the years, partly because - you guessed it! Our dads are some of those very people.
For those who are often out and about, commute to work or take to the hills in their spare time - our bottles make great gifts for those who like to keep themselves hydrated. They are great for water, tea, coffee and even beer! The bottle insulates hot and cold drinks for 24 hours, which is great for long walks, your daily visit to the gym or keeping a hot drink to hand when out and about on wintry walks. To make it even better, the bottles contain no plastic, just stainless steel and a silicone ring to make it easy to clean. In the pursuit of cutting down on single use plastic, our bottles are sturdy and built to last a lifetime.
Since the pandemic and the reduced need to carry cash around, we've noticed that a lot of people are downsizing from wallets, so everyone has been going crazy for our card holders. This is why it makes them one of our top choices for that special gift. They are also great to have in addition to wallets, this way they can carry around something less bulky on nights out, Christmas do's, or weddings. You can even make the gift personal to them by picking from a variety of colours and stitches and getting them engraved with their monogram.
A good belt can last a lifetime and that's why we built our belts of full grain leather and solid cast hardware, they also make a fantastic gift for those who love quality. We never use bonded or split leather that can break down over time, instead we craft a belt that is solid and beautiful. You can make this gift even more special and have a secret message engraved on the inside of the belt. It may be an indulgent treat, but they are of such high quality that they can be passed down through generations.
Our hip flasks make a great keepsake for those who like a tipple, and pair really well with their favourite festive drink for a treasured gift. These flasks are perfect for taking your favourite drink away with you on holidays and getaways. Even more perfect for your boxing day stroll, our hip flasks are often used on long walks and to keep you warm on chilly nights (Hello New Years Eve!) Take a little celebration with you wherever you go!
Can you ever really have enough hats?! The answer is no, never… Especially in the depths of winter, and your other half always steals yours. What a great chance to give them their own to cherish, it’s the perfect time to gift one!
Great for cosying up on a winter’s night, but also multi-functional as a picnic blanket when spring and summer come around. The blanket holder keeps it nice and tidy, perfect for keeping in the back of the car.
On the lead up to Christmas, Hord kindly gave to me, a gift guide, categorised by personality …
Still stuck for ideas? We've put together some collections based on personality for those who have hobbies and interests that our products suit...
To shop by personality, click here
Well, looking back, it's safe to say our designs have come a long way… and so have our wrinkles!
Hôrd started back in 2011 when I (Gemma) found myself repairing vintage leather flasks. I had a bag of leather remnants that I would engrave with all sorts of designs and patchwork them together into a leather wrap. They were rugged little beasts that really celebrated the texture and colour of the leather.
Some of the old flasks, from cowhide to sheepskin, using remnants taught me how to work with different leathers through much trial and error
At first, Hôrd began in my old bedroom at my parent’s house. I’d moved back up north from studying fashion in London, the recession had hit, and finding work in my discipline and outside of it was proving difficult. I recall being sat on the edge of my bed, hunched over to engrave hip flasks in my hand - certainly not conducive to comfort at all.
At this point, I had only a few listings set-up on Etsy, but demand was fierce and I was being kept busy. It was a steep learning curve as I started sending hip flasks for wedding parties across the globe.
Eventually, I made the decision to move Hôrd into a small studio in an old textile factory in Huddersfield, Bates Mill. The studio was divided into little units, which were occupied by other artists and creatives. On long, cold nights, Jason would often join me in that space and he eventually moved his computer down there to work on his sound design and music composition, it was from there that he quickly started learning how Hôrd worked - and subsequently got roped into a lot of tasks.
We moved in together, to our first home in Huddersfield and allocated the smallest room in the house to work from – as you can imagine, it wasn’t long until we outgrew this space and expanded into the attic and another box room. It's quite hard now to imagine how we both fit in that space, alongside our leathers and materials, and managed to find space to work and photograph our wares. I can't help but look back on it and remember a lot of stress… I worked all hours and at this point, Jason was still doing shifts at the local pub, he'd often come back at 1am to me still working away in that small room.
Some of our old studio spaces
Over the course of those early years, we were published in several magazines (You, Stylist, Trail, Ernest et al) and were stocked at pop-up events for Etsy in London. I’ll never forget one project, where I was sat making origami cranes in a window display at Liberty of London, a person came up to the window with a note asking if I was okay and if I’d chosen to be there, it still makes me laugh now – turns out I may have looked more tired and stressed than I thought!
In 2014, we went through a rebrand, it was something I had wanted to do for a while but never found the time to focus on. Originally, Hôrd was called "Gx2homegrown", Gx2 was my moniker for my illustration and live art working events and "homegrown" resonated with the items I would make by hand from home. It suited the shop at the time, as I naturally navigated crafting again and the items I made followed my creative whim.
As time went on, however, the products I made became more cohesive and I longed for a name that suited that growth. In the end, Hôrd suited it all down to the ground, with leather goods made from suitably hoarded leather remnants to making beautiful trinkets to be passed down through generations (like a dragon's hoard). I'd finally found something I was pleased with. I made it the phonetic spelling, and inspired by a little Tolkien, worked on a logo inspired by the lonely mountains and a rich gold and black colour palette.
When 2015 came around, Hord had recently started selling on Not on the High Street and I was overwhelmed by orders yet again, I don’t recall having a day off during this time and it felt like all I did was spend time fulfilling orders - not designing, or working on admin, just making. This was the year of a fundamental change for Hord, I sat Jason down and asked him if he would like to be part of the journey. He already knew so much about the business and how the admin side worked, he'd helped on so many evenings and fired off emails for me when I was swamped, so it seemed the perfect fit. I only wanted him to join if it was something he was passionate about, and luckily for me, he said YES!
We christened Jason becoming a co-owner of Hord by embarking on a fantastic project with the Natural History Museum, which was facilitated by Etsy. We went down to London to look at some of the museums behind the scenes archives, it was so exciting, but there are many secrets we can't discuss! We also got a first-hand look at the winning submissions for the Wildlife photographer of the year - from there we had to a pick a photo and design a piece that was inspired by and referenced it, this was then sold at the museum itself. It was so exciting, and we ended up constructing something that was much like our starter work, patchworking different leather remnants to look like a desert landscape.
The next year we had thoroughly outgrown our tiny room and we started looking for a house up the valley in one of our favourite places, Marsden. I can't deny that when house hunting, we were looking for a nice big bedroom solely for the business, and luckily, we found what we needed, with stunning views across the valley. It was the start of a lot of new here at Hord. We'd been solely making hip flasks, harnesses, cuffs and key fobs - and with a new home studio and space, we were able to expand our making repertoire (including hand dying leather).
Wallets and cardholders then appeared on the scene, and we started visiting fairs around the North showcasing what we make. Despite it being A WHOLE DECADE, it feels like no time at all, until you look at different products (some as old as Hord itself) and we can see the minute changes we've made over time. It's also really wonderful to see that we haven't veered too far from ourselves and our intentions back in 2011. This journey has really taken us everywhere, most of it unplanned and a lot of it stressful, but we never lost ourselves.
In 2020 when everyone was getting adjusted to working from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, we decided to find a workspace that would double up as a retail space in the heart of our village. We had definitely outgrown our home and a space had popped up in an old unused pub in Marsden.
We were ear-marked to move in, in April, but lockdown swiftly halted work on the space and we eventually got the keys in September. In that time, we had already acquired a huge semi-broken haberdashery cabinet ready for our April move-in date. It ended up living with us in our kitchen right up until September. It's huge, it's heavy and gave us many sleepless nights. Lockdown was strange for us. We limited our Post Office drop-offs and orders definitely slowed in those first few months. Weddings were cancelled and the general public were rightly concerned about what would happen to their wages and work during this time.
September came, and it was time to organise the space and get it stocked up. We worked tirelessly to get it ready for launch on Halloween of 2020. Many late nights were had, drilling, dusting, decorating and making stock - as well as keeping our online shop open throughout. We opened our doors that Halloween, to the announcement that another lockdown would happen, that affected retail again, in a few days time. Hah, the luck ey? This lockdown proved different to the first. With Christmas approaching, everyone turned to online shopping, so whilst our store was closed, our website exploded - we spent three months working 15-17 hour days, 7 days a week. It took us 6 months of our tenth year of trading to get over that.
From the day we started, the very core of our work and ethos was to limit wastage, and this still stays with us, even 10 years later! Everything we design starts with this fundamentally, from our key fobs to our patches and credit card holders - they're all designed from leather offcuts left behind from our other processes.
We're still here, just two of us, working on every single part of this business. We're photographing, designing, making and researching, we’re chatting with our customers and communicating about orders. Founder made, founder run and founder designed.
We love being the first, last and in-between contact for you all and will continue to love every single item we handcraft.
Here's to another 10 years of Hord and more of keeping adventure in your pocket!
"We got married on the banks of Loch Tarbert and then went up to the paps of Jura to go and explore and have some photos taken which was the second set of coordinates." Catronia told us "We eloped last year and we were meant to have a reveal party this November to celebrate with all our friends and family."They had hoped to have a reveal party a year later, encompassing not only the big reveal itself but also their anniversary with their close friends and family. However, with restrictions still in place from Covid-19, unfortunately those plans had to be postponed. Instead, they organised smaller gatherings where they could hand them a keepsake that gave them clues to some of their favourite spots on the Isle's of Jura.
Their gifts consisted of Hip Flasks and Adventure Bottles, engraved with the topography of the Paps of Jura and Loch Tarbert - for each of these items we engraved the co-ordinates of specific locations nearby. The co-ordinates and topography served as clues for where they both got married, on the shore of Lock Tarbert and a special place up on the Paps of Jura, allowing the recipients to explore and find these idyllic spots themselves - and therefore be a part of their wedding.
Our topography collection was born out of celebrating those special places where memories are forged, turned out to be a particularly perfect choice to celebrate their gorgeous wedding setting with friends and family.2021 was the year we navigated love a little differently.
At the end of September 2020, we took the plunge and got the keys to our -new- working studio and shop in the heart of Marsden village.
An exciting new step for Hord, we have spent the previous years working from our home studio, however it kept us separate from the lovely community of our vibrant village.
From building and waxing furniture, Ikea hacks and lots of painting, we have been mostly DIYing the space and giving it the love it deserves.
The space is split approximately in half, one for us to work in so that you can see us crafting our wares and your orders in person and the other to provide a retail area for browsing and getting a feel for our goods and materials. We wanted it to have a feel for the shops of old, inspired by design of the 1920s, it was important that we conveyed this in our workspace too. Acquiring old pieces of furniture and crates, a brass and glass haberdashery unit and wooden benches and tables that tell a story.
We also hope the space will adapt over time and allow us to host small workshops when we are allowed to socialise normally again.
Find a little sneak peek below of the shop space, showcasing our custom leather hip flasks, vegvisir beanies, bespoke leather journal covers and more! We are really excited to be able to open again soon once government guidelines allow!
]]>Ever wondered how to keep that hip flask clean and ready to use?
Well, wonder no more....
I remember getting my first hip flask, it was a simple stainless steel number coupled with a small bottle of whiskey. I did everything wrong with that flask - I left the whiskey in it for months (more on that here soon) and I hadn't a clue how to clean it.
Over the many, many years of making hip flasks, I'm glad to say that I've now learned a thing or two about proper use, storing and cleaning of flasks - which would make my teenage self blush.
Hip flasks come in all shapes and sizes and in a variety of coverings. If your flask is clad in leather, cork or vinyl, it's worth taking a few precautionary steps in the care of your flask which I have outlined later in this article.
Hopefully your hip flask came with a funnel (all of our flasks come with a funnel as standard) as this can really help with the general cleaning of it as well as decanting your precious spirits into the flask.
1 - Pop your funnel into the mouth piece of your hip flask and slowly pour cold water into the funnel. This needs to be done with a low flow so that the funnel doesn't fill with water. It often helps to raise the funnel slightly off the mouth piece so that it doesn't cause a vacuum.
2 - Once the flask is about half full, remove the funnel and twist the cap back on the flask.
3 - Give your flask a nice shake, shake, shake!
4 - Unscrew the cap and pour the water down the sink. Repeat if needed.
5 - Leave the flask with the lid off to air dry.
If it has been some time since you have cleaned your flask, or the last time you used it you forgot to give it a rinse, or you are just a little worried about bacteria - you can use a quarter of a Milton tablet in your flask to sterilise it.
It should only take about 15 minutes and leave to air dry as usual.
We hope the above gives you a bit of encouragement that not all is lost if you've neglected your flask for some time. Bookmark this page for future reference and know that your hip flask is totally safe in your hands. Now get out there - you're ready for some more adventures with your perfect pocket companion!
This September we took to the hills with our good friends at Follow Films , to create a film that really depicts what our Topographic collection is all about. One wet and windy day, Jase and I sat in our local pub chatting about a series of films we wanted to commission and started to draft up a little story board or two. Jason started to compose a song to work alongside it (he is a sound designer and musician don’t you know! Under the moniker Stoy Sound). We had the seed, now we needed to find someone to help it grow - we needed a videographer.It wasn’t a hard decision for us to make in terms of who we wanted to shoot these films.
We met Hollie, one half of Follow Films, through Instagram and subsequently at The Good Life Experience. We have always admired her photography and loved seeing what projects she was embarking on - and one of those projects was her film work alongside Graham, the other half of the duo. A quick email later and we were well on our way to planning and creating our first film.
Having checked out the weather before hand, our weekend of filming would be graced with either glorious sunshine or a deluge of rain and mist. Our original model for the film had just broken his toe (ouch) and so in stepped Hollie’s partner in crime, John. With this in our minds, we chose to spend a warm and sunny day out in our nearby moors and hills to shoot the short story of a fellow (John) taking a ramble to his favourite place. Having scouted a few of our very own favourite spots, we took up filming in Marsden, near the Eastergate bridge, Millstone Edge and then for the ultimate summit shot - out at West Nab. It was really nice to link where we work and hike into our first film and to get across the importance that Marsden plays in our lives.
Our second day of filming was all in our small studio, documenting the process behind our Personalised Topographic Hip Flask. The cameras were now on us, which is a little out of our comfort zone, but we survived. We also had some amazing photographs taken at the same time by We Are Sightseers (Hollie and John’s photographic side project).
Then came the waiting, and it was well worth it to see the edit come together. We had a fantastic time working with these guys and we can’t wait to get working on the next instalment!
In the meantime take a look at the final edit of our first film “Take your favourite place with you.”
Our topography collection was born of a desire to make an incredibly meaningful gift through pattern instead of words. A gentle nod to those places and memories we hold dear, whilst celebrating wonderful geographic forms. Keeping adventure in your pocket.
The trek from the car park is a nice gentle ramble, weaving around some of the lower fells - the views are already beautiful from this point, and indeed, the whole walk rewards you with miles upon miles of hills, mountains and lakes.
As you start to loop around, large graves of industrial heritage come into view, sweeping from the lower copper mines to the slate mines above you. You stride over thick coiled cable (used by many as a banister it would seem) that erupts from piles and piles of slate. You see lone standing and collapsed metal structures - old pulley systems to bring raw materials down from the mountain side.
It was breathtaking to see these abandoned remnants of industry strewn amongst such beautiful landscapes.
From here, a short climb takes you to a serene spot to rest your feet and hydrate before the final stretch to the summit of Coniston Old Man. Low Water is a small tarn with a reflection like glass, cupped by the mountains and surrounded by plenty of natures seats. The climb from here gets more steep, a zigzagged path above the tarn lending to dramatic views above the water.
The summit is slow to arrive. As you get closer, another mound makes itself known. Before long the large cairn and trig point comes into view along with the distant mountains toward Skafell Pike and out toward the Coast.
We had decided on a circular route that horseshoed around Goat’s Water, allowing us to conquer Dow Crag, Buck Pike and Brown Pike before descending back down toward Walna Scar. After finishing our summit picnic, we descended Old man and trod onward toward the magnificent Dow Crag - its striking sculptures of fragmented stone pointing skyward. Here, you can traverse across the stone or skirt around the bottom. We intended to go over the tops, but it was a narrow walkway already filled with people - so we took the lower route and snagged a geocache on the way.
From here a lone Raven followed our trails - so much larger than I imagined them being. The beating of its wings made a breeze on the backs of our necks and its chattering squawk accompanied us across the ridge to Buck Pike - here it settled and watched us as we made our way toward brown pike and flew off down to Goat’s Water.
After conquering brown pike, our true descent had begun. The sun had been with us all day and had seen us hiking in just t-shirts in February. All base layers and fleeces thrown in the back pack. So after hours of rambling in the heat, the true thirst had kicked in. Despite carrying litres of cold water in our packs, we began to dream of a refreshingly cold pint awaiting our return off the mountain. But first we had a few more miles of ground to cover as we traversed a well established bridle toward the car park.
Back in the car, we head to Torver and to the welcoming Wilson’s Arms. With a pint of Windermere Pale by Hawkshead Brewery in our tired grip, we sat and soaked up the last of the winter sun in the sprawling and beautifully located beer garden before grabbing a bite to eat. Followed by a long soak in the hot tub under the clear night skies, we really felt like we were winning.
Old Man of Coniston - you may get some bad rep for being a bit of a grumpy fellow, but you sure changed our minds that day.
For some time now we have been wanting to find a natural leather alternative - one that works with our love for texture and which is visually stunning in its own right. Cork has always been a firm favourite and for the past few years we have been secretly testing and sampling cork ‘leathers’ alongside other contenders to ensure they make the perfect material for our goods.
We’re so glad to say that all that testing was worth it!
We have found Cork to be so resilient. The material we source from Portugal is completely different to that of the cork you imagine from your wine bottles or coasters. We have manipulated it and attempted to tear it and failed - it is the opposite of brittle! It also has a natural water resistance, making it a great alternative to leather.
Despite its good looks and tests of strength, cork is a renewable material. Cork is made from very thin bark shavings from the cork oak tree, ensuring that the tree suffers no damage at all. As a material, cork is eco-friendly, 100% natural, renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. It's soft, lightweight, versatile, impermeable, insulating and very durable, dust and dirt repellent.
We really hope you love the new collection as much as we do! And we are so pleased to be able to provide a vegan alternative which we know our fans have wanted for some time. You can find our hip flasks, key fobs and card holders in cork below and keep an eye out for wallets, water bottle covers and patches coming soon!
]]>So, you may have heard us ramble on about our nuptials on various social media - or even our website.
Well, what a whirlwind that was! With 6 months of solid preparation (we decided to make most of the decor and accessories by ourselves) and still working the business full time, I think it is fair to say that by the end of it all, we were both burnt out.
Our engagement occurred in the wilds of Iceland under the night sky whilst the aurora borealis attempted (but ultimately failed) to form. Needless to say, in the years we had to plan our wedding, we hoped to include our previous travels, love of the outdoors and history into the general feel and look of the wedding.
We chose our venue early on (with a three year waiting list) after viewing lots of different places that would become wildly inappropriate in cost (I’d rather buy a house, thanks.) Our venue was the fantastic Oakwell Hall - with acres of woodland and a country park, a hall clad in such wonderful oak panelling for our ceremony and a listed barn for our reception. Oakwell Hall allowed us to have the freedom to decorate, feed and water our guests with our own choice of caterers (including ourselves) as well as provide the perfect backdrop for our Opulent wedding. This was so important to us - we didn’t want to be tied into a set menu with lack lustre choices and through the roof prices per head. We wanted an informal affair, that embraced the venue and the summer months we were intending to marry in.
All this choice ultimately meant a lot of work, but upon reflection it was the best thing we could have done. Our wedding was a true representation of who Jason and I are, and our relationship (including Hord).
Neon Sign by Add Vintage
I entered the whole “dress shopping” approach thinking I had already found ‘the one’ and that I was sorted. My initial find was online and in Canada - no option to try without an expensive holiday. I decided I needed to try some different silhouettes to see what works for me - enter Glory Days, a York based company focusing on vintage dresses from the 1900’s to the 1980’s. What more could I need to get an idea of silhouettes and styling? I booked an appointment, dragging my mum and sister in tow and tried a myriad of beautiful dresses. From 1920’s flapper, to floaty 70’s offerings. Here, I also managed to try on some of their in house designs by Rolling in Roses, beautiful dresses that are inspired by their vintage sister brand. I learnt that all the vintage dresses could be added to and manipulated and that they offer bespoke dresses too. And so my journey with Hayley began - she crafted a beautiful dress for me which was a tweaked version of her Witch-hazel dress - an over layered boat lace neck line over a silk plunge V bodice, Ivory lacing and a fuller skirt with back detailing. My whole experience with Glory Days and Rolling in Roses was fabulous. I heard many a nightmare story about how boutiques treat their potential customers, but Hayley and her team were an absolute dream to work with.
For myself, I made my leather cinching belt, backed with leftover silk from my dress. Hooked with a vintage buckle at the back of the belt, it echoes the deep V’s that appear throughout the dress. The belt was engraved with our wedding logo and my illustrative details from carvings which appear in the venue. I made myself a fur stole for the evening (but alas, it never cooled down enough to use it). I purchased two necklaces for my outfit, one is the elaborate large piece which echoes the shape of my belt buckle and the other is the gold locket. I attached the two temporarily for the day - the locket held photos of my Grandparents who couldn’t be there on the day. My hair was done by the lovely Faye at XTG hairdressing, Huddersfield and I engraved my own boots, made leather spats and paired them with lace socks.
To accessorise, we made an engraved leather belt which matched his brogues, a leather wrapped hand made corsage and a full leather tie - made from the same leather as my belt. Oh, and of course the wind up pocket watch!
Jason’s best man and groomsmen wore matching shirts and chinos to Jason and they were fully kitted out in Hord gear. We decided we wanted the groomsmen to wear leather suspenders, dicky bows, and belts.
My Maid of Honour also wore leather braces, whilst the bridesmaids wore wide leather cinching belts with ornate brass buckles. All of our bouquets and corsages were arranged by Jason and I.
My wedding ring was commissioned by Midnight Alchemy Design who are based in West Yorkshire. I wanted a slim, gold wedding band that would be timeless whilst still echoing our woodland wedding - Hammered with a bark like texture, it catches the light beautifully. Jason’s ring combines his love of wood and brass with the hardiness of titanium and was purchased from the Etsy store RingsDepot
Gold Wedding Ring by Midnight Alchemy Design, Ebony, Brass and Titanium Ring by RingsDepot
In Part 2 of Unity of Two, we shall venture into our venue decorations and graphic work (and we might even be able to fit in food and booze!). All important parts of making our perfectly DIY opulent wedding! If there are any other elements you would like to know about, leave a comment below!