Hello! I’m Sally, and I live and work aboard my narrowboat, Craftybird, with my ever-watchful (and slightly bossy) crew—Brindley and Daisy.
I’ve been working with leather for nearly 20 years. My journey with this beautiful craft began thanks to my first dog. I wanted to buy him a lovely collar, but nothing felt quite right—so I rolled up my sleeves and decided to learn how to make one myself.
That first collar led me to Greenwich Craft Market, and even—briefly—to Harrods! Over 15 years ago, I moved onto my first narrowboat, and from that tiny floating space, I kept crafting. I sold my leather goods straight off the side of the boat (weather permitting, of course!) and focused on making smaller pieces—there simply wasn’t room for anything bigger.
But I always dreamed of having a proper leather workshop: somewhere I could spread out, take on larger projects, and have a weatherproof space to welcome visitors. I considered finding a spot on land… but that would’ve meant leaving life afloat behind, and I wasn’t quite ready for that.
Then I found Craftybird. It was love at first sight—I left absolutely fizzing with excitement! At last, I’d found a way to have a floating, travelling workshop and shop, all in one.
Built by the renowned boat builder Roger Fuller in the style of a Josher, she’s 70 feet of elegance, with beautiful lines and a character all her own. She even boasts a 75-year-old Lister JP2 engine—a mechanical marvel that’s been both a joy and a challenge to learn about.
At the front, Craftybird has a dedicated workshop space, designed for leatherwork. And at the back? That’s home—for me, Brindley, and Daisy. We cruise the canals and rivers of the UK, making, selling, and barking (well, two of us anyway) as we go.
If you hear some excitable yapping from the towpath, chances are you’ve found us!
I really enjoy sharing my constantly evolving (never stop learning!) knowledge about leather craft and also helping people find out more about this lovely material. I love to see what others do with it too. There are so many ways to make things! So many styles and different tastes.
My passion lies with experimenting in colour and form - to explore and learn new techniques and applications. It feels like there are never enough hours in the day!
Even on a dull wet day, it is a pleasure to be in the workshop looking out on the canal, or where-ever we are, creating and experimenting. Producing leatherwork items to bring pleasure to future owners. Its a space that needs to be shared so please don't be shy if you see us on the towpath - come and say hi!
‘The Crew’ and I open the shop most weekends and run workshops, work on commissions and making stock at other times.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Sally and the Craftybird Crew
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Copyright Craftybird 2025
