I’ve always been concerned about the large volumes of waste generated by ‘fast fashion’ which in my experience as a designer and upholsterer relates to the interiors and furniture sectors as much as to clothing.
It’s often uneconomic for big enterprises to make use of off-cuts of often beautiful and very expensive leathers and fabrics but I thought perhaps I could combine my skills as a designer and leather artisan to make beautiful items from surplus materials and in my own way make a dent in the amount being discarded.
I began designing and crafting my own ‘collection’ of bags and accessories using my skillset to blend colour, texture and patterning initially for friends and family but now focus on nap as a business. I've been cleaning and repairing leather for a very long time and added restoration services to extend the life of high quality handbags that with a bit of ‘tender loving care’ can be used and treasured once more.
The prototypes of my first collection was made entirely of leather off-cuts and surplus fabrics and as I expand my business I’m keen to link with more local enterprises who generate surplus materials I can use.
I've been teaching others who share my love of the creative ‘making’ of things for some time and now welcome small groups in leather themed workshops in my bright studio in Somerset.
I’m committed to reusing, repurposing and recycling as much as I can and if I need to add new materials I focus first on local and then UK wide businesses. That way I’m caring about my environment, investing in skills development and limiting unnecessary goods transportation.
I hope my commitment connects with your own interests and you discover something in my collection that will become a treasured, faithful friend and have a long purposeful life.
Ali White, owner of nap
Although I founded nap2 in 2023, I've been designing, making and repairing bags for a long time.
I'm dedication to create design led, hand crafted elegant bags intended to appeal to women who want top end design quality plus being proud to invest in my bags knowing, each one contributes to reducing surplus materials going to landfill.
At nap2, I am committed to using high quality leather, vinyl and fabrics.
I use durable leather and UV safe vinyls and fabrics on the outside of my bags and natural linen, cotton and wool as bag linings. I source as much as I can from UK manufacturers and suppliers.
I often upcycle high quality surplus materials, blending colour and texture to create beautiful designs.
I design and make my own unique designs in my studio - nothing is imported or outsourced
Each nap2 handbag, whether a simple cotton tote or a veg tanned handbag is hand crafted with great care and attention to detail.
My bags are stylish, functional and durable: ensuring that my customers will enjoy their bags for years to come.
I combine beautiful colour, texture and decorative patterning to create unique handbags and accessories. I use my skills as a creative designer, leather artisan and colourist to create high quality, beautiful items all hand made here in Somerset, England.
I design from scratch and cut, sew, and finish in my studio workshop. Leather dying is carried out in a separate paint studio because it’s messy!
I source surplus materials from trusted suppliers and supplement with best quality and certified sustainable real leather, luxury faux leather, high quality vinyls and fabrics for my collection.
I strive to create pieces that my customers are Proud to own and each item will give continuous Pleasure tby become long lasting and treasured possessions.
All of my designs have Purpose so that they elegantly address todays modern trend demanding functional and style features.
Bucket Shoppers, tartan and leather shell, linen lined, leather trimmings, contrast wool lined pocket and key finder
Soft Tote in vinyl, leather trims with high coloured lining, zipped pocket and key finder
Bucket Trug, vinyl body waterproof lining - gardening, picnicing or fireside storage
Jolly Totes, vinyl body with high coloured cotton/wool lining
Work Totes, black ground fabric with velvet contrast spots, zipped tablet pocket, removable shoulder strap
Micro Bags just big enough for essentials, secure pocket removable cross body strap
Bottle Bucket, straps safely attached to bicycle
Bottle Bucket, fabric and leather outer shell, cotton lining and adjustable collar - size for one wine bottle or 2 cans
I’ve brought together the best of my teaching experience to design and plan workshops that balance having fun with learning new skills.
I host them in my cosy workshop/studio (even in snowy weather!)
I can comfortably accommodate 2 people making a simple leather bag from one of my templates.
There is free on-site parking.
These 6 hour se
I’ve brought together the best of my teaching experience to design and plan workshops that balance having fun with learning new skills.
I host them in my cosy workshop/studio (even in snowy weather!)
I can comfortably accommodate 2 people making a simple leather bag from one of my templates.
There is free on-site parking.
These 6 hour sessions are £170 per person plus leather charged by the kilo weight
All tools, polishes, sealants and cutting standard templates needed during any workshop
are available for your use.
If you want to create a bag - I can offer 1 to 1 or 1 to 2 teaching sessions. Depending on the complexity of your bag design, we can usually finish a tote bag in a 6 hour day session.
Contact me for details and to book email hello@nap2.co.uk
In winter 2024/25 I’m hosting 1 to 1 or 1 to 2 weekend day teaching sessions.
Fully supervised by me, you will craft a beautiful, personally hand-made small unlined leather or vinyl tote bag to take home as a gift for someone or as a keepsake memory for you.
If like Clair, here modelling her new bag (a much better crafted version of an imp
In winter 2024/25 I’m hosting 1 to 1 or 1 to 2 weekend day teaching sessions.
Fully supervised by me, you will craft a beautiful, personally hand-made small unlined leather or vinyl tote bag to take home as a gift for someone or as a keepsake memory for you.
If like Clair, here modelling her new bag (a much better crafted version of an imported one bought on-line) you have a bag that you'd like to replicate, send me an image and I'll estimate how many sessions you might need to book.