Autistic Craftsman hoping to inspire others to follow their dreams
## Handmade in Surrey
I'm Jon, a self-taught craftsman working from my small home workshop in Surrey, UK.
My journey into making started with woodworking and woodturning. I taught myself as I went, learning through experimenting, making mistakes and constantly trying something new. Over time that same curiosity led me to leathercraft – and it quickly became a huge part of what I do.
Today, I create practical handmade leather goods designed to be used and enjoyed every day. From personalised keyrings and holders to specialist pieces for healthcare workers, emergency services and other everyday needs, everything is made individually by me.
I cut, dye, stitch, engrave and finish my leatherwork in my own workshop. I particularly enjoy creating products that solve a small problem or making something specifically for a customer when they can't quite find what they need elsewhere.
## The Person Behind the Craft
I was diagnosed with Asperger's in 2020 at the age of 42.
For much of my life I knew that I experienced the world a little differently, but didn't necessarily understand why. Craft gave me somewhere to channel that.
Making things allows me to focus on details, learn new skills, experiment with ideas and turn something that begins in my head into something another person can actually hold and use.
Being completely self-taught is something I'm proud of. I'm still learning, still experimenting and still occasionally looking at an idea and thinking, “I wonder if I can make that?”
Usually, I have to find out.
My hope is that my work also carries a small message for anyone who feels that being autistic, being different or simply taking a different route through life limits what they can achieve.
It doesn't have to.
Learn. Make mistakes. Try again. Find the thing you love doing and see where it takes you.
**Live life your way.**
Thank you for visiting my shop and, most importantly, thank you for supporting handmade.
Jon
I'm Jon, a self-taught craftsman working from my small home workshop in Surrey, UK.
My journey into making started with woodworking and woodturning. I taught myself as I went, learning through experimenting, making mistakes and constantly trying something new. Over time that same curiosity led me to leathercraft – and it quickly became a huge part of what I do.
Today, I create practical handmade leather goods designed to be used and enjoyed every day. From personalised keyrings and holders to specialist pieces for healthcare workers, emergency services and other everyday needs, everything is made individually by me.
I cut, dye, stitch, engrave and finish my leatherwork in my own workshop. I particularly enjoy creating products that solve a small problem or making something specifically for a customer when they can't quite find what they need elsewhere.
## The Person Behind the Craft
I was diagnosed with Asperger's in 2020 at the age of 42.
For much of my life I knew that I experienced the world a little differently, but didn't necessarily understand why. Craft gave me somewhere to channel that.
Making things allows me to focus on details, learn new skills, experiment with ideas and turn something that begins in my head into something another person can actually hold and use.
Being completely self-taught is something I'm proud of. I'm still learning, still experimenting and still occasionally looking at an idea and thinking, “I wonder if I can make that?”
Usually, I have to find out.
My hope is that my work also carries a small message for anyone who feels that being autistic, being different or simply taking a different route through life limits what they can achieve.
It doesn't have to.
Learn. Make mistakes. Try again. Find the thing you love doing and see where it takes you.
**Live life your way.**
Thank you for visiting my shop and, most importantly, thank you for supporting handmade.
Jon
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