POLOKWANE – Sonya is a leather worker with the aim of making 1 000 belts by the end of this year.
“I started with this wonderful hobby about a year and a half ago. My husband, Wayne, went on a knife making course and when he returned he told me I had to make a leather knife sheath. During the knife making course he learned how and he showed me.”
The art of leather work fascinated Sonya and she started to try and make other items.
“I watched a lot of YouTube videos and followed Instagram pages. I have to say, the people on Instagram helped me a lot, giving me advice and tips.”
The couple had no tools and had to acquire everything. Some things they bought in Pretoria, some in Cape Town and others online.
“I learned the hard way and had no formal training. If I can make and sell 1000 belts by December, I will be able to pay for a course on how to better my work.”
So far Sonya made belts, bracelets and some handbags. She recently got an industrial machine, but does all the stitching with her hands.
“My products are 100% hand made. I use normal tools. I use a saddle stitch that is very strong as the thread goes into each hole twice. It is neat and hardy.”
Sonya buys all her leather in sheets and then cuts the belt or bracelet from it. She also dyes it herself.
“I can offer you custom made personalised items such as a belt with a special message on. My products last a lifetime and doesn’t crack. People use it every day and as it gets older, it gets more character. It is made with love and passion, especially for each individual.”
Sonya specialises in making belts and bracelets, but would love to specialise in satchels as well.