Our Story

Our leather “obsession” began in 2015 under the name of Ruddy Custom Boot & Saddle Co. Hi there! We’re Laura and Ben Ruddy. Our devotion to leather started far before we opened our doors. Growing up in the beautiful Queensland Farming Industry, our families showed us their love for leather. For a period of time we followed in their passionate footsteps, only for us to both briefly move away from leather to pursue other careers.

Thankfully our obsession and passion reignited. The smell, the touch, the art of being creative all while being challenged to manufacture useable products for our customers, drove us back to leather. With leather there’s a thrill of enjoyment that comes from watching the product, starting as a leather cutting, turned into a design concept, resulting in a finished product we are proud to say we made.

But our leather obsession didn’t stop there! We wanted to increase our skillset, so Ben’s passion for leather knowledge took him around Australia to train under the guidance of a Leather Craftsmen in saddle making and boot repair (Cobbler), completing an apprenticeship in saddle making and leather production.

Laura’s journey took her abroad to the USA. Whilst in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Minnesota, under the guidance of a Master Boot Maker, she honed her skills in western boot making and all aspects of leather manufacturing.

Combining our skills has allowed for us to open Ruddy’s – Makers of Fine Leather Goods to create and deliver innovative new products in our ever-growing range of handmade leather goods. For us, it’s not a job. We believe that because we love our product, are devoted to the outcome for our customers, excelling in quality and style, then as makers of fine leather, we’ve done our job.

We encourage you to check out our range and see for yourself our highly skilled level of craft that we shape into every individual piece of leather.

Who Are Our Customers?

Whether you are already a fan of leather, looking for a unique gift, or have just started your leather journey we have everything and more that you need in leatherwork. Our leather clients range from farmers to office and corporate clients, people off the street for social use, and customers shopping for thoughtful and personalised gifts. Leather can become anyone’s obsession. Why? Because leather has an undeniable distinct smell, feel and appearance that hooks you in. Leather is long lasting and durable, fashionable and connects you to the land, grounding you to the earth. As our valued customer we know that you will be obsessed with leather as much as we are at Ruddy’s.