These are our most frequently asked questions. If you don’t see the answer to your question below please get in touch here and we’ll endeavour to help.

How long will it take to make my item?

All bags and leather goods are made entirely by hand, so this depends on how many orders are already in production! Most orders will be fulfilled between 2-4 weeks, but you might receive your item sooner. If you need your item within a certain time frame, please get in touch and Rachel will try her best to accommodate your request.

Who makes Shrew items?

Rachel cuts and handstitches every Shrew item to order in her studio in Bath, UK.

Can I have my item customised?

Yes! Please get in touch if you would like to discuss bespoke options. All items are made to order so most can be altered to your preference. Some custom options will incur an extra charge, but Rachel is more than happy to chat about creating your perfect bag. Please note that bespoke goods are non refundable.

Where can I buy Shrew items?

At present, Shrew items are only available through the Shrew website.

Can you send leather samples before I buy?

Yes! Please get in touch via the contact form if you would like to see samples before ordering.

What leather do you use and where do you source your hides?

Rachel only uses vegetable tanned leather from family-run tanneries in the UK and Tuscany in Italy which have been established for many years and have world renowned reputations for the highest quality leathers. Veg tan leather is dyed using natural tannins found in organic materials such as tree bark and sumac. This practice is centuries old, as are the techniques Rachel uses to handcraft each item. Veg tan leather is considered more environmentally friendly and sustainable than chrome tanned leather which, when being prepared and dyed, releases harmful chemicals into the air and water. This makes veg tan leather more expensive and therefore more desirable.

Is leather sustainable?

Leather is a by-product of the meat industry. If it was not used for bags, shoes and other leather goods, it would go into landfill. Rachel uses as much of the hide as possible in order to keep waste to a minimum. Scars and marks from the lived life of the animal are an inherent part of leather and imperfections are celebrated rather than discarded. All scraps are passed on to the textiles department of the local secondary school so students are able to use them in their work. Please see our commitment to sustainability here.

Why don’t you use vegan leather?

Another name for vegan leather is plastic. Vegan leather is plastic, which is made from fossil fuels. It is harmful to the environment.

Why don’t you use plant-based leather?

All Plant-based leathers currently have a percentage of plastic used to make the material, meaning it is not biodegradable or planet-friendly like vegetable tanned leather. Plastic is made using fossil fuels which are harmful to the environment. Rachel would love to add plant based leathers to her collection when this changes!

Are Shrew bags lined?

Shrew bags are made from full grain veg tanned leather and are unlined. Full grain is considered the highest quality leather, where the top layer of the leather has not been buffed or coated, showing the skin’s natural state and characteristics. During the process of vegetable tanning, the natural dyes penetrate each layer of the leather, meaning the flesh side (bottom) also takes on the beautiful colour of the full grain side (top). Because the leather is such high quality and the bag is handcrafted, Shrew’s philosophy is to celebrate the leather and the craftsmanship, showing off the construction rather than hiding it.

How do I look after the leather?

Vegetable tanned leather is a low maintenance leather that gets better as it ages. It has a porous surface and will naturally darken and soften with natural oils from your skin, direct sunlight and exposure to rain.

Soak up excess water and spillages by dabbing with a dry cloth to avoid staining the leather. Let damp leather dry out naturally.

Like our skin, leather needs to be moisturised occasionally. A leather conditioner will help protect the surface from scratches and stains. These come in creams, oils and waxes and provide moisture as well as some surface protection. Apply with a clean, dry cloth or soft haired brush and leave to dry before buffing gently.

Keep your Shrew item in its breathable cotton dust bag when not in use and choose somewhere cool to store it.

For more information on how to care for your Shrew item click here

If you have any other questions please get in touch here and we’ll be happy to answer them.