When the pandemic hit, Dani Moore was unable to continue working in the live events and theatre industry so she turned to her side hustle.

Together with her husband, Dave Taylor, the lighting technician opened DD Practical on Preston’s Box Market creating and selling beautiful bespoke leathercrafts and handcrafted personalised leather gifts.

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These days she combines both careers, travelling the country to work at conferences, musicals, and live events, as well as working in her workshop in Preston city centre.

We caught up with super-organised Dani, as she completes a stint working on Priscilla Queen of the Desert, to find out more.

Tell me about the range of products you offer.

If you can think of it, I can probably make it. I predominantly work on bespoke commissions. I am currently working on fixing up a 15th century suit of armour!

I do a core range of small leather crafts including keyrings, bookmarks, bracelets, purses, wallets, notebook covers, tote bags, and so on. They start at £6 and can range up to £100. Bespoke commissions are priced based on the amount of time and materials. 

You can also personalise items, is there an extra charge for this?

I provide free personalisation of stamped text. There is an additional charge for laser engraving, ranging from £3 to £10 per design.

What sort of bespoke commissions have you created? 

I have made riding stirrups for a vintage rocking horse, knife sheaths, bushcraft field belts, canteen holders, custom notebook covers, pouches for game dice, and a travelling writing storage system to name but a few.

If someone would like a bespoke item how would they go about it?

Anyone can book an appointment to discuss their bespoke commission.

What are your opening hours?

Typically the workshop is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11am to 4pm. I also attend the maker’s market at Once Was Lost Bar some Sundays. There are times when I have to close the workshop to work away.

I keep my Google Business hours up to date and when booking an appointment, it will only let you book times and dates when I am available at the workshop or for Zoom calls when I am home.

For more information check out the DD Practical website or follow DD Practical on Instagram and Facebook.

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