Albannach is Scots Gaelic for 'Scottish', following Don's strong heritage.
Don & The Birth of Albannach Crafts
In 2015, Don was living in Niigata City, Japan, teaching English when a good friend from Oamaru sent him an antique belt buckle for a kilt belt.
He approached Fukuda-san, a traditional leather worker, and asked him to make a new belt. Instead, Fukuda-san taught Don how to make the belt himself - igniting his interest in leather work. Later on, he started learning traditional leather restoration techniques.
Don enjoys using his tech drawing and art skills to tackle new items for clients (and ourselves).
Denise Joins the Team
Denise made a big change in career direction after 37 years in the health industry - becoming the shop manager of our Tyne St studio in the Victorian Precinct of Oamaru. She now runs Albannach's shared space in Havelock, Marlborough, next to The Gallery.
She is Don's first apprentice and has quickly adapted to the craft - contributing items both for the shop and one-of-a-kind commissions, creating some of her own designs and starting to assist in restoration work.
Key Events
November 2022
On the 20th of November 2022, Albannach Crafts moved into its first premises in the 1881 Smith's Grain Store building at 9 Tyne St in Oamaru's iconic Victorian Precinct.
May 2024
The Smith's Grain Store shop was closed on the 12th of May 2024 in preparation to move north to Marlborough.
August 2024
8th of August 2024 saw Albannach Crafts relocate and open in a shared workspace of another Victorian-era building (circa 1865) at 75 Main Road in Havelock - gateway to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.
August 2025
Nearly a year on, we moved into our brand new location just down from our previous premises, to 58a Main Road Havelock, right beside The Gallery. Come on down, we'd love to see you!
Browse Our Range
Accessories
Accessories
