The Spirit of the Hound & Hare: The Story of Created by The Ridleys

In a world of mass-produced goods, it can be a real challenge to find gifts that feel truly special-items with a genuine story, handcrafted with care right here in the UK. This very search is what inspired our family to create something different. We wanted to capture the timeless spirit of the British countryside, that classic tale of the hound & hare, and pour it into every stitch of our handmade tweed gifts. It’s a spirit that celebrates the cherished bond between people and their pets, a connection that deserves to be honoured with quality and heart.

Come with us behind the workshop door and discover the heartfelt story of Created By The Ridleys. In these few words, you’ll learn how our passion for heritage and sustainability grew into a collection of award-winning gifts, thoughtfully designed for both you and your loyal hound. Find out what makes our family-run brand a truly authentic choice for those who value tradition, craftsmanship, and a touch of countryside charm in every meaningful purchase.

Key Takeaways

• Discover how a family's passion for the British countryside grew into a beloved brand of handcrafted gifts from their home in County Durham.
• Understand the special bond that inspires the hound & hare collection and see how our own dogs are at the heart of every design.
• Learn what makes authentic Harris Tweed so unique and how our traditional crafting process turns it into a timeless, cherished keepsake.
• Find inspiration for choosing a thoughtful, personalised gift that truly captures the spirit of country living for the special people in your life.

Who Are The Ridleys? Our Journey from Passion to Craft

We are the Ridleys, a family deeply rooted in the heart of County Durham, with a shared love for the British countryside, timeless heritage, and our faithful hounds. Created by The Ridleys was born from this simple passion-a desire to craft beautiful, personalised gifts that capture a moment and last a lifetime. As a proud, family-run British business, every item we create is a piece of our story, made with care for you to share. The awards we’ve been honoured to receive mean the world to us, as they reflect the wonderful support of customers who value true craftsmanship.

The Spark of an Idea: How It All Began

It all started with a simple search for a unique tweed collar for one of our own dogs. Unable to find anything that combined classic style with the durable quality needed for country life, we decided to make our own. This single creative spark ignited our mission: to create meaningful, lasting gifts that you simply can't find on the high street. From that very first stitch, personalisation was at the core of our philosophy, transforming beautiful items into cherished personal keepsakes.

Our Core Values: Heritage, Sustainability, and Heart

Our designs are inspired by classic British heritage, but our values are firmly planted in creating a better future. We are committed to sustainability, choosing materials that are both beautiful and kind to our planet. We are honoured to work with iconic, handwoven fabrics like genuine Harris Tweed, a material protected by its own Act of Parliament and celebrated for its sustainable quality. This handmade-to-order approach means every hound & hare accessory and human gift is crafted with individual attention and heart-a thoughtful alternative to mass production.

Made with Pride in the British Countryside

Our workshop is nestled in the small village of Witton Park, County Durham, surrounded by the very rolling hills and ancient woodlands that inspire our collections. This connection to the countryside is woven into the fabric of our brand, from the earthy tones of our tweeds to the robust nature of our designs. When you choose a gift from Created by The Ridleys, you are not just buying a product; you are supporting local UK craftsmanship and becoming part of our family’s story.

The Muse: Celebrating the 'Hound' in Hound & Hare

Here in the British countryside, a dog is more than just a pet; they are a constant companion, a shadow on a long walk, and a warm presence by the fire. This special bond is woven deep into our culture, with a rich history of dogs in England as partners in work, sport, and life. For us, our own beloved hounds are the heart of our inspiration, the very reason our 'Hound' collection exists. They are our chief product testers, our daily motivation, and the furry, four-legged members of the Ridley family.

Meet Our Cherished Hounds

Our creative process almost always begins with a wagging tail. There's Mabel, our gentle giant with a love for comfort, who inspired the soft velvet lining in our tweed collars for sensitive necks. Then there's Alfie, the spirited adventurer whose enthusiasm for muddy puddles demanded a collar that was not only handsome but incredibly durable. Their distinct personalities guide our hands, ensuring every piece is born from a genuine understanding of what a dog and its owner truly require.

(You can often see them 'modelling' our latest creations on our workshop floor!)

Designing for the Discerning Dog Owner

We believe that accessories for our four-legged friends should be crafted with the same integrity and style as our gifts for humans. Our philosophy is simple: blend timeless design with uncompromising function. This is why we choose authentic Harris Tweed for its heritage and resilience, pairing it with strong internal webbing and the highest quality hardware. Every buckle and D-ring is solid cast brass or stainless steel, chosen for strength and rust resistance, giving you peace of mind on every adventure. It's this thoughtful approach that defines our hound & hare collection.

More Than a Pet: A Member of the Family

There is a unique joy in finding the perfect gift for your faithful companion-a small way to celebrate the immense happiness they bring into our lives. We pour the same love and meticulous attention to detail into our hound collection as we do every other piece we create. Because when you're choosing something for a member of the family, only the very best will do. Each collar, lead, and bow tie is a testament to that belief, thoughtfully made to be treasured for years of shared adventures.

Explore our collection of handcrafted hound accessories.

The Craft: Weaving Tradition into Every Tweed Gift

In a world of fast fashion and mass production, we believe in the quiet power of things made by hand. Each gift from Created by The Ridleys has a story woven into its very fabric-a journey that begins not on a factory floor, but in our small workshop. It’s a process fuelled by passion, patience, and a deep respect for traditional British craftsmanship, creating cherished items for both human and hound & hare.

The Magic of Genuine Harris Tweed

Our story is inseparable from the story of Harris Tweed. This remarkable fabric is not merely made; it's born from the rugged landscape of the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Protected by an Act of Parliament, genuine Harris Tweed is dyed, spun, and handwoven by islanders in their homes. We chose it for its timeless beauty and enduring durability, knowing it will stand the test of time. Every piece carries the iconic Orb mark, your guarantee of authentic, world-class quality.

Our Handmade Promise: From Our Hands to Yours

Creating one of our tweed hip flasks is a thoughtful, deliberate process. We begin by carefully selecting and hand-cutting the perfect piece of tweed. Then, using traditional techniques, we meticulously stitch the fabric, ensuring every seam is strong and the fit is flawless. This dedication, as highlighted in a Shooting Sportsman feature on Hound & Hare, is at the heart of everything we do. Unlike machine-made items, each of our products has its own subtle character-a testament to the hands that crafted it just for you.

The Personalisation Touch

We believe the most meaningful gifts carry a personal message. That’s why we offer our personalisation service completely free of charge. Using traditional embossing techniques, we carefully press initials, a name, or a special date onto a small leather tag, which is then stitched onto your gift. This simple touch transforms a beautiful item into a one-of-a-kind keepsake. It could be a wedding date for the happy couple, a new puppy’s initial for a beloved accessory, or a simple "Thank You" for a treasured friend.

For the Humans: Timeless Gifts Inspired by Country Life

While our four-legged friends inspire much of our work, our love for British craftsmanship extends to creating timeless gifts for the people who love them. Our collection for humans is deeply rooted in the same countryside ethos, celebrating heritage materials and practical, beautiful design. Each piece is thoughtfully handmade to blend classic style with everyday function, bringing a touch of rural charm to your life and the lives of those you cherish. From handsome accessories to cosy home goods, our passion for the hound & hare lifestyle is woven into every item we create.

Cherished Gifts for Groomsmen and Special Occasions

Marking a special moment calls for a gift with meaning and heritage. Our personalised Harris Tweed hip flasks, cufflinks, and wallets have become a cherished choice for weddings, offering a unique way to thank groomsmen and the father of the bride. These thoughtful keepsakes are also perfect for celebrating milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or Father's Day. The rich, authentic texture of tweed adds a sense of history and distinction, turning a beautiful present into a treasured memory of a significant day.

Our Favourite Accessories for a Country Outing

Whether you're striding through the fields or enjoying a quiet moment by the fire, our accessories are designed to be your perfect companions. A classic hip flask, wrapped in handsome tweed, is ideal for a bracing country walk, while our durable wallets and keyrings are made for daily life. For a touch of everyday elegance, our collection of purses and handbags combines sustainable materials with timeless design. These pieces effortlessly complete a heritage-inspired look, celebrating a life lived in the great British outdoors.

From Our Home to Yours: Tweed Home Decor

We believe the warmth and comfort of the countryside shouldn't stay outdoors. To help you bring that feeling home, we've extended our craft to a small, curated range of home decor. Our Harris Tweed lampshades, for instance, can bring a soft, cosy glow to any room, infusing your space with the rustic elegance of a country cottage. It’s a simple way to introduce a touch of handmade charm and heritage style into your home.

Every item we create is a piece of our story, handmade with care to become a part of yours. Find a thoughtful, personalised gift for someone special.

More Than a Gift: A Piece of Our Story

From a family's passion in County Durham to an award-winning British gift company, our journey is woven into every item we create. The story of Created by The Ridleys is a true celebration of country life, inspired by the simple joy our own dogs bring and a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship. It’s a narrative that begins with a personal love for heritage and ends with a beautiful, meaningful gift in your hands. Each piece is more than just an object; it’s a piece of our story, thoughtfully handmade with genuine, sustainable Harris Tweed to be cherished for years to come.

The spirit of the hound & hare lives in every stitch, capturing a touch of timeless British charm for the special people-and pets-in your life. We believe a gift should be personal, heartfelt, and made with care. We hope our story has inspired you to find that perfect, thoughtful present.

Discover the full story and our collections at Created by The Ridleys. We invite you to explore our world and find a meaningful gift that tells its own story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Created by The Ridleys different from other gift companies?

Unlike mass-produced gifts, every item from Created by The Ridleys is thoughtfully handmade by our family here in the UK. We focus on heritage materials and sustainable practices, using world-renowned Harris Tweed to create timeless keepsakes. Our passion lies in the personal touch, which is why we offer a complimentary personalisation service. We believe a gift should be a cherished story, not just an object, for both the people and pets in your life.

Are your handmade dog accessories durable enough for everyday use?

Absolutely! We design our hound & hare accessories with both style and durability in mind. While Harris Tweed offers timeless country charm, it is also a remarkably hard-wearing fabric. We reinforce all our collars and leads with strong internal webbing and use high-quality, sturdy metal hardware. This ensures they are more than capable of withstanding the rigours of daily walks, countryside adventures, and playful moments, keeping your companion safe and stylish.

Where do you source the Harris Tweed for your products?

We are incredibly proud to source our Harris Tweed directly from the weavers and mills of the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. This is the only place in the world where authentic Harris Tweed can be made, as protected by the Harris Tweed Act of 1993. Each piece of fabric arrives with its own story, handwoven by artisans in their homes. This direct connection ensures we use only the genuine article, supporting a vital British heritage craft.

What does your free personalisation service include on items?

Our complimentary personalisation service is one of the things that makes our gifts so special. On most items, we add a beautiful, hand-cut leather tag which we then carefully emboss with initials or a name. For example, we can add a dog's name to a tweed collar or the initials of a happy couple to a set of coasters. It’s a thoughtful final touch that transforms a beautiful gift into a truly personal keepsake for you to cherish.

How long does it take to make and ship a personalised order?

As every piece is handmade to order with great care, our standard turnaround time is typically 3-5 working days. This allows us to craft and personalise your item to our high standards. Once your order is ready, we dispatch it via Royal Mail. During busier periods, such as Christmas, we recommend checking the banner on our website for the most up-to-date lead times to ensure your thoughtful gift arrives on time for the special occasion.

Why is supporting a UK-based, family-run business important?

Choosing to support a family-run UK business like ours helps keep traditional craftsmanship alive and boosts our local economy. Every purchase directly supports our family and our passion for making beautiful, sustainable goods. It also means you're investing in quality and accountability, as we pour our hearts into every single item we create. You’re not just buying a product; you’re becoming part of our story and helping to ensure a more sustainable future for British craft.