An introduction to leatherwork · Le Ségur, Tarn, France
Taking time with leather.
Take time to understand the material, learn the language of tools and create a lasting object with your own hands.
Email: labottegaoccitane@gmail.com
A maximum of 3 participants
A small group,
time to share the craft.
Time to learn, practise, ask questions and receive guidance on your own project. An introduction to leather based on working by hand, using simple techniques and durable materials.
Courses welcome beginners as well as those wishing to develop their own practice. No experience is necessary: curiosity, patience and a desire to make are all you need.
Materials, tools and techniques
Understand the craft.
Make it yourself.
Choosing and caring for tools, understanding a technique and allowing the time it takes: the course gives you a foundation for continuing your own practice.
01 — Get to know the material
Discover vegetable-tanned leather, examine a hide and select the sections best suited to your project.
02 — Learn about the tools
Understand what each tool does, how to use and maintain it, and the basic principles of sharpening.
03 — Make an object
Mark out, cut, prepare and assemble the pieces; learn essential leather stitching techniques, including saddle stitching and securing the ends of a seam; explore dyeing and complete the finishing touches.
Three options to suit your project
From first steps to making a bag.
Tools and materials included. We agree on your project together before the course.
Discover
A simple object
A first introduction through making a belt, cardholder, case or another simple small object.
Discover the tools, how to care for them, the fundamental techniques and the basics of stitching leather.
1 weekend · 2 days
€160
Materials included
Develop your skills
An intermediate project
Make a complete satchel, wallet or Western-style belt while exploring a wider range of techniques.
Preparing the pieces, assembling, stitching, fitting and finishing: take time over each stage and develop greater precision in your work.
2 weekends · 4 days
€320
Materials included
Go further
A bag-making project
A shoulder bag or a bag of a similar size, with interior finishing and features such as handles, pockets or compartments.
Work through a complete project, from design to finishing, including preparing the pieces, assembly and stitching.
3 weekends · 6 days
€480
Materials included
The objects shown illustrate the types of projects you could make. We will agree on your own project during our conversation.
An artisanal approach
Working with the material.
Taking time to make.
Particular attention is given to vegetable-tanned leather, simple techniques and durable materials.
Beyond practical skills, the course invites us to reflect on our relationship with objects: where materials come from, the time it takes to make something, and the choice to adapt or repair rather than replace.
Passing on a craft, building confidence to work independently and rediscovering the satisfaction of making something yourself.
Meeting others is part of the experience
Welcome to the workshop.
Lunch is a shared meal: everyone brings something for the table. It is a chance to get to know one another, talk and carry on in the spirit of the course: taking time, slowing down and sharing.
Upcoming dates
Upcoming course dates will be announced here. Get in touch to find out about availability and let me know which dates would suit you.
Practical information
Who is it for?
Beginners and anyone wishing to develop their own leatherworking practice.
The group
A maximum of 3 participants, with individual guidance on each project.
Times
9:30 am–12:30 pm and 2 pm–5 pm.
Location
La Bottega
38, chemin du Puech
81640 Le Ségur · Tarn · France
What is provided?
Tools, vegetable-tanned leather, thread and the other materials needed to complete your project.
Booking
Following a conversation to agree on your project and confirm the dates.