Making by hand.
Taking time.

In my workshop in Le Ségur, in the Tarn region of France, I make bags, satchels, belts and leather accessories. Every piece passes through my hands, from cutting and stitching to the finishing touches.

A living material.

I work exclusively with vegetable-tanned leather. I choose it for its strength, its character and its ability to change over time: it takes shape, adapts and develops a patina. Its marks and variations become part of its story, while small irregularities reveal the hand that worked it.

Simple, precise gestures.

Marking, cutting, preparing, assembling, stitching: every stage is carried out by hand, without machines, using simple tools and traditional techniques. I value this direct connection between material, tool and gesture. It allows me to observe, adjust and take the time to build each object, giving every piece its own individuality.

Making for the long term.

My approach is to make fewer things, and make them last: useful objects that can be cared for, repaired and passed on. I favour natural, durable materials and short supply chains. I also prepare some of my own waxes and finishing products.

Designing an object also means thinking about how it will be used, cared for and repaired to extend its life.

Passing on the craft.

The workshop is also a place to learn and meet others. My courses extend this approach: sharing practical skills, learning to care for tools and rediscovering the satisfaction of making something yourself. In a small group, everyone has time to get to know the material and create their own object.

Fabio Ezechiele Sforzini