Workshops

Discover the art of leathercraft

Step into the world of Atelier Florens through individual experiences designed to introduce you to leather, traditional tools and the techniques of fine leathercraft.

Florian, leather craftsman, shaping a leather piece in his workshop in Geneva

The workshop

Discover the materials, tools and techniques of leathercraft

Available

Step into the world of traditional leathercraft and discover the materials, tools and techniques involved in creating a leather piece.

During this introduction, you will explore the main types of leather, their characteristics and uses, as well as different tanning methods. You will also discover some of the leatherworker's essential tools and the principal stages involved in transforming leather into a finished object.

The experience is also practical. You will have the opportunity to try several fundamental techniques directly on leather samples, including saddle stitching, stamping and selected preparation and finishing techniques.

The aim of this workshop is not to create a complete object, but to provide a first hands-on understanding of leathercraft, its techniques and the precision involved.

You will leave with the leather samples you worked on during the workshop.

150 CHF

Your preferred time slots (1 to 3)

Let us know one or more time slots that would work for you (e.g. "Tuesday 16 September, afternoon"). We'll get back to you to confirm a final date.

Level

No previous experience is required. This workshop is designed for anyone wishing to discover traditional leathercraft, its materials and techniques.

Number of participants

1 participant. An individual format allowing for direct guidance and a personalised experience.

Duration

1.5 hours.

Materials provided

All necessary materials and tools are provided. You only need to bring your curiosity and desire to discover the craft.

Workshop content

A first immersion in leathercraft

During the workshop, you will discover:

  • the main families of leather
  • different tanning methods
  • the characteristics and uses of different leathers
  • traditional leathercraft tools
  • the main stages involved in creating a leather piece
  • saddle stitching
  • leather stamping
  • selected preparation and finishing techniques
  • hands-on work with several leather samples

At the end of the workshop, you will leave with the samples you worked on during the experience.

Introductory card holder — one card

The workshop

Create your first leather card holder

Available

Discover the first stages of leathercraft by creating your own simple leather card holder, designed to hold one card.

Guided step by step, you will work with leather using traditional tools and discover the essential techniques involved in creating your piece, from preparing the components through to the finishing stages.

The card holder has intentionally been designed with a simple construction, allowing you to gain a first practical understanding of leathercraft while leaving the atelier with an object you made yourself.

Certain stages may be prepared in advance so that the workshop can focus on the most interesting techniques while ensuring a carefully finished result.

No previous experience is required.

200 CHF

Your preferred time slots (1 to 3)

Let us know one or more time slots that would work for you (e.g. "Tuesday 16 September, afternoon"). We'll get back to you to confirm a final date.

Level

No previous experience is required. This workshop is designed as a first practical introduction to making a leather object.

Number of participants

1 participant. An individual format allowing for personalised guidance throughout the making process.

Duration

Approximately 2 hours.

Materials provided

All leather, tools and materials required to create the card holder are provided.

Workshop content

The first stages of making

During this workshop, you will discover the different stages involved in making your card holder:

  • introduction to the leather used
  • presentation of the main tools required
  • preparation of the different components
  • assembly
  • introduction to the techniques used to construct the card holder
  • finishing
  • personalisation when technically possible

At the end of the workshop, you will leave with your own handmade leather card holder designed to hold one card.

Leather valet tray made at an Atelier Florens workshop

The workshop

A unique piece, made by you

Available

During this workshop, you will create your own 14 × 14 cm leather tray, designed to hold keys, a watch or other small everyday essentials.

You will be able to select the leathers used for your creation and make a unique piece that reflects your own choices.

Throughout the experience, you will be guided step by step through traditional leathercraft techniques. You will discover the pleasure of working with leather and leave with an elegant and functional object made by your own hands.

300 CHF

Your preferred time slots (1 to 3)

Let us know one or more time slots that would work for you (e.g. "Tuesday 16 September, afternoon"). We'll get back to you to confirm a final date.

Level

No prior experience required. This workshop is accessible to beginners as well as anyone wanting to discover traditional leatherworking techniques.

Number of participants

1 participant. A one-on-one format that allows for personalised guidance throughout the making process.

Duration

Approximately 3 hours, one-on-one format.

Materials provided

All necessary materials are provided. You don't need to bring anything, except your curiosity and desire to create.

Workshop content

The steps of making it

During this workshop, you will discover the different steps of making a leather valet tray:

  • selection of the leathers
  • cutting the different components
  • preparation and assembly
  • introduction to traditional hand saddle stitching
  • edge finishing
  • setting the rivets
  • personalisation of the piece

At the end of the workshop, you will leave with your own 14 × 14 cm leather tray, made entirely by you.

Cité leather belt, Atelier Florens

The workshop

Create your own made-to-measure leather belt

Available

During this workshop, you will create your own leather belt, adjusted to your measurements and crafted using traditional leathercraft techniques.

You will discover the different stages involved in making a belt: selecting the leather and buckle, taking measurements, cutting the strap, shaping the leather, preparing and finishing the edges, punching the holes, making the keeper and assembling the buckle.

I will guide you personally throughout the making process, helping you discover the techniques involved while creating a durable and functional piece with your own hands.

No previous experience is required.

400 CHF

Your preferred time slots (1 to 3)

Let us know one or more time slots that would work for you (e.g. "Tuesday 16 September, afternoon"). We'll get back to you to confirm a final date.

Level

No previous experience is required. This workshop is suitable for beginners and provides an opportunity to discover several essential leathercraft techniques through the creation of a complete piece.

Number of participants

1 participant. The individual format allows for personalised guidance throughout the making process.

Duration

4 hours.

Materials provided

All leather, hardware, tools and materials required to create the belt are provided.

Workshop content

The making process

During the workshop, you will discover:

  • selecting the leather and buckle
  • taking measurements and adjusting the belt to your size
  • cutting the leather strap
  • shaping the end of the belt
  • preparing and finishing the edges
  • positioning and punching the holes
  • making and fitting the keeper
  • preparing the buckle section
  • assembling and securing the buckle
  • the stitching required for the construction
  • personalisation when technically possible
  • final finishing and adjustment

At the end of the workshop, you will leave with your own made-to-measure Cité leather belt, crafted by you.

Practical information

Getting there

Address

Rue de Carouge
1205 Geneva

Parking

Paid parking spaces are available directly in front of the building.

Public transport

Blanche stop — Tram 12 and Tram 18

Recommendations

We recommend wearing comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting slightly dirty while working with leather.

Soon find my creations and workshops online at

WeCraft