I had been wanting to take a leather workshop for a while and had resigned myself to having to do it in Paris... when I had a wonderful encounter!
It all started with an ad on Instagram... "What, there are leather workshops in Brussels? And I didn’t know about it!" Without hesitation, I rushed to Kristina’s website looking for more information and clearly fell in love ❤️ with her creations, which are nothing if not original — as they say, "it really pops to wear that."
To start, I absolutely have to tell you about Kristina because she’s a wonderful person I met! Kristina is a radiant, creative, smiling, and generous woman with great experience in leather crafting that she gained in Lebanon. She came to Belgium for love and created a brand of stunning shoes and sandals, as well as a line of leather bags and accessories. Recently, she has been teaching her art in the capital! I couldn’t resist joining the "the chain mail" bag workshop.
And stay with me until the end of the article because there will be surprises 😊
Kristina in her workshop
My experience
At the end of April, I set off with a light heart to my first leather workshop to make the famous "chain mail bag" in 4 hours, with a bit of apprehension since I’ve never really worked with leather... The apprehension was immediately eased by Kristina over a cup of tea before the workshop started.
The workshop starts with discovering the materials, of course the vegetable-tanned leather, but also the waxed thread, fasteners, carabiners, and magnets that will help us create this famous bag... but not only that since I chose the "chain mail bag" workshop, so there is also a mesh to place on the flap that gives this bag all its originality. Kristina explains to me that it’s a 3D print that her husband makes in his own workshop just a few houses away from our store — it’s joly! I tell myself that with such a beautiful story of collaboration like this, I’m really going to love this bag ❤️.
The waxed threads
The yarns in shimmering colors
Second step: choose
Kristina lets us personalize the bag to our own tastes... We can choose the color of the leather pockets, the waxed thread, and the mesh. For those who know me, you know I love colors and patterns... so after some hesitation, I chose the electric blue mesh paired with orange and pink waxed thread. I already have a huge smile... and we haven’t even really started yet.
My color choice
First assembly
Third step: assembly
We start with simple stitches that immediately build confidence. This allows us to discover how the waxed thread behaves, the pressure to apply... in short, we discover the material, the smells... and it takes me back to childhood in my grandfather’s cobbler workshop.
What a pleasure to see this bag take shape with every stitch I make...
Kristina explains the sewing technique for each piece very well and patiently. You don’t necessarily need sewing experience to participate in the workshop, but I admit it helps.
Placement and fixing of the magnets
Sewing the attachments
The most difficult part of the assembly will be the "closing of the bag" on itself; that is, the side seams. Nothing insurmountable of course, but it requires precision. And since this step is practically the last, we’re already more comfortable with the material and can enjoy it!
Attachment of the mesh
Placement of the magnets
Side closure
Finally, comes the last step of sewing and attaching the webbing where you can have fun being creative! And since my name starts with an E, I had fun recreating it with waxed thread.
So, isn’t my bag beautiful? And what a wonderful experience! I simply loved ❤️ this workshop that made me smile for at least 3 days! I couldn’t just stop there... I had to share this experience with you and take the collaboration with Kristina further... yes, you heard right; Kristina will come to our workshops at 357 Avenue de la Couronne in Ixelles (Brussels) - Belgium to teach you how to make bags but also belts... no need to go all the way to Paris to sew yourself a leather bag! And that’s just amazing!
The workshops are already online and at a great price since the price includes the workshop and your leather bag or belt... when you see the price of leather bags in stores... well, you don’t hesitate anymore and come make it yourself with joy and good cheer!
I will be delighted, just like Kristina, to welcome you, so book your spot quickly 😊!
