In the fall of 2024, my mother and I were hiking a pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. After two weeks and 120 miles of walking, I realized I was not walking for my own enjoyment but to please those in my life who would have loved to do the trip. Reflecting on what would truly bring me joy, I decided to find an Atelier (formalized workshop) to take leather working classes for a week. In the past, I had experimented with scraps of leather, making mostly bracelets and collars, and had absolutely loved the process. The week of leather working workshops was the most exciting and grounding experience I have had in quite awhile. I learned leather working within the traditional “maroquinerie” style (the making of fine leather goods such as bags, wallets, jewelry, etc…) and “sellerie” style (making heavy-duty leather goods for horses, saddles, etc… generally with veg tanned leather). While dabbling in these two styles, I learned pattern-making, construction, sewing by hand and by machine, installation of rivets and other fastenings, finishing techniques, and leather care. By the end of the week, I had made two bags (one of which I got to design), a wallet, a belt, and two small storage boxes. I was hooked. Below are these items and others I have built since.