One of the highlights of our October 2022 trip to Paris was the Airbnb Experience we booked to make a custom handbag class in a leather studio. When we decided to book this year’s accommodation about 6 blocks from that Atelier, well, of course we had to return for another class.

Ines, the instructor not only remembered us, she remembered that we showed her photos of silk scarves we had made before our last trip. Clearly, Mama D and I make an impression!

The first step in the process is to decide which of three bag types you want to make. Mom selected a classic fold closure bag, and I chose a bucket-style bag. Then, you choose from a gorgeous array of leathers – smooth, pebble finish, metallic, patent, you name it,

Next you select your hardware options. Our metal color choices were good, silver, gunmetal and bronze. This is for the rivets, grommets, clasp and D-rings for the straps. Mom selected gold and I went with my favorite gunmetal.

But we were not done yet. We had to chose a leather color for the other bag components for mom, that meant the oval side panels and the little leather reinforcement swatches that go behind the closures. For me, it meant the interior base of the bag and leather swatches. The final choices were the thread color and leather strap.

With our choices made, we were ready to start.

The construction process is fascinating, and gives you a whole new appreciation for the workmanship of a really good leather bag. There is some sanding required to rough up smooth edges to allow the stinky glue to adhere, there is hole punching and hand stitching, a process that requires you to sit with this holder gizmo clenched between your thighs. All a bit awkward, but the two French ladies in the class with us also struggled with great humor. Through it all, Ines handled the four of us with great patience, switching effortlessly between projects and languages.

While I did hand stitch the side of my bag myself, Ines stepped in and stitched the bottom to the sides on this cool industrial sewing machine. I will confess that I was DYING to take a turn using it. I am such a sewing machine geek…

The final step was to add the straps, adjust for length, and add a lovely little accent scarf. Et, Voila! We have custom-made bags!

Postscript: Mom decided she wanted a bucket bag, too. Ines helped her select her leather and metal options and assembled the bag for her the following week. She loves both her bags and is looking forward to showing them off to her friends.