Expertise
Passionate self-taught, I love experimenting in order to offer you the object or costume of your dreams. I am constantly developing personal projects that allow me to develop my manual know-how (repoussage, molding, pattern making, dyeing) and to deepen new techniques.
Former engineer and project manager in the industry, I have retained from my scientific background and my various professional experiences (aeronautics, mechanical industry and IT) the precision and care necessary for the successful completion of your projects. Listening to your desires, I design and carry out your orders in order to guarantee you the best possible price and result.
A drawing enthusiast since I was old enough to hold a felt-tip pen, I offer my clients my sketches and my pencil strokes: if you like leather pieces covered in embossing, you've come to the right place. Of course, I can also base my creation on your own sketches: anything is possible.
Finally, passionate about fantasy and scifi universes since I was old enough to listen to a story, lulled by Tolkien and Asimov, I have accumulated a significant number of artbooks, references and pop-culture inspirations which allow me to propose relevant designs for the selected universe.
Let's also add a passion for artistic fencing which gives me the experience necessary to create costume pieces usable in combat and we are ready to embark on the adventure!
RAW MATERIALS
The leather: A material used since the dawn of time for clothing and accessories, the possibilities for its transformation are endless. I make it a point of honor to only work with vegetable-tanned leather of French origin (for 80% of my projects, I use cowhides from a family tannery in Le Puy-en-Velay) or Italian origin (a family tannery in Tuscany).
The fabrics: I use traditional fabrics like linen, cotton, or wool. Just as with leather, I strive to find suppliers who are, if not French, then at least European. The same goes for haberdashery and buckles.
Dyes: I use water-based dyes, the vast majority of which are made in France (supplier Eden Esprit Cuir) or the Eco-Flo range from the Tandy Leather brand.
THE TECHNIQUES
The patronage: From sketches, I create a pattern using paper and masking tape. I also sometimes use or alter existing patterns or use the well-known cosplay technique of wrapping in cling film and masking tape.
The tooling: I first draw my pattern in pencil on paper, then I transfer it to a tracing paper and then on the wet leather with a tracer. I go over the pattern with an swivel knife and last step I push back the edges with my spoons and / or various bewellers.
The molding: For some projects (cases, sword scabbards, etc.), I mold the leather by moistening it thoroughly and forming it onto the desired object.
The dye: I apply a first layer with a sponge or wool pad. Then a second, generally darker, layer with a cloth that allows me to bring out the embossing. And sometimes additional layers if there is a specific gradient, or antique to age the leather. And finally a wax-based protective layer to waterproof and protect the leather.
Sewing: I use the saddle stitch, traditional in leather goods, for all my assemblies.
The binding: For all my grimoires, I make a Coptic binding which, in addition to its aesthetic appeal (visible binding threads connected via a chain stitch), allows the notebook to open 180°.
The lacing: For some projects, I double braid leather lace to add a textured border, thus highlighting the object (picture frames, arm cannons, etc.).
Inlay: For some projects, I also add stones and minerals, holding them in place using saddle stitching.