Leather Workshop - Sew your own Backpack

I had the absolute best time making my backpack with Eli. She is an awesome teacher and made the experience really fun. Best of all, I have a stunning backpack, that I absolutely adore.

I brought some friends with me and we all made a backpack from reclaimed leather, with the instruction of Eli - who found creative solutions to our design questions and helped us to work to manage our expectations while still creating a beautiful bespoke bag. It was a great experience - learning new skills while hanging out with a few good friends. Highly recommended!

I brought some friends with me and we all made a backpack from reclaimed leather, with the instruction of Eli - who found creative solutions to our design questions and helped us to work to manage our expectations while still creating a beautiful bespoke bag. It was a great experience - learning new skills while hanging out with a few good friends. Highly recommended!

I just couldn’t find a smart backpack I liked so I decided to make my own, ethically and eco with Love and Salvage. I had the BEST two days making my leather backpack at the cool home studio in Hackney. I got to plan and design the exact bag I wanted - the size, colour, pockets and lining! It felt so good not to just buy a standard factory made bag and when people ask ‘where is it from?’ I can say I made it reusing leather that would have gone to landfill. The chats made the day go so fast! Eli is very patient and encouraging. Highly recommended anyone to treat themselves to bag making therapy! And recently my bag won a prize at work in the category ‘I made it’ 😀

Came across Eli's website when I was looking into environmentally conscious, up-cycled backpacks. Never such workshops exist. Never event thought I could stitch anything together, but with Eli's brilliant guidance, patience and creativity, my dream packback was possible! Loved the workshop...was very immersive and zen!!!! Love the bag too. Spacious and big enough without being bulky to accommodate a laptop, camera, book, water bottle & coat. Sits beautifully & comfortably on shoulder!!!! Thank you Eli for this. You’re work is amazing & much needed in these urgent times of environmental disaster!!! Inspiring!!! The workshop left empowered on many different levels. What a joy to be able to make your own things with minimum damage to our planet earth and with brilliant company and guidance. Highly recommend checking Eli's website and work and attending one of her workshop to make your own!!!!

Eli is a great host and a tutor with amazing teaching skills. At the end of just 2 days I left with a lovely brown backpack and bag making skills. Would definitely come back to learn more and make more bags.