Introduction to Leather Marquetry
A course by Valentine H. Despointes et Mélanie Durand , Leatherwork Experts
Joined January 2022

Discover the art of marquetry to create unique, jungle-themed artwork that can be replicated in different formats
If you've ever been lucky enough to work with leather, you already know that its exceptional plasticity is a unique playground for creativity. It also works wonders for décor! Artisans Valentine and Mélanie use it every day to create artistic objects using the marquetry technique.
In this online course, they share the ins and outs of their craft. Learn basic leather cutting and gluing techniques to create a tropical artwork that can be transformed into a keychain. Get ready to discover the secrets of the experts who have worked for Dior and Louis Vuitton!
What will you learn in this online course?
16 lessons & 16 downloads
- 93% positive reviews (29)
- 1,217 students
- 16 lessons (2h 44m)
- 16 additional resources (4 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: French
- Spanish · English · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
Create a jungle-themed marquetry tableau that can be adapted to a variety of formats such as a keychain.

Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is for people who are passionate about leather and crafts, with a knack for being patient and meticulous.
Requirements and materials
To take this course, you need materials that can be found in leather specialist or DIY stores, such as an awl, bone folder, glue, a cutting knife, and a press machine. The full list of materials is available in the first unit of the course.

Reviews

Valentine H. Despointes et Mélanie Durand
A course by Valentine H. Despointes et Mélanie Durand
Valentine Huyghues Despointes and Mélanie Durand are both passionate about leatherwork. After meeting in 2018, they decided to join forces in the studio Valentine H. Despointes. Since then, they have been creating beautiful decorative objects on a daily basis by way of artisanal marquetry techniques.
From the simple keychain to art statues, their universe is striking, colorful, and bold. It has attracted brands such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, RSVP, and Fauré le Page. They have also created a backgammon game for the brand Baccarat and a cacao tree jungle for the Plaza Athénée Hotel in Paris.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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Presentation
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Our sources of inspiration
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U2
The basics of marquetry
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Marquetry know-how
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The leather
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Tools, materials and machinery needed
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Cutting technique
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Bonding technique
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U3
Creation of the project: the plateau
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The mood board: pattern and colors
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Creation of the jungle pattern
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Cutting templates and leather 1
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Cutting templates and leather 2
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Assembly of the toucan
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Assembly of the final marquetry
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Oversize and setting up on the tray
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U4
Final steps
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Polishing and framing
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Transform a marquetry into a keychain
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FP
Final project
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Introduction to Leather Marquetry
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn at your own pace
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
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Certificates
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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Connect with a global creative community
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FAQs
What are Domestika's online courses?
Domestika courses are online classes that allow you to learn new skills and create incredible projects. All our courses include the opportunity to share your work with other students and/or teachers, creating an active learning community. We offer different formats:
Original Courses: Complete classes that combine videos, texts, and educational materials to complete a specific project from start to finish.
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When do the courses start and when do they finish?
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What do Domestika's courses include?
The courses are divided into different units. Each one includes lessons, informational text, tasks, and practice exercises to help you carry out your project step by step, with additional complementary resources and downloads. You'll also have access to an exclusive forum where you can interact with the teacher and with other students, as well as share your work and your course project, creating a community around the course.
Have you been given a course?
You can redeem the course you received by accessing the redeeming page and entering your gift code.
Molto bello, davvero. Spero di iniziare presto a fare queste opere.
This is my first Domestika course and I am so impressed and thrilled. Highly recommend this class--it's engaging, full of detail and substance, very clear and provides enough scope that you can run with it in a number of directions.
Recomendo, cada etapa muito bem explicada!
Curso muito claro e perfeito. Bem didático
Adorei as técnicas e detalhes das explicações.