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Bag Making & Leather Arts Courses in Florence

by: Accademia Riaci

4.75 (4)VerifiedSince 1983

In our Bag Making & Leather Arts course, veteran Italian artisans teach students how to construct a bag from start to finish. Learn how to make sewing patterns, cut, skive (to reduce the thickness), and sew the leather applying the traditional rules of Italian craftsmanship. The goal is to produce high-quality leather bags for which Italy is well known around the world. During this time, students will have the opportunity to fully develop their creativity, mastering every leather-related technique, exploring all fields of employment, and manufacturing methods (both hand sewing and machine sewing). Depending on the length of the program, students will be able to produce a wide range of leather works, from small accessories and handbags to interior components and furniture. Our hands-on training course consists of lessons with the professor and individual practice in the school leather laboratory. We offer both long-term (One-Year, Semester, and Master's) and short-term (Short, and Summer Intensive) programs. During the summer (from May until the end of September), we offer a special program called "Summer Intensive Course" (from 2 to 12 weeks) which includes housing, meals,

Program Highlights

Interact with professors who come from local families with a long tradition in this field.

Gain valuable experience for your professional future, giving you the unique chance to develop your inner expressive world and refine your aesthetic sense!

Learn techniques from authentic Italian artisans from A to Z, making patterns, cutting, skiving leather, sewing, finishing) to make high-quality bags for which Italy is well known in the world.

Earn college credits according to the duration of your study.

Make several bags for different occasions and complete a personal project.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Florence, Italy
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundTerms Available:
  • Throughout the Year
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Subjects & Courses:
  • Art & Fine Arts
  • Arts
  • Fashion Design & Merchandising
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Jun 17, 2025

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.75

Total Reviews

4

Great teacher in a small school

November 28, 2018by: Anthony Vittieri - United States
4

I've just finished a 3 month course at Riaci and overall the experience was very positive. I already had some knowledge in leather crafting but the instructor, Ms. Juliana, was able to fix some flawed works that I brought to school. I believe the school doesn't accept more than 5 or 6 students, so it's easy to ask everything you need to the teacher. The school staff was very nice...

Best leather bag-making course I ever made

October 03, 2018by: Vicky Chang - Canada
5

It was a really great experience. I brought my projects (3) and I could realize all my leather bags. The course is not easy as you need to be focused (especially with the sewing machine) but the instructor Giuliana was very helpful and nice. I'm already thinking to apply for the next summer...

Small school but great instructors

February 15, 2018by: Jackie - Australia
5

I took a 4-week summer course last year and the overall experience was excellent. The school is very small but the instructors are very professional and helpful. We were only 5 students, so we could work well and follow our individual projects. I can now understand the difference between a high-quality leather product and a bad one.

My classmatesThe instructorMy bag!

An amazing experience in the heart of Florence

November 01, 2017by: Catherine - United States
5

The school, located a few steps to the Duomo cathedral, was small but this was a must, as I could study and practice leather art in avery cozy environment together with other three students. The teacher taught me how to create my original leather bags, starting from my own sketches. I highly recommend this school.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Florence, Italy

Types and Subjects

  • Subjects & Courses
  • Art & Fine Arts
  • Arts
  • Fashion Design & Merchandising

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Terms Available:
  • Throughout the Year

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat
  • Group living

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

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