THOUGHTFUL INDULGENCE
Kattasche is a small atelier for fine leather goods based in Port Kembla on the South Coast of NSW. Designer and leathercraftswoman Katja Handt blends heritage crafts(wo)manship with modern, timeless design and practical functionality. Each piece is locally and mindfully made through a bespoke, made-to-order approach that supports circular economy, traditional craft, and the principles of slow fashion.
THE PK COLLECTION: From waste to wonder
Born from a collaboration between Kattasche and Illawarra’s Buckaroo Leatherworks the PK Collection is part of a new sustainability and circularity initiative. Leather waste is reimagined through an artistic process that merges reclaimed factory leather offcuts and atelier offcuts to create an entirely new material.
Each piece celebrates its origins — the land, the animal, and the hands that shaped it. Branding marks, growth lines, and the natural variations in the leather become part of its design language, with form influenced by the industrial architecture of Port Kembla.
The collection currently includes five designs — understated, functional, unisex, and built to last. Every bag is lined with reclaimed leather or waxed cotton canvas, adding structure and a subtle echo of the steelworks’ oil and patina. Finished with matte black solid brass fittings.
A study in recycling, texture, history, and craft.
Each piece is handcrafted in our Port Kembla studio.
ATELIER COLLECTION
Atelier pieces are one-off hand-stitched works of art. They showcase stunning leathers selected from Australian and overseas tanneries specifically for their temper, their colours and their textures, reflecting the ocean, the rainforest and the sandstone cliffs of the stunning Illawarra landscape.
COMMISSIONS
The allure of bespoke work lies in its ability to deliver superior quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
Co-creating a bespoke bag with Katja is about letting your imagination fly and inventing a new character for your very personal story.
Name your bag and we will create her or him together.
INSPIRATION, PROCESS & ETHOS
“This leather bag is absolutely stunning! Beautifully crafted, it is a delight to own. A unique piece that reflects my individuality that I enjoy touching and seeing every day. It was carefully made and promptly delivered. Highly recommend!.”
— M.Koeman
“Katja is an absolute gem! I came to her with a rough idea of the custom handbag I wanted, and she turned it into a masterpiece. When I finally received the bag, I was blown away. The quality is unparalleled – from the luxurious scent of the leather to the impeccable stitching, every detail screams craftsmanship and artistry. It’s not just a handbag; it’s a work of art.”
— J.Milne
“Katja makes leather products by hand, and with an amazing degree of skill and care, that really mean something to her. They will really mean something to you. Owning a hand-crafted object that improves with age and is made in a time honoured way is really quite something. 100% recommend..”
— R.Archibald
TEACHING
“I absolutely loved the class on wax forming leather with Katja that I attended today in Sydney. We all created such interesting pieces (I made two leather cuffs) and I learnt so much in such a small time. Katja was really warm and friendly …”
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Workshops usually run for three hours for a minimum of two students in our Port Kembla atelier or a minimum of 6 students if you would like Katja to come to you.
Workshops can be designed around your wishes, for example they can focus on leathercraft basics, the art of colouring leather, belt making etc. Maybe a birthday party making journals or bookmarks?
Cost: from $180 per person, all tools and materials included
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One on one lessons are a great way to learn with Katja in the Kattasche studio. Book a block of lessons and spread them out over a regular time period or book in for a day. Lessons can focus on leathercraft skills, design skills, pattern making and more. All tools and materials included and learn what and what not to buy for your own toolkit!
Cost: $80 per hour or $700 for 10
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Is there a special project on your mind that you have been wanting to make? Ever wanted to design and make your own bag? Or have you been dreaming about your own leather cosplay armour? These are Katja’s favourite projects, get in touch to discuss a plan on building your skills to make them.
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