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 six 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.
“This is my third Kattasche piece, and Katja has nailed it. I wanted a contemporary work backpack and she’s designed exactly that: striking, beautifully made, and so practical I reach for it every single day. Crafted from reclaimed leather offcuts, it’s slow fashion at its best — thoughtful, sustainable and built to last. Years of dedicated craftsmanship show in every hand-stitched detail. Unique, considered and gorgeous. Thanks so much!!”
— S.V.
“Purchased the most gorgeous piece from Kattasche at the June 2026 Maker Shaker SYD Markets!
I had been in search of a handbag for 3 years and have been so particular in my hunt! Passed on so many high-end and luxury options due to the lack in leather quality of often mass produced, overhyped and overpriced bags. Kattasche brings something completely new, intentional and grounding to the table! Her style is so unique and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to own one of her pieces of wearable art!
Quality and craftsmanship intertwine in each of her works and I will be going straight back to her when I’m in need of a new bag, wallet or any leather-related needs!”
— N.
“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.A.
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 short time. Katja was really warm and friendly.”
- C.S.
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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.
INSPIRATION, PROCESS & ETHOS
FOLLOW US
Add some understated elegance to your outfit. Wear a landscape!
This is Amelia in a long format, you can wear her as a clutch over your hand, with a wristlet or re-strap her as a shoulderbag. One of them is currently ready to ship in a gorgeous reverse culatta cavallo with chaotic black markings.
She is lined with a tan suede and hand stitched with a cream linen, has two card slots on the inside and matt black hardware.
Please get in touch if you are interested in having her made in another leather.
Dimensions:
15 cm tall, 30 cm wide and 3 cm deep
shoulder strap: 50 cm