Papermaple Studio

18 Jul Papermaple Studio

When Leisa Stanton made her dreams come true, the sewing world took a giant step forward.

Welcome to Papermaple Studio.

 Located on a quiet street in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans, the meticulously renovated 1900’s building sets the stage for a consummate sewing experience. 

When I met Leisa in 2013 at my first Susan Khalje class, she was constructing a Dior ball gown. At the next class it was a biker jacket with white Valentino lace.

I immediately recognized Leisa’s generous and creative spirit, her patience, skill, kindness and unquenchable quest for knowledge. I’ve been in awe of Leisa from the day I met her. Founder of the popular blog,  A Challenging Sew, Leisa detailed sewing couture garments, and provided Marfy pattern tutorials. Read her fascinating bio under FAQ HERE.

Three years ago, Leisa moved from the East Coast to New Orleans. I was not surprised when I learned of her plans to open a sewing workshop, but once again, I am awed by the results of her studio and atelier which opened after months of Covid delays on June 1.

Mission………

Leisa wanted to create the sewing experience she wished she had had when she learned to sew by offering slow, small classes in a beautiful and well-stocked studio. The classrooms feature large, rolling, cutting and crafting tables, dedicated sewing stations, all the latest pressing and ironing tools, new Janome and Brother machines and sergers, drafting and draping equipment and a large selection of dress forms.

From Leisa:

I wanted to create a very different learning environment, where there was time to not only fully understand the lessons, but also the freedom to ask questions and try out new techniques. 

At Papermaple Studio, we don’t follow strict lesson plans. We do have a schedule, but the goal is to maximize learning by teaching outside of the lines and working with each student in a more personal setting, at their own pace.  The studio also functions as a working atelier where students are not only able to see Custom Couture being made to order by me but understand the process and techniques behind it, if they are interested.

My aim for the studio is to offer a wide variety of affordable lessons that teach skills ranging from absolute beginner to couture, encourage sustainability and refashion, and host respected sewing teachers from all over the globe. 

Workshops include week-long immersives from visiting teachers as well as slow fashion sewing, and, of course, Mardi Gras and NOLA themed events such as headpiece and costume design.


Currently 52 classes are offered! Classes are taught by Leisa unless otherwise noted.

Check out the classes HERE.

Check out the calendar HERE.

Visiting Instructors HERE.

Customized classes are also available.

Whether you are a beginner or an accomplished sewist, there is a class for you.


If you are seeking a new sewing skill or experience…………if you are interested in enhancing an upcoming NOLA trip……… planning a girls getaway…….introducing your child to sewing………….if you are interested in learning to think outside the box……(perhaps making Mardi Gras Masks to auction for a fundraiser in your hometown?)  it’s all available HERE at Papermaple Studio.

I hope you will support Leisa, a creative entrepreneur extraordinaire, in her new adventure by treating yourself to a New Orleans adventure of your own!

PS………Julie and I are currently planning a Papermaple Tunic Bible Workshop Spring 2022 🙂

 

 

 

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
32 Comments
  • Maria Curciarello
    Posted at 08:16h, 18 July Reply

    Sarah, This is a great post about Paper Maple Studios. Having been there recently with Helen Haughey, I can tell you it is everything plus more! Leisa has done a great job fulfilling a sewers dream. Good Luck to her!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:23h, 18 July Reply

      Do we need this or what? The location of the studio and Leisa’s aesthetic are spot on not to mention Leisa herself! I look forward to taking a class from Leisa and doing TB Workshop next year. Many thanks for your comment, Maria 😊

  • Laura Casey
    Posted at 08:56h, 18 July Reply

    Thank you for this post….such an wonderful woman creating such a studio……WOW……we tried to do something similar at Waechters Fine Fabrics in Asheville when it was open…..of course manly to sell fabric…..it was well received but not well attended.
    Hope your invited when they focus on your last book…….
    Raining today in Asheville, believe it’s a good day to sew 😉
    LAURA

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:21h, 18 July Reply

      Waechters was such a wonderful fabric store, Laura 😉 I feel Papermaple Studio will be quite successful.
      Hope you get lots of sewing done!

  • Gail Cunningham
    Posted at 09:13h, 18 July Reply

    What a determined woman! I do wish I could attend one of her classes. This makes me wish Leisa had located to Pinehurst, NC, vs. New Orleans!
    .

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:24h, 18 July Reply

      Isn’t it incredible, Gail? I really look forward to a class with Leisa 😊
      Also, I didn’t realize you lived in Pinehurst – my parents lived in the area for 13 years. Such a great place to live and visit!

  • Mary+Funt
    Posted at 10:34h, 18 July Reply

    Leisa’s studio looks absolutely wonderful and I’m looking forward to teaching there in February. Feed back from those who have visited, either as student or teacher, has been very positive. Your Tunic Bible workshop with Julie will be fabulous.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 12:15h, 18 July Reply

      Leisa is a marvel, like you Mary! What an incredible venue and gift she has provided to the sewing community. I look forward to seeing it in person 😊

  • Jill Regan
    Posted at 10:54h, 18 July Reply

    Having taken classes on and off over the years I am beyond excited for this. All of it. ! The classes and the way they’re taught sound so well thought out. I am so looking forward to taking some classes in 2022 to learn and improve. Plus I’m very excited to get to New Orleans. It’ll be a wonderful vacation as well thanks so much for this post.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 12:17h, 18 July Reply

      That’s how I feel, Jill – beyond excited! I expect Papermaple Studio to be an absolute success😉

  • Alice Elliot
    Posted at 12:37h, 18 July Reply

    OMG! How I wish I could go to NO.!!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:33h, 18 July Reply

      It’s stunning, isn’t it? 😊

  • Lisa Jones
    Posted at 18:02h, 18 July Reply

    This sewing space is wonderful. I am happy and grateful for it to be so close to my home. I just finished another Tunic Bible make-possibly my tenth❤️❤️

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:47h, 19 July Reply

      L U C K Y Y O U !
      Lisa, I can’t imagine how much time I would spend at Papermaple Studio if I lived nearby. Please send me a pic of your latest tunic!

  • Janie Glenn
    Posted at 22:03h, 18 July Reply

    Just saw my dear friend, Andrea Birkan, in her beautiful Jaron shirt❣️

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:45h, 19 July Reply

      Those shirts are lovely! I have the pattern and hope to make one soon ❤️

      • MaryEllen P
        Posted at 14:10h, 20 July Reply

        I have the Jaron pattern too & it’s in my list for dear Andrea

  • Karen of Fifty Dresses
    Posted at 22:47h, 18 July Reply

    This is such a nice and informative post, Sarah. Thanks for doing this! So excited for Leisa and the sewing world!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:45h, 19 July Reply

      My pleasure, Karen!

  • JEANNE
    Posted at 04:01h, 19 July Reply

    wonderful place, good luck from the beach…
    Jeanne

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:47h, 19 July Reply

      Indeed it is, Jeanne 😊

  • Lindsey Rohm
    Posted at 10:38h, 19 July Reply

    Please, please, please let me know when you have the details about your class at Papermaple Studio. I live in New Orleans and would hate to miss it! Thanks, Lindsey Rohm

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:53h, 19 July Reply

      Will do, Lindsey! Have you had a chance to visit Papermaple yet? I can’t wait 😊

      • Lindsey Rohm
        Posted at 18:15h, 19 July Reply

        I wasn’t aware of it – thanks for this post. I’ll head down to the Quarter soon to check it out!

  • MaryEllen P
    Posted at 10:51h, 19 July Reply

    Looks like an amazing space – add me to your list for tunic bible class!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:54h, 19 July Reply

      It looks divine, indeed! See you Spring 2022 😊

  • Cissie Wellons
    Posted at 13:15h, 19 July Reply

    So happy for Leisa. She’s an extraordinary woman on all levels and I am thankful to call her a dear friend!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:55h, 19 July Reply

      She truly is extraordinary, Cissie, and so are you 😉

  • Carolyn
    Posted at 18:33h, 20 July Reply

    I’m so happy for Leisa! I think she’s an extraordinary sewing talent and I can’t wait to visit her sewing studio!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:19h, 21 July Reply

      Ditto, Carolyn!

  • Marianne Johansson
    Posted at 17:31h, 22 July Reply

    OH what a lovely idea !! Best of luck !! I’m kind of wanna do a similar thing here in sweden <3

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 09:43h, 23 July Reply

      Wouldn’t that be something! Good luck, Marianne 😊

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