Léonie Vatter

Since 2012, I create colourful fashion accessories and home decor for people who believe in maximalism. Everything is made by myself in small batches in my home studio in Quebec City. While my background is in teaching, it just wasn’t enough to quench my thirst for creativity. I learned basic sewing skills from my mom when I was young and always enjoyed being able to sew funky accessories to make my outfits stand out. That’s really how Maple And Oak Designs started.

Originally, I’m from Germany but then I met a Canadian and moved here. I spent a few years in Western Canada, playing in the Rockies, making friends and exhibiting at artisan markets all over Alberta & the Prairies before moving out East to Quebec. Since then, I’ve been practising my French, honing my creative skills and having fun with a colourful, maximalist lifestyle.

I’m easily inspired by vintage fashions, flowers, dots & stripes. I love working with reclaimed, retro and eco-friendly fabrics. One of my favourite on-going collections is my Walkstoff collection. Walkstoff is a wonderful felted wool fabric from Northern Europe, perfect for mittens + headbands to keep you warm in the Canadian winter.

On the home décor side, I created small collections of fabric-collage cushion covers. I also love playing with a mix fabric, embroidery and photography.

My most recent project is drawing and designing patterns on my Ipad to get my own fabrics printed. I’m planning on launching a collection of travel accessories by summer 2024.