Make Less. Make It Better.
At Atelier Garneau, “make less, make it better” is a guiding principle behind every decision we make throughout the design process of our handcrafted slippers, proudly made in Quebec since 1977. We believe that a thoughtfully designed, high-quality product should stand the test of time, respect the resources used, and have a smaller environmental footprint.
“I believe that making less, but better, is the most meaningful way to honour quality craftsmanship, the resources entrusted to us, and the generations to come.”
— Noémi Garneau
Making the Most of Every Material
Cutting leather and sheepskin inevitably creates leftover pieces. Rather than viewing them as waste, we treat them as valuable materials in their own right. From the beginning, we design our cutting patterns to make the most of every hide.
In our workshop, scraps are never considered waste. They are transformed into small accessories, repurposed as design elements incorporated into select models, or used to create prototypes and limited-edition pieces. We apply the same approach to excess materials: every material that enters our workshop is fully utilized.
This philosophy reflects the reality of our Quebec-based artisan workshop, where every material deserves to be valued down to the last centimetre. By doing so, we reduce waste and bring unique creations to life.
Handcrafted slippers made to last
Our products are made to be enjoyed for many years. Our approach begins with carefully selected materials and durable construction techniques, combined with timeless designs that transcend seasons. Less replacement, less consumption, more value.
Easy-to-care-for products
Our designs are created from the start with simple maintenance in mind. We offer replacement insoles for our closed slippers, some components are interchangeable, and all our slippers and insoles can be hand washed or machine washed for easy care that helps preserve their longevity.
Repair service: Extend the life of your products
We repair worn slippers as well as accidental damage, such as damage caused by a curious pet.
Every repair is a meaningful way to reduce our environmental impact. We strongly believe that a quality product deserves to be repaired before it is replaced. Because every repaired product is one less item ending up in the garbage.
Responsible leather sourcing and carefully selected suppliers
Sourcing from responsible suppliers
We carefully select our raw materials from partners who share our values of quality, transparency, and environmental responsibility. Our genuine sheepskin suppliers are chosen according to strict criteria: Responsible sourcing of raw materials Responsible manufacturing processes Ethical animal welfare standards Commitment to high environmental and ethical standards .
Animal-based materials sourced from the food industry
The sheepskin and leather we use are exclusively by-products of the food industry. What this means: the animals were first raised for food purposes, tanneries purchase the hides from food processing facilities, and we source our materials directly from these tanneries. No material is produced solely for aesthetic purposes; every resource is fully valued and utilized.
A certification that demonstrates our partners’ commitment
In fact, 100% of the hides used in the production of our slippers and accessories come from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG). This rigorous certification within the leather industry ensures high standards for environmental performance, traceability, and responsible resource management.
An evolving commitment to sustainability
We are continuously working to reduce our environmental footprint, improve our manufacturing methods, explore new responsible materials, and innovate in the design and repair of our products.
More specifically, production at our workshop is adapted to actual demand, helping us limit excess inventory. At the same time, we continuously review our packaging choices to prioritize recycled and recyclable materials while reducing the amount of material used when shipping our products.
Sustainability is at the heart of our values, and we firmly believe there is always room to go further and continue improving.
Eco-responsible products designed in Quebec
Every piece created at Atelier Garneau, in Val-des-Sources, is the result of thoughtful, human, and sustainable production. All our products are made with intention and designed to last, be repaired, and evolve over time.
For us, this is what it means to create high-quality handcrafted slippers: choosing durability over quantity, and repair over replacement.