Lucca Workshop, Cincinnati

Lindsey Schweitzer doesn’t remember a time when she hasn’t been inspired by nature, whether it’s admiring the organic architecture in her neighborhood that brings buildings into harmony with flowers and trees or using favorite materials to make works of art.

“I really like creating products that complement nature,” she says. “Patterns in nature complement the really rigid and mathematical lines of other design elements.”

Since 2016, the Hamilton County resident has shared her passion for the environment by using a laser to engrave eloquent images of fern leaves, floral fields and succulents on faux-leather journals made of a woven cotton blend. They are available at Lucca Workshop, her retail store and studio at Cincinnati’s Findlay Market, and on her website.

Schweitzer chose the name Lucca after the city in Italy’s Tuscany region that’s abundant with alder trees, the wood she enjoys crafting objects from. Although Lucca Workshop also carries wooden serving utensils, art deco mirrors and leather-wrapped flasks — all laser cut and made by Schweitzer and other artists — her journals are particularly popular as spring blooms.

“This is a time of renewal,” she says. “I think everyone is setting new goals and new aspirations. Everyone wants to pick up a new journal and start a new list.”

The artist honed her talent for laser cutting in her father’s machine shop. In 2013, she began selling pins, coasters and magnets on Etsy. Cincinnati Music Hall commissions Schweitzer to create pop-up cards, coasters, planters and keychains depicting the architecture of the revered performance space.

“I just love the versatility of the laser machine and how many types of products can be made,” she says.

For her journals, Schweitzer draws her designs by hand, then etches them onto the cover with the laser, exposing the layer underneath, which captures the complex details of the patterns. Depending on the intricacy of the design, engraving can take up to an hour and a half.

“I really enjoy creating functional products that people can use and carry with them,” Schweitzer says. “The most fun part is making the patterns, because you can really get as weird as you want.”

126 W. Elder St., Cincinnati 45202, 513/834-9288, luccaworkshop.com