Welcome to PeakAlpes, a craft business

PeakAlpes, an artisan company that combines traditional craftsmanship and creativity to transform raw wood into unique works of art.

PeakAlpes Unique, handcrafted wooden objects in the Hautes-Alpes region

PeakAlpes, an artisan company that combines traditional craftsmanship and creativity to transform raw wood into unique works of art.

Led by the passionate duo Simon and Laëtitia, this artisanal adventure offers handmade wooden creations that are environmentally friendly and inspired by the nature of the Hautes-Alpes. Whether you are looking for personalized pieces for your home or unique gifts, PeakAlpes will charm you with its seasonal and timeless collections.

The Creative Duo Behind PeakAlpes

The perfect pair ! !

Simon shapes, Laëtitia refines. Between the two of them, it's a well-oiled choreography: he works the wood, she adds her artistic touch. Together, they transform each piece into a unique work of art, combining skill and creativity. In short, a duo that works wonders!

I meet up with Laëtitia and Simon at their creative workshop in Le Cours (Villar d'Arène).

Autumn light floods the room and the atmosphere is serene. A former self-employed carpenter, Simon knows how to work with wood and has most of the machinery needed for manufacturing. Laëtitia, meanwhile, has always been passionate about creative art. Last May, the two decided to join forces as a winning duo to take over Peakalpes, a craft business with a respectable pedigree—18 years in existence—founded by Laurence and Christophe in the Hautes-Alpes.

“I used to enjoy making small wooden objects with Simon's scraps.”

Laetitia

The Creative Process: From Raw Wood to Work of Art

Combining mastery of woodworking with the art of painting is not something everyone can do. In the workshop, they complement each other perfectly.

Laetitia is in charge of ideas: she imagines, draws, and designs on her graphics tablet, where all the templates are carefully saved.

Once the idea has been firmly established, Simon enters the scene. He chooses the wood according to technical constraints: for fully painted pieces, spruce, which is easier to work with, does the job. For more opulent pieces, we opt for larch, ash, or beech. A perfectly synchronized duo, each playing their part with brio.

The boards arrive unfinished (unplaned and with bark still attached). They are then cut, planed, jointed, and sanded depending on the object to be made. Once these steps are complete, they are sent to the laser machine to apply the chosen template (pumpkin, mushroom, truck, etc.).

The cutting is then done by hand, using a coping saw, which is ideal for making precise cuts even in thick pieces of solid wood.

One last sanding step and the piece is ready to change hands.

From there, it's up to Laetitia to play.

She pulls out her brushes and applies the paint: non-toxic acrylics and eco-friendly varnishes tinted with natural pigments. With the second coat, Laëtitia refines the details and brings out the beautiful highlights. Finally, for the finishing touch, two coats of varnish protect the whole thing. The result: an object that is as beautiful as it is environmentally friendly!

A unique and eco-friendly work of art

The entire creative process at PeakAlpes is designed to be environmentally friendly.

The materials are locally sourced, the paints and varnishes used are eco-friendly, and production remains artisanal, thus limiting the ecological footprint of each item.

Each piece is unique, handmade from start to finish. The collections follow the rhythm of the seasons: pumpkins for fall, wooden Christmas decorations, and, of course, a few timeless creations for the whole year. It's a true return to authentic, handmade craftsmanship, with meticulous attention to detail.

How to Purchase Your PeakAlpes Wooden Items?

©PeakAlpes

Given the precision craftsmanship involved, sales are sporadic.

Our designers favor direct sales so they can meet the people who will buy their works. They will be present at the Saint-Martin-de-Vésubie market on Sunday, October 27, 2024, then at the La Grave Christmas market at the end of December.

If you can't make it there, feel free to explore their website and social media accounts to admire their creations.

You can subscribe to be notified when limited-time sales are posted online (you'll have to be quick, given the demand!).

For those who are eager to get started, you can send a personalized message to place your order directly online. Although they have a busy schedule, they will do their best to respond to your personalized requests.

Discover the Site