Course Description

On this course, you will be working with vegetable tanned leather using traditional hand tools and skills.  Over the four days, you will make a selection of small goods which will introduce you to several different methods of working with leather:
- Travel wallet.
- Purse – use of a three-piece mould.
- Belt.
- Pencil case – using wet moulding.

The projects have been selected to show you how leather can be worked, and to give you a good basis of skills with which to develop your style.

During the course, you will learn about leather, use and techniques of hand tools. The tutors will work alongside you demonstrating each project.

Specialist techniques covered are:
- Selection of leather.
- Cutting of leather.
- Pattern making.
- The use of various hand tools.
- Traditional hand stitching techniques.
- Using a single/three-piece mould.
- Wet moulding.
- How to fit buckles, attach fixings and attach straps.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

The leather and sundries for the set projects listed above: travel wallet, a belt, pencil case and purse, with use of tutors’ specialised tools and equipment.

What students need to bring

Stout covered footwear – essential in the workshop
Notebook and pencil

Available to buy

Available from shop:
For any materials you need to purchase from the shop, we suggest you do so during the first morning of your course, after having discussed with your tutor.