Leatherworking for Beginners
During this 5 day foray into the world of leatherworking, students will not only learn all the basic leatherworking skills but will learn to apply them to any project they may wish to do in the future.
Students will learn the leather process using hand tools and the traditional saddle stitch method of handstitching (no sewing machines are needed). So when it comes to this course students don't need any previous experience as each day they will make something that will build on the previous days skills until the final two days where students will get to make almost anything they want.
Students will take home an armful of different projects as each one will teach them a different skill. Students will make and take home a journal, keyring, small wallet, belt, toiletry bag, glasses case and more.
While some of these projects seem complicated we will start small and as the skill and confidence grows so will the projects.
AGE: Suitable for ages 16 to adult
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner - Suited to those who are new to the course area or may have little or no experience.
SCHEDULE: Full Days - Monday 13 to Friday 17 January 2025 - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
VENUE: Bellingen High School
STATUS: Sold out - Join waiting list
During this 5 day foray into the world of leatherworking, students will not only learn all the basic leatherworking skills but will learn to apply them to any project they may wish to do in the future.
Students will learn the leather process using hand tools and the traditional saddle stitch method of handstitching (no sewing machines are needed). So when it comes to this course students don't need any previous experience as each day they will make something that will build on the previous days skills until the final two days where students will get to make almost anything they want.
Students will take home an armful of different projects as each one will teach them a different skill. Students will make and take home a journal, keyring, small wallet, belt, toiletry bag, glasses case and more.
While some of these projects seem complicated we will start small and as the skill and confidence grows so will the projects.
AGE: Suitable for ages 16 to adult
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner - Suited to those who are new to the course area or may have little or no experience.
SCHEDULE: Full Days - Monday 13 to Friday 17 January 2025 - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
VENUE: Bellingen High School
STATUS: Sold out - Join waiting list
During this 5 day foray into the world of leatherworking, students will not only learn all the basic leatherworking skills but will learn to apply them to any project they may wish to do in the future.
Students will learn the leather process using hand tools and the traditional saddle stitch method of handstitching (no sewing machines are needed). So when it comes to this course students don't need any previous experience as each day they will make something that will build on the previous days skills until the final two days where students will get to make almost anything they want.
Students will take home an armful of different projects as each one will teach them a different skill. Students will make and take home a journal, keyring, small wallet, belt, toiletry bag, glasses case and more.
While some of these projects seem complicated we will start small and as the skill and confidence grows so will the projects.
AGE: Suitable for ages 16 to adult
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner - Suited to those who are new to the course area or may have little or no experience.
SCHEDULE: Full Days - Monday 13 to Friday 17 January 2025 - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
VENUE: Bellingen High School
STATUS: Sold out - Join waiting list
course info
Please read all course information below before purchasing tickets for this event.
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DAY ONE
Intro to Leatherworking, the types of leather, tools (and safety) and what we will be working on in the week
Start with our first project, a simple keyring where you can apply the principles you just learned
Start a journal which you will be able to use as a notebook during the week - The journal will build on your skills and is something you can proudly show off on the first day
DAY TWO
Start wallet project - for this project we will make a simple 3 card wallet with or without a flap. This will serve as a great introduction to anyone considering making a proper billfold for their major project.
In the afternoon students will learn about bag making and how to use zippers in leatherworking.
Make a toiletry bag/dopp kit which can also double as a pencil case. This is probably the most complicated projects you will work on as it will incorporate elements from all the previous projects as well as adding some new elements, but it also serves to help students reflect on their major project and how achievable it might be.
DAY THREE
In the morning we will be making a glasses case out of vegetable tanned leather and lacing the edges with kangaroo leather.
Students will get an image which they will trace and carve onto the leather, beveling it to make it look 3D. There will be some pictures available to trace or students can draw or bring their own if they want.
You can see some examples of stamping and carving leather in the photos above.
In the afternoon we will make a braided leather bracelet before going onto making a belt.
Students who don’t want to do a major project or don’t want to spend the extra money on leather can choose to spend they next two days carving and stamping their belt or choose a more complicated belt design.
DAY FOUR
On day four students will learn a bit about template design and how to make their own before jumping straight into making their own projects.
As previously mentioned students can finish up carving their belt, stamp their old projects or make other small projects if they don’t have any one thing in mind. They can choose almost anything but I encourage them to reach out to me before the camp to discuss what they have in mind and where they can get their materials for as I won't be covering it.
DAY FIVE
Completion of your major projects.
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Please bring the following on your first day of class:
Anything you need for your major project, if you have one in mind
Closed in shoes
A water bottle
A note book and pen/pencil for designing and writing notes
This class has an extra materials cost of $200, which is payable directly to the tutor.
Once you book your ticket, the tutor will be in touch to arrange payment.
Cost of $200 includes:
All tools
Cutting mats
Thread
Hardware
Everything needed for the set projects
Use of templates
Cardboard for templates
Use of Leather books, Guides and Manuals
Materials for your major project are not covered in the $200 material cost, that is only for the set projects. For those who don't want to do a major project there will be scraps of leather available for free.
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No experience required.
BUY TICKETS
“Absolutely beautiful wallet! Made so well and the stitching is top notch. Holds my cards very well and is so much slimmer than my old wallet. Thank you!”
YOUR COURSE TUTOR
Aaron Johnson
Aaron is a self-taught Australian leather worker and has been making and selling leather goods for about 10 years.
His passion for the craft culminated about 7 years ago when he got an offer from a local school and a university to teach a few leather workshops. Since then he has continued to teach at schools as well as private and group classes.
Wallets, bags and small leather goods are his specialty, though he does teach and sell some braided and some carved/stamped leather goods too. He is passionate about supporting local tanneries and only using Australian leather that is sustainably sourced.