Do you have a teenager interested in learning leatherwork?

Do you want to expose your child to new skills while not adding to your work load or stress?

Have you ever started a project with your child, only to realize you don't have everything you need? If you're like me, you don't have time to go track down the missing materials. That's why I put the time into sourcing tool kits, picking projects and leathers, and creating tutorials so you don't have to.

By the end of this course,

your child will know…

• How to safely use leather tools

  Let's avoid any trips to the ER, ok?

• Which tools to use for which projects

  Using the right tools makes a huge difference while making the project and in the finished item.

• The basics of leather and how to choose the right leather for a project

  All leather is not created equal and different leathers are better suited for different projects.

• How to install rivets, snaps, and collar buttons

  Take projects to the next level with the simple addition of hardware.

• The basic stitches and when to use them

  While many leather items are sewn on industrial sewing machines these days, we'll keep things basic and accessible and focus on hand stitching.

• How to create six handmade leather items using the techniques taught

  These projects are items that your child can use or give as gifts. No useless tchotchkes here.

Enroll your child in Leatherwork 101 anytime. 

They can start whenever is convenient for you and them, and work at their own pace. 

Class materials and tools ship within 5-7 business days after completing the enrollment form.

In addition to the tools, leather, and hardware, your child will also be able to print the patterns and instructions and watch video tutorials for each project and practice exercise.

Students will make cord keepers, a wrist wrap, a dice tray, a key fob, a card pouch, and a wallet.

Projects valued at $125+

What’s Inside Leatherwork 101

Module 1

Safety First!

All tool kits and materials will be shipped within 5-7 business days of the course enrollment form being submitted. While you wait for your tool kits and materials to arrive, our first lesson is all about safely using the tools needed for leatherwork.

Module Highlights:

Safety is important, and we use sharp tools when working with leather. It's too easy to get hurt if proper precautions aren't taken.

• Know your surroundings
• Safe tool handling
• What to do if an accident does occur

Module 2

What's In Your Toolbox?

Once you've received your tool kits and materials, you can start on Lesson 2.

Module Highlights:

No more delays, it's time to jump into learning the basics of leatherworking.

• Tool identification
• Stitching pony assembly instructions 
• Two exercises to practice punching holes in leather

Module 3

Hardware

Hardware isn't just used in woodworking, it's also used in leatherworking.

Module Highlights:

Rivets, snaps, and collar buttons can be used in a number of different ways.

• Why and when we use rivets, snaps and collar buttons
• Practice exercise: how to install rivets, snaps, and collar buttons
• Project: cut leather and install snaps to make two cord keepers

Module 4

Leather 101

We've started working with leather, and now it's time to learn more about where leather comes from.

Module Highlights:

What's the difference between veg tan and chrome tan? And why is leather measured in ounces?

• Where leather comes from and how it's tanned
• Practice exercise: investigate the differences of a variety of leathers
• Project: cut leather and install collar buttons to make a triple wrist wrap

Module 5

Using Patterns & Blade Sharpening

We're halfway through the course and getting into the good stuff! But first, we'll review good safety practices.

Module Highlights:

A sharp knife is key to a good cut and will also, paradoxically, help reduce injuries.

• How to stay safe while cutting leather
• Practice exercise: how to hone a blade to keep it sharp 
• Practice exercise: how to use a pattern
• Project: cut leather and install rivets to make a dice tray

Module 6

Stitching

We've made some projects that didn't need stitching, but learning how to sew leather is important.

Module Highlights:

Even stitches take attention to detail and practice, but spending time on this lesson will really pay off. 

• The different stitches and when you use them
• Practice exercise: how to sew leather with two different stitches
• Project: cut and stitch a key fob

Module 7

The Project Chooses the Leather

Some leathers just don't work for some projects, and we'll talk about why (and I'll share a particularly spectacular fail I had when I chose the wrong leather for a project!).

Module Highlights:

We'll learn some more terminology, including what temper and pull-up mean.

• The different properties of leather and what projects they're most appropriate for
• Practice exercise: investigate the different properties of a variety of leathers and identify which projects they'd be best suited for
• Project: cut and stitch leather and install rivets to make a card pouch

Module 8

Edge Finishing

We're finishing our basics of leatherworking course by learning how to finish the raw edges of leather.

Module Highlights:

Raw edges have their place, but sometimes you just want a more finished  edge.

• How and when to finish leather edges
• Practice exercise: how to finish veg tan leather edges
• Project: cut, stitch, and finish the edges of a veg tan wallet

A.T. (Leatherwork 101 student)

Leatherwork isn't for everyone, so if your child decides they're not interested, I understand.

To receive a full refund, contact me within 21 days of receiving your tools and materials and let me know that it's not a good fit.

After contacting me, you must return all tools and the unused materials at your expense. Once I receive them, your refund will be processed.