Leather Working Classes

We are now offering live classes in our shop. We've recently remodeled part of our shop into a classroom area and are proud to announce the availability of live leather working classes. These are in the form of a workshop and students will be able to proceed at any pace they are comfortable with.

Leather Craft Workshops

Leather craft workshop sessions are available every Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. Note that if you arrive early we try to provide a longer session at no extra charge.

Price: 10.00 per session.

Note that this is a workshop environment and students proceed at their own pace - in other words there may be people of varying degrees of skill attending and working on various projects. This sometimes provides the opportunity to learn several techniques in one session.

Leather working takes time and effort to master - workshop sessions offer the opportunity to learn skills and get some practice under the direction of an instructor, however many skills will require additional practice at home. Should you have questions between sessions call or stop by to speak with Bob.

Students will need to bring / purchase their own basic hand tools and materials (see list below). During the sessions we provide tooling surfaces, instruction, sharpening tools, punches, layout tools, and other infrequently used equipment. Some patterns, dyes, and finishes from the instructor's collection will be available for use as well should you choose to use them. Our instructor has a fairly extensive collection, however if you choose a pattern, dye, or finish not offered, you will need to purchase your own. Note that materials provided by us are for use during sessions only - we do not lend out tools, patterns, books, or equipment.

Tool List
Leather working is a tool intensive craft. Some tools you will need to get started, others you will want to add as needed. Students will need to supply their own hand tools. Generally these are tools that are used often and not easily shared. Tools may be purchased as needed, or picked up all at once to simplify practicing at home.

The list below covers Traditional Leather Carving which is what we recommend for all beginners. The links will bring you to more information about these tools on our shopping site, but feel free to stop in during our normal business hours to see, handle, and shop for these. Please do not leave tool shopping to the learning time during workshops. Expect to spend approximately 85.00 with a wooden mallet (more if you upgrade it). This can be purchased all at once or spread out over the course as described below These tools will suffice for most traditional carving. The following are the tools used broken down by session.

Session One

• Swivel Knife - For most adults I recommend the Deluxe Swivel Knife, however if you have small hands, the small hands version may be a better fit for you. It is very important that your swivel knife be a comfortable fit in your hand so shopping for these in the store is best.
• Stylus - This is used for transferring patterns.
• Rouge - Keeping your knife honed to a sharp edge is vital for clean cuts, this is done with a strop and rouge.
• Practice Piece - Used to make a strop for your knife
• Sponge - We have these for sale, but any clean standard kitchen sponge will suffice if you wish to bring one from home.
• Poundo Board - This is a heavy rubber block that protects your knives and punches from wear as well as protects your work surface. These may also be placed under your marble to reduce vibration and noise.

Session Two

• Mallet - A medium weight mallet in either wood, rawhide, or polymer is needed. Metal hammers will damage tools and should never be used. My personal preference is rawhide, but these are pricey so if you're on a tight budget go with wood.
• C830 Camoflage Tool - Used to begin basic texturing of the pattern.
• P206 Pear Shader Tool - Used to create sculptural detail.
• Marble Slab - Optional - These are too heavy to carry back and forth so we supply these at the classes, however you will want a slab for home use. If this is not in the budget, a dense wood square will suffice.

Session Three

• B701 Beveling Tool - Used to create a 3 dimensional effect in your design. Alternately B198 may also be used.

Session Four

• S724 Seeder Tool - Used to create flower centers and other detail in your design.
• V417 Veiner Tool - Used to create additional detail.

Session Five

• A104 Background Tool - Used to matt down the background areas.
• Pointed Spoon Modeling Tool - Used to rub out unwanted stamp impressions. Optional - We have these available for use during class sessions, but if you do any carving at home you will want to add one of these to your collection.

Session Five

• Dying And Finishing - materials used are supplied at the class.

Note that the above schedule shows what tools are typically needed each session, however these sessions are proceed at your own pace so you may need some tools sooner or later than shown.

Those seeking to do other types of leather working may need different tools - please stop by the shop beforehand to discuss this.

Materials - Traditional Carving Class
Students attending for traditional carving classes will be given a leather halfback, 2 leather practice pieces, 2 wool daubers, and enough transfer film for use in the class at no extra charge. If you desire additional materials, they are available for purchase.

Materials - Other
Students attending for other subjects will need to purchase the raw materials including the leather (or kit), lacing, sewing materials, finish applicators, and so forth.

Note that we keep class sizes small and have limited room. We do accept walk ins if the class is not full, however we highly recommend booking your spot in advance to ensure availability when you arrive. Payment in full is required at time of booking.

To reserve your spot:

Stop in or Phone at 1(516) 877-2499

Monday - Thursday Noon to 6:30 P.M.
Friday - Noon to 5:00 P.M.
Saturday - Noon to 3:00 P.M.
Eastern Time (New York)

Note: All classes / workshops are subject to the 8.625% Nassau County sales tax.

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