What’s it about?
Ran from our indoor workshop in Westwell, Kent, we’ve put this one day leather working course together for anyone with an interest in leather, craft, or who simply wants to explore another avenue of bushcraft.
You don’t need any previous experience with leather working as you will learn the core skills and techniques on the course. It’s a perfect introduction to making traditional leather items.
So if you’re looking for an unforgettable day, join our experienced craftsman, Paul Bradley, in a leather working day that focuses on leather work tools, design and construction.
What will I do on a leather working course?
We have designed this course around the making of a simple notebook holder. We have chosen this as a project as it covers all the basic skills required to produce almost any small leather goods. There is also large scope for customisation of your project.
Along the way you will learn about different leathers, techniques and tools.
Typically, you will, under the expert guidance and instruction of Paul Bradley:
- Use the provided pattern to produce a leather cover for a standard 5.5 x 3.5 notebook,
- Be guided on how to design and draw out and customise a pattern,
- Learn all about the different tools used in leather working and how to use them,
- Learn how to cut out, assemble and mark for stitching,
- Learn and practice the techniques of the tradtional saddle stitch to complete the assembly of your notebook,
- Learn how to finish your project with edge burnishing techniques and other small but important details that add to the overall professional look.
All tools, equipment and materials are provided, as well as a free notebook to take away with you, but please note, there’ll be a small charge for the leather that you use.
A really great chance to begin a lifetime of making beautiful things!
Book now
You can see all of our course dates here.
Other information
Location: Westwell, Kent
Duration: 1 day
Start: 10am
End: 4pm
Course size: 8
Catering: We’ll provide tea & coffee, you’ll need to bring a packed lunch
Note: We run this course in our purpose built indoor workshop
You might also find these Frequently Asked Questions useful.
What our customers say
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Had an amazing time with Paul and Bob on the course. Even with COVID 19 they managed to make the course engaging and a great learning experience. Learnt to make a note book cover and improved my skills.
A great beginners introduction into Leatherworking, covering materials, tools and techniques. We would recommend to anyone interested in trying out this craft skill.
The course took place in July 2020, as the country slowly adjusts to life after the Covid virus infection wave. Jack Raven have put in place excellent social distancing and infection control measures. These measures are well thought out, clear and reinforced wherever possible. They do not impact on the quality of the instruction and student participation, nor do they mask the enthusiasm for Leatherworking of the two instructors Paul and Bob. Their enthusiasm and knowledge are the only infectious things on this course.
By the end of the day everybody went away clutching a finished piece of personalised leatherwork and had not stopped smiling all day.
I attended the 7th April course along with five other eager apprentices. We were made very welcome and Paul guided us through the likes of tools, types of leather, techniques etc., along with demonstrations. Armed with that we set about our own personal projects, and I have to say I think we all did pretty well for first attempts. I had a great day, I’m pleased with the result and I’m ready to try my hand at my own projects now. One final word, lunch, a homemade soup, was delicious.
I had a great time on the leather work course yesterday. Expert tuition packed full of advice, friendly people and some delicious soup. There was even a K9 helper.
I can recommend this to anyone and I can’t wait to book again.
This was a great introduction to leather working and all it's complexities. A great day was had by all and a lot of fun. Ended up with an arm brace and a book mark...roll on the next course