Leathercraft MasterClass

The first in a series of courses entitled 'Details Make Perfection', after DaVinci's famous saying. I highlight small areas of improvement that once accumulated, produce a finer grade of leather goods. In this short course I discuss the technique I use to create neat looking and durable back stitches. You can perform this with any thread, though linen being a denser thread yields the most defined results (cabled poly used in video).

The second instalment of the 'Details make perfection' series, where we focus on one technique that makes a big difference. In this short course I discuss the method I use to execute the perfect corner stitch. ​ In this course you will learn: ​ - How to avoid misaligned stitches. - How to avoid unsightly prick marks. - How to maintain a decorative angle to your stitches into and out of a corner. - Direct comparisons between commonly used methods and the Masterclass method. Beginner/ Intermediate.

The third instalment of the 'Details Make Perfection' series. For most, awl use can be a chore and sometimes only used when you have no other option. This produces less than desirable results due to lack of experience and familiarity with the tool when called upon. This is mainly due in part, to the fact that many leathercrafters aren't using a polished and honed awl blade. They may think it is sharp, until they try THIS system! When done correctly, I guarantee you will be pushing your awl through every piece of scrap leather you can find. You will be looking for projects to use an awl and in doing so, open up a new skill and discover a whole new world of leathercraft opportunities. In this course you will learn: - How to profile (shape) an awl blade - How to create a rounded cutting point - Why a rounded point will improve your stitching consistency - How to obtain a mirror polish to glide through leather like butter - How to test for sharpness - How you can make your own custom wet moulded awl strop so that you will never have to sharpen the blade under normal use again - only polish. Keep your awl sharp!

For some, finishing a set of saddlers clams may be putting scrap leather between the jaws to protect their work. But then there are people like us who understand that taking pride in your work is a way in which we move towards mastering this amazing craft. Show off your skills and personality, whether on social media, events, craft fairs or on your own website. Make a great first impression about you and your craft! This course will teach you the following skills: - Working with wood and leather - Creating a patina on leather with dyes (no airbrush needed!) - What thickness of leather to use - Gold gilded crease lines - Using hidden magnets under leather and which ones to use ..and more. Beginner/ Intermediate.