Courses
Learn the traditional craft of Leatherwork
My courses are relaxed and creative. I want to share this great traditional craft, teach you the skills to make a quality products and for you to have fun being creative. I enjoy teaching this craft, I’m passionate about, and seeing you come away with a quality product - whether it’s for yourself or to give as a gift.
There are various workshops available where you get the chance to learn the various aspect of leatherwork including hand-stitching leather, hand-tooling leather, the different types and thicknesses of leather and how to use the tools. You can ask me as many questions as you like.
My own workshop isn’t really big enough to run courses so I run my courses from various venues.
Higham Hall is an adult centre for for learning., located near Bassenthwaite Lake in the Lake District. Set in beautiful grounds with breath taking views over the Lake District. Every time I’ve been there I’ve been fortunate enough to see a red squirrel. You can either book the course as a residential or day visitor. The relaxed nature of Higham Hall makes it a great place to learn.
Birkhill House CIC is a craft centre located near Earlston in the Scottish Borders. It has a lovely relaxed feel, with two great workshop rooms, beautiful views and you may event get to meet some alpacas or peacocks.
Seaton’s Gallery is a new gallery in the centre of Melrose. Learn a new craft or develop your skills while surrounded by beautiful paintings, ceramics, jewellery etc... This is a new location for 2024.
Arngask Home Farm is a farm in Perthshire and another new venue for 2024. The workshops are held in one of their beautiful old barns. Workshops at this event include lunch, tea/coffee and a tour around the farm with the farm owner.
Higham Hall
Hand-stitching course all set up at Birkhill House
Quality Hand-stitched Leather Belt Course - Saturday 21 Sept 2024
New location: Arngask Home Farm, Perthshire
Full Day Course: 10am - 4pm
You will learn all the steps to make a quality, made to measure belt. From how to hand-stitch the strong saddle stitch through to finishing the edges nicely.
You can choose your leather, buckle and colour of stitching.
All leather, buckles, materials and tools will be provided
Maximum of 6 people per course
£105 per person
Included in the price is lunch of homemade soup, locally made artisan bread and butter. Tea/coffee and homemade cake. If that isn’t enough but a tour of the farm by the farm owner.
Previous Courses in 2024
Wallet Course/pocket journal
Day Course: 30 March 2024 10am - 4pm
Learn the traditional craft of leatherwork by hand-stitching a leather wallet, card holder or pocket journal. You will learn step by step stages from lining up the pockets to burnishing the edges.
Various designs are available and you can choose your leather and stitching colour.
All leather, materials and tools provided
Personalised A5 Journal Course
Residential Course: 1 - 3rd of March 2024
Learn how to personalise an A5 journal including hand-tooling your own designs and how to hand-stitch the cover of an A5 book.
The insert book, leather and tools are all provided.
Reviews from Birkhill House Courses
“Fantastic!” - K Speed
“Lovely friendly class. Really enjoyed it.” - N Stevens.
“Fab, very patient and Instructive. Thank you, I really enjoyed it.” - S Donaghy
“Very good, well structured course with a friendly atmosphere, thank you.” - J Casey
“Really enjoyable class. So pleased with what I’ve made.” - L Finlayson
“Absolutely loved it, what a fab way to spend an afternoon. To have a useful, beautiful item at the end of it is a bonus. Thank you.” - M Munro
“All round a wonderful Experience. Excellent tuition. Fabulous venue.” - E Cruickshank
Introduction to Hand-tooling Leather - Sunday 23rd June 2024
A new location: Seaton’s Gallery, Melrose
Learn the traditional craft of hand-tooling designs onto leather by making coasters, keyrings or a picture.
I will teach you how to take your own drawing and hand-tool it onto leather. Don’t worry if you feel you’re not good at drawing as templates can be provided if you wish. There will also be stamps with lettering and numbers.
All leather, materials and tools will be provided.
This is course is perfect if you wish to make personalised and handmade gifts.
Maximum of 8 people per course
£60 per person
Refreshments are included in the price
Hand-stitch a wallet/pocket journal course - 15th - 17th July 2024
Higham Hall, Cockermouth, Lake District
Residential Course: 15 - 17 of July 2024
Learn the traditional craft of leatherwork by hand-stitching a leather wallet, card holder or pocket journal. You will learn step by step stages from lining up the pockets neatly, hand-stitching to burnishing the edges.
Various designs of wallet and card holder are available for you to choose from. You can choose the leather, colour of stitching and add personalise it with a design or initials.
All leather, materials and tools provided.
Higham Hall was recently featured in the online Telegraph’s top 10 best holidays in the Lake District. It is a great place to stay and learn.
Reviews from Higham Hall courses
“Thoroughly enjoyed my time - great tutor and lovely people on the course. Very glad I did it and very happy with my journal.” - J Clarkson.
“Very good weekend.” - C Woollard.
“Love the pace of the course and that there is the opportunity to personalise the item.” - B Snow
“I was very pleased with my belt and I enjoyed learning something new in a relaxed atmosphere.” - C Rooney
