This is a theoretical and practical introductory group tuition during which you will be taught common, essential leather crafting and basic sewing techniques.You will be taught how to correctly use hand tools, how to hand sew leather and understand the most common finishing techniques used in bag and accessory making.You will learn about different types of leather and understand how to select the correct type of material(s) for your project. You will receive an overview of the technical aspects of working with leather and constructing bags and accessories such as preparing, marking, cutting, gluing, reinforcing, debossing and more.You will produce your own samples of work to take home with you.You will receive relevant, useful and informative handouts as well as lists of leather and tool suppliers.This is a professional course delivered by a prototype maker and manufacturer, with the aim of providing an overview and hands-on experience on more common leather working practices. At the end of the tuition you will have:– Gained an understanding of leather types and tanning methods– Understood what it means to work with different leather types and thicknesses and have the ability to source and select the correct tools and materials for your projects.– Gained confidence in using specific tools for preparing, marking, finishing and cutting leather.– Understood and practiced leather craft techniques such as beveling and burnishing techniques– Learnt basic leather hand sewing techniquesWHAT WILL BE TAUGHT?Below is a list of topics covered during the classes:– Understanding leather: overviews on types of leather, tanning, finishings and best use– Vegan leathers: an overview on different types and features– Understanding the importance of choosing the right materials for your project and the right tools for your materials– Leather preparing, pattern placement and marking on leather– Cutting complex shapes using a variety of tools– Using leather punches– Understanding the use of skiving, beveling and grooving– Finishing leather edges: painting vs burnishing– Using various leather glues and tapes– Understand the use of reinforcements, fusings and stabilisers to back leather– To learn basic leather hand sewing techniques– To understand the tools and materials used in saddle stitching– Prototyping and manufacturing leather goods: mentions of different working methods, machines and tools IMPORTANT TO KNOW:We will always try to cover as much on the syllabus as possible and depending on your ability and previous experience, we might not be able to complete the program or we might instead be able to teach you additional techniques relating to the above listed topics, such as:– Understanding fittings, closure types, fastening techniques and tools: sam browns, magnets, pop buttons, eyelets, etc– Sew and finish simple zips styles, handles and straps– Understanding options and the construction of how to line bags and accessories INCLUDED IN THE COURSE:You will be provided with useful digital and paper handouts which contain:– A list of tools and materials used during the lesson(s), including a description of what they are and how they are used– A list of recommended suppliers for both leather and fittings (physically in London and online)– A glossary containing information about leather types and characteristics WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?This course is suitable for total beginners, beginners with some experience and intermediate.You should be able to use measurements and understand verbal and written English instructions. ARE THERE ANY OTHER COSTS? IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO BRING?Materials are included.Feel free to bring a notepad, if you would like to take some notes, we will provide the rest. HOW LONG IS THIS TUITION?:This tuition will require up to 6.5 hours to complete.We aim to provide customised and high quality tuition services and by only allowing up to 6 students at a time, we are able to focus on each person needs and interests.As every student has a different level of ability and previous experience, this course might lead some students to complete the core aspects of the lesson in a shorter time frame than others.Students who complete the course early will be welcome to stay and use the studio facilities to exercise on the topics of the lesson.
Mechanical Toy making course
Ever wanted to give woodworking a try? This seven-day course in Birmingham is the perfect jumping-off point. Working with Tom, a local woodworking expert, you'll learn to build your very own personalised toy box
Prepare to amaze yourself, and your friends, with the beautiful canoe you will build here.. and Yes! You do take your canoe home with you when you leave. First Day The first stage in the process is to cut out the marine ply panels, and sew these together using cable ties as seen here. This is a fun stage, and you quickly see your canoe coming together. Children often opt to be involved at this stage. Not all children decide to be with us for the slower paced sections of the build. Second Day The second day is mainly taken up with cutting, planing, sanding and fitting the seats ( the Thwarts). At the end of the second day we aim to apply the first coat of resin, to the inside of your canoe, along with glassfibre tape ro reinforce the seams. Third Day Most of the third day is taken up with preparing the outside of your canoe for the resin and tape. This involves a lot of patient planing and sanding, The whole boat gets two coats of resin inside and out, and all the seams are reinforced with glassfibre tape on the outside too. If the weather is nice, we like to apply the resin outdoors, as seen here. View the full process here.
5-day practical leather bag pattern cutting and design course with leather crafting skillsLearn leather bag design and creation processes with an introduction to leather crafting. Design bags in 3DSee 1-day Pattern Cutting (The Basics) course, here. Join us in our Oxfordshire Workshop (UK) for a week of learning and making. Learn directly from Leathersmith and London College of Fashion Lecturer, Georgie Tym as she guides you through designing your own patterns from scratch to create a whole catalogue of 3D shapes for bags and accessories along with a basic introduction to leather crafting skills. Who is this course for? This 5-day practical bag pattern cutting and introduction to leather craft course is ideal for all experience levels, from beginners to confident makers. A perfect introduction into the pattern cutting skills and leather skills you’ll need to create and design your own bag patterns and leather designs. Are you looking to: Start your own bag brand? Design your own bags? Understand the bag making process? Create bags at home to complete your own handmade wardrobe? Satisfy a general interest into the skills and techniques required to make your own bags? Develop a foundation in leather crafting skillsIf you've answered yes to any of the above, then this is the course for you. What to expect Join Georgie to learn the basics of pattern cutting for bags with an introduction to leather craft. The course includes a foundation knowledge through to more complex cutting techniques. Looking at 3D shapes and examples from which you can create multiple shapes and details. Learn all the essential skills you will need to begin your leather crafting journey. This is the course for you if you’re ready to turn those bags you’ve been dreaming up and designing into 3-Dimensional tangible reality. Within the course, you’ll also be introduced to techniques and materials suitable for accessories, including sewing on an industrial sewing machine and stitching leather by hand. Upon completing the pattern cutting and introduction to leather course you will take away the knowledge to bring your designs to life. Complete with a set of paper/ fabric mock-ups which can be kept as your reference sample set and leather craft samples you will have your very own library of resources to inspire and generate future ideas. The course covers: Pattern types and shapes suitable for each construction type Patterns for details and functionality features Professional methods and best practice Basic pattern cutting techniques Pattern design/ development and sequences Hands on involvement and demonstrations. Hand stitching leather and other materials Machine stitching leather and other materials Leather tools and machinery Seam types used in bag and leather constructions Leather and other materials discussions You will receive a certificate upon completion of the course. What's included in the price? There are no additional costs. Basic materials will be included.The course runs from 10am – 3.30pm Monday - Friday. There will be a tea/ coffee breaks throughout and an hour break at lunch. Please note lunch is not provided.The course will be run from the HOME STUDIO of Hands Of Tym in Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 9DHParking available on the drive or on the street with easy access via the M40. Banbury train station is a steep 30 min walk. Trains run from both London Marylebone and Birmingham to Banbury in 50mins. Also well connected to Reading, Oxford, Leamington Spa to name a few.Maximum class size is 5 Cancellation policy Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts About Georgie at Hands of Tym During training at Cordwainers, London College of Fashion in 2010 I learnt how to design, make and manufacture bags professionally. Following a varied career in Accessories design and development across many roles and international brands I set up Hands of Tym in 2016. The courses I offer are suitable for all, from experienced to total novice. Come along to learn something new, and design and make your own leather bag in a day.