Class Schedule

Glove making

October 24-26 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) from 9:30 to 16:30

Have you ever wanted a pair of soft leather gloves that fitted your hands in your favourite colour? There is nothing quite like experiencing the feel of a pair of bespoke gloves on your hands, knowing that you made them? Do you want to learn the techniques to make them for someone else and see their reaction as they put the gloves on? Do you want to meet fellow enthusiasts?
This is a four day course to show you the techniques of drafting a glove pattern to fit your hands and constructing an unlined pair of gloves. We will look at the following areas:

• Gloving leathers – types, styles and suppliers
• Glove anatomy and pattern pieces.
• Linings – will be discussed, though the gloves on this course are unlined.
• How to measure your hands.
• Drafting and adapting your pattern.
• Transferring the design to leather and cutting out your pattern pieces.
• Hand sewing techniques. The gloves will be hand stitched and you will be able to sample the stitches beforehand to see which one you prefer.
• Construction techniques – how to put everything together without the fingers stretching or twisting.
• Adding points.
• Adding decoration – how and when to add decoration (we won’t have time on the course).

You will also receive a set of course notes.
We will cover all areas of construction so you know how to assemble and finish the gloves at home. Depending on your stitching speed you may find you don’t complete everything in class.

The course is aimed at beginners and those with more experience are welcome. We will be drafting a pattern to fit your hands. You will leave with the knowledge of how to sew and finish your gloves, equipped to make more in the future. Please note we may not have enough time to finish both gloves in the four days – you will have stitched nearly everything for one hand that you will repeat for the second hand.
Elizabeth will supply the leather and equipment for the day. These are all included in the price of the course. This includes the leather for a mock-up glove and the posh leather for your gloves, needles, and threads. We will be using lamb nappa for your gloves.
Do you need to bring anything?

Just bring yourself.
Wear old clothes and proper shoes that cover your toes as we will be working with tools.
If you feel the cold it may be worth bringing an extra layer or two.

Note: the course does not include the surface decoration included in the photos

Price: £360 (Materials included) – Deposit: £100

Class Dates (Friday, Saturday, Sunday):
October: 24, 25, 26

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30

Homeschooled Program

Every Thursday - 11 September to 20 November

This series of classes is specifically timed and designed for home schooled students.  It will be headed up by Ivan Van Rooyen who brings with him over 40 years experience teaching young students.  During this course, students will learn a number of wood working skills through a series of carefully designed projects including puzzles, small boxes, and games. During this process, students will learn how to safely handle tools, how to measure accurately and how to create fun objects out of wood.

We have a set series of wood crafting classes such as wood working (making things), pyrography (burning pictures in wood) and wood carving.   Most importantly, we try to work with each individual student to allow each of them to express themselves while learning a new skill.

Each child is allowed to work at their own pace to maximize their learning and creativity.  This means that each student gets very individual guidance.  As everyone knows creativity and the process of making things is very important to a child’s development.  That is why we think our classes are so important. In the past the wood working class has made boxes, decorated with pyrography, a chess set and board.

Class Dates (every Thursday):
September: 11, 18, 25
October: 2, 9, 16, 23
November: 6, 13, 20

Class Times: All classes start at 12:00 and end at 14:00

Price: £220 (Deposit: £100)

Introduction to leatherworking (November)

November 8-9 (Saturday & Sunday) from 9:30 to 16:30

Leather is one of the most amazing materials to work with.

Our Two-day introduction workshop is aimed at beginners interested in gaining a good basic understanding of the leather working skills & techniques used in making a variety of small leather goods.

Over the two days, you’ll be making 2 or 3 items, such a card holder, key-rings and a belt or a coin purse, (specific items can be chosen on the day.) These will show you the different skills and techniques required for leather working.

During the course,  you will cover the following:

• Different types of leathers and its uses
• Tanneries and suppliers
• Understanding the process of making leather goods
• Intro to pattern making.
• Cutting – Dyeing – Stitching and finishing the leather
• Beveling – Creasing – Burnishing and other skills
• Leather after care
• General Q/A

You will be shown traditional methods and techniques which you will then use to make your own items and take them home. The skills and techniques learnt will help jump start your leather working journey, in addition to all tools and materials to use during the workshop along with course notes and information including recommended reading and a list of suppliers, with an opportunity to purchase a full beginners kit to take home with you (contain everything what need to get started, fixed cost of £100).

Class Dates (Saturday, Sunday):
November: 8 , 9

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30

Price: £165 + £35 Material cost