The art of leather carving, tooling & swivel knife finesse

If you have ever looked at a cowboy's saddle, his saddle bags, or the band on his hat, you will have noticed the artwork and wondered how this intricate work is done. Over two days with Mike Reid from Handcrafted Leather, you will discover processes of carving and tooling designs onto everyday items, from purses to belts, coasters, notebook or diary covers, or even your own saddle bags.  

You will learn how to prepare your leather, to design and layout your pattern, and to use and maintain your carving and stamping tools. You will carve a set range of samples from western floral inspired designs to geometric layouts, learning how to enhance and finish your design to make it last a lifetime. This course is for people with previous leatherwork experience as you will leave with tooled components which you will need to glue, stitch and finish at home.

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Tools and materials will be supplied for the weekend, with option to purchase the tools at the end of the course for an extra cost.

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2024 dates yet to be confirmed

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To see tutor Mike Reid at work, watch our short film made by ITV Wales - Coast & Country here

£250 - Tuition fees

plus approx £40 for materials 

(N.B. some previous leatherwork experience is necessary)

Tea, coffee and simple lunch included in your course price 
 

We also offer accommodation & evening meals

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Click here to see what we offer

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This course is aimed at adults, aged 18yrs + and is suitable for beginners to those with experience

Mike Reid owns and runs Handcrafted Leather, a small, award winning, professionally run leathercraft business with a worldwide customer base. Mike is largely self taught with a brief mentorship in Ruthin. He began his trade by buying old leather jackets & restitching them into new things, using simply a nail as an awl & a sharpened fork as a pricking iron to make even stitching holes.

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Seven years into his journey now, bespoke artwork on leather is the mainstay of the business. From belts, wallets, hip flasks and luggage tags to custom motorcycle seats, plaques and murals, the enthusiasm for this craft grows with every new piece.

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Working mostly to commission with customers from California to New Zealand & everywhere in between, Mike is looking forward to hosting classes with the hope of enthusing others to pick up the awl and thread, to create and to support British owned suppliers that help to keep this rewarding & fascinating craft alive.