This course introduces students to the basics of crafting a cuff or bracelet from high quality vegetable tanned leather. They will be taught basic leatherworking techniques including how to join and decorate leather.

The topics covered are making a simple bracelet or cuff to learn basic leatherworking and finishing skills including cutting, edging, hole punching, use of fixings, fitting cuff/bracelet to size; and learning some surface decoration techniques including the use of metallic foiled leather.

There will be scope for students to adapt the basic cuff format to their own designs. You will be taught a range of decorative techniques and will produce a selection of examples.

By the end of the course you should be able to construct a simple cuff or bracelet and produce a collection of surface-decorated leather samples.

The course is for all levels, from complete beginners to more experienced jewellers who have never tried working in leather before.

Participants need to be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information. They should be happy using numbers and able to do simple measurements, and able to safely handle a scalpel.

You will be taught through demonstrations, practical work and discussions, as a group and helped individually as required. Handouts will accompany demonstrations. All the work will be completed within the day's class. The tutor will provide details of suppliers of leather and related products used during the class at the end of the day.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply all of the materials including: Vegetable tanned leather, foiled leather, edge dye, Sam Brown fixings, glue (two types), stitch groovers, decorative hole punches, bone folders.

What students need to bring

An apron and glasses for close work if worn, and a bone folder if you have one

Equipment will be provided for use in the workshop, including Cutting mats, scalpels, blades, safety rulers, hammers, round hole punches

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Possible equipment restrictions in tutor absence.

Daily Timetable

Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions