Discover the Best Leather Classes Online
Leatherworking, also known as leather crafting, is the practice of making practical pieces or unique items from leather through molding, dyeing, carving, stamping, and fabrication. Perhaps one of the earliest forms of craftsmanship, dating back to 50,000 BCE, leather has long been both an everyday commodity and a sign of luxury. From wallets to shoes, belts to purses, the crafting of leather goods is perhaps one of humanity’s longest and most time-honored traditions.
From the Greeks to the Romans, throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, leather crafting has always been in high demand. During the Bronze and Iron Ages, leather was even used for crafting shields. Further developments in the Industrial Age and new tanning methods helped to streamline the practice into what you see today. Both handmade and machine-made leather goods can now be found across the globe and serve as valuable, functional, and stylish pieces fit for any occasion.
Why You Should Learn Leather Online
Are you an aspiring artisan? Do you have a collection of handmade leather pieces? Do you value making bespoke goods for your loved ones or desire to sell to those who value quality handcrafted items? Leatherworking can be a rewarding hobby for those with an eye for function and form.
It isn’t shocking that, between busy schedules, demanding jobs, and free hours filled with family obligations, workouts classes, and further professional development, stress impacts nearly everyone these days. A hobby like leather crafting can be an outlet for those looking to relieve some of that tension and improve their mental health. You can take a deep breath and allow your mind to settle as you focus solely on the tasks at hand. Cutting, gluing, stitching, casing, and embossing are all elements that will require your individual focus, allowing you to set aside your previous stressors and fine-tune your craft.
The practice of leatherworking can also be a great way to make new friends. Leather artisans are a niche community of passionate craftspeople, one where you can easily plug into groups like the International Leather Club. You can also join forums or peruse local meetups of like-minded leatherworkers near you. Taking an in-person class will also help facilitate new relationships, creating the opportunity to meet both skilled and novice craftsmen.
Looking to leave your nine-to-five for something more creative? Interested in starting a side hustle to make some extra money? Leather crafting offers so much potential for those interested in starting or furthering a creative career. An expert in the field could find themselves working for a large retailer or designer or running their own small business selling bespoke leather items. Those that set out on their own could sell at markets, pop-up events, and festivals locally or nationwide.
Virtual Leather Classes
It can be difficult to decide if in-person or online leatherworking classes are best suited for your particular needs. Perhaps there aren’t in-person classes available in your area or your schedule requires more flexibility. Maybe you prefer to learn from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace, as opposed to with a group of peers in a structured environment.
Atelier by Héna offers three courses that may fit the bill. Firstly, they offer an online cardholder-making class that will introduce novice artisans to basic leathermaking tools. You’ll learn the best beginner techniques like saddle stitching, sanding, and edge painting. By the end of this course, you will have completed your very own handmade leather cardholder. Tools are not included in this class, but they’ve provided a list of what you’ll need to source prior to attending.
Their second course is an online handbag-making course that teaches students how to design and create their own handmade leather goods. Basic skills like pattern making, cutting, bonding, edge painting, and saddle stitching are all taught by an accomplished instructor. As with the previous course, students are responsible for bringing their own tools.
And, for those interested in combining their passion for leatherwork with the craft of jewelry making, Atelier by Héna also has an online bracelet-making class. This course teaches the same basic techniques but with a focus on designing bespoke pieces of jewelry. Students will attend “live” with an expert instructor, allowing for timely troubleshooting.
Private Online Group Leather Classes
For those looking to provide a one-of-a-kind event for your team, CourseHorse also coordinates private group leatherwork classes that can be customized to fit the needs of your business or organization.
If your dream leatherworking class isn’t listed on the site, it can most likely still be provided! You can reach out through the contact form on the CourseHorse site to learn about the available options.
With no booking fees, confirmation within 24 hours, and the ability to change your group size within 72 hours of your scheduled class, CourseHorse makes registering a breeze. Plus, with extra benefits like multiple supported platforms and having your supplies shipped directly to your group members, organizing a private group class has never been easier.
Online vs. In-Person Leather Classes
In-person classes allow for face-to-face interaction with an expert instructor and learning in a hands-on environment with other students. Virtual classes can typically accommodate more difficult schedules and can provide more options for those who live in areas with limited in-person offerings. No time is lost to commuting or sitting in traffic, online students can learn about leatherwork from wherever they choose. It’s important to note that students are usually required to supply their own materials and equipment for online classes, but learning in your pajamas has its perks.
On-demand leatherworking classes can be even more accommodating. You can pause the class at your leisure and take more time to master a particularly challenging skill. Live online classes allow you to still be able to ask questions of your instructor and receive feedback in real time without having to be physically in the same place. Regardless of if you choose live or pre-recorded, virtual leather crafting classes are ideal for those who need to squeeze in their new hobby around their busy schedules.
Can I Learn Leather for Free Online?
Online video tutorials, like those found on YouTube or similar video sites, can be a great place to get started. You can watch step-by-step videos made by leatherworking experts to learn techniques like skiving, burnishing, or dyeing leather. Blogs and forums can also be great places for self-starters. If you’re still in the research phases or are easing your way into learning the craft, leatherworking websites can be a great place to learn tips and tricks from those that are passionate about the craft but maybe lack professional training.
While these options are often free or low-cost, they don’t allow you to troubleshoot with an instructor in the moment, won’t provide an outlet for creating community, and lack the structure of a formal class that typically allows for faster learning.