Leathercraft Classes

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Have you seen the cover of the January/February 2026 Leather Crafter's Journal? In this workshop, you will recreate that cover art from one piece of leather! You will learn to present wood realistically in leather, to work with the swivel knife and modeling tools, and do various types of embossing utilizing leather dust. This is a great installation work all around and fit for any home or shop or as a gift! email jim@elktracks.net to register.

This is a demonstration of the technique that Rocky uses to build a saddle ground seat. This construction method utilizes all leather and does not rely on a metal plate for the seat’s interior. It is a longer process than some saddle seat methods, but it yields a saddle seat that is more comfortable and is molded to the rider’s body. Rocky will have multiple saddles on hand to give a detailed demonstration on how to build a saddle seat.

Without question, one of the most enjoyable subjects of leather art that Jim Linnell loves to create is the Majestic Bald Eagle. This is going to be the first live workshop offered at Elktracks Studio in 2026. This will be an extreme embossing project similar to the 3D carving he did for the 2005 Tandy Leather catalog cover. It will go beyond just embossing with multiple layers of leather. It will have a patriotic theme to it, but it will be a new pattern that has not been done before.

With social media posts that have gone viral  (and been “borrowed” more times than he can count), Swift knows what makes content perform. In this class, he takes students behind the curtain to understand the psychology of a post, the purpose behind different types of content, and how to read metrics to predict or confirm success. Perfect for leatherworkers who need to market with little to no budget, Swift blends technical knowledge with comedy and storytelling, making this class both highly entertaining and incredibly useful.

In this class, you will building 2 styles of tally books: a 3x5 flip-style book and a 3x5 notebook-style book with a pocket for note papers, as well as a business card pocket. Time allowing, you can build both books or just focus on one and take the other one home to build. You will learn how to burnish thinner leather and apply a finishing coat. {You'll be using COBRA Class 20 and a COBRA burnisher; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by May 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

In this workshop, participants will construct a Trapper Keeper®–style three-ring binder with a zippered closure. Instruction will focus on professional-quality construction techniques, including skiving, lining, sewing, installing a zippered gusset, and burnishing edges. As this is a construction-based class, we will not have time for tooling. Students are welcome to bring their own tooled panel to class if they wish. Please email Leandra at martin.leandra@gmail.com for patterns. Tooling pattern packs are also available from Steve Yezek. Please email him at nlpm63@gmail.com to purchase. If you do not wish to tool your binder, we will be using Hermann Oak English Bridle leather. Each participant will leave with a finished binder and a reusable pattern for creating future products for their customers. {You'll be using COBRA Classes 4, 20, and 26 sewing machines, a COBRA burnisher, and the NP4 Bell Knife Skiver; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by May 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

Of the many 3D leather projects that Jim Linnell has done over his 50 plus years of working with leather, none have prompted as many requests for a workshop as the Bison Skull. The first time Jim created this piece, it was the centerpiece of a piece of commissioned art that sold for $4,250. When people look at your finished piece, they will not believe it is made from one piece of leather. It is an amazing piece of leather sculpture that is sure to bring comment and conversation every time you show it. Note that the workshop begins on Wednesday afternoon at 2 pm and goes until 5 pm, and continues the next day (Thursday) from 9 am - 5 pm.

Have you seen the cover of the January/February 2026 Leather Crafter's Journal? In this workshop, you will recreate that cover art from one piece of leather! You will learn to present wood realistically in leather, to work with the swivel knife and modeling tools, and do various types of embossing utilizing leather dust. This is a great installation work all around and fit for any home or shop or as a gift!

Lets get back to basics: Hand cutting, hand skiving, hand sewing, hand burnishing. We will make a fine wallet of harness and bridle leathers. Lots of tips and skill building in this class!

Before she discovered the joys of leatherwork Annie Libertini was a painter with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Painting. In this one day workshop Annie will bring her painting knowledge to you, covering color mixing, application techniques, and everything else you need to know to create beautiful color and depth in your leatherwork. We will be painting on leather in the workshop in order to focus on the specific challenges that leather presents as a painting surface.

Learn to use acrylic craft paint to add color to your carving. Students will learn to color, shade, and finish carved leather. Nancy will demonstrate, then guide each student as they progress. A floral carved cuff to paint will be provided, but bringing your own carved pieces is highly encouraged!

Learn to use acrylic craft paint to add color to your carving. Students will learn to color, shade, and finish carved leather. Nancy will demonstrate, then guide each student as they progress. A floral carved cuff to paint will be provided, but bringing your own carved pieces is highly encouraged!

Ever wanted to create a book or journal from scratch? Then let's get to it! Aaron will show you first how to build your paper 'signatures', sew them together, and then add an attractive cover for a very professional look. It's a fun class that can quickly have you hooked on expanding a new skill that has limitless possibilities! {You'll be using a COBRA Class 20 sewing machine; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by May 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

Everyone can learn new techniques! Join us to review leather casing, carving and stamping techniques, proper pattern layout, and more. We will carve a 6" x 8" panel suitable for a notebook cover, with printed instructions provided. Demonstrations, discussions, and individual instruction provided. Patterns provided for all skill levels, or bring your own patterns for review. Come with an open mind and a willingness to learn!

In this class Leandra will show you how to create your own piping for use in bag making and other leather applications. You will create your own piping sample piece as well as observe Leandra's techniques for applying this skill to bag making. You will use the Cobra Class 26 for sewing and Leandra will demo the NP4 Bell Knife Skiver to create thin strips of leather for piping. {You'll be using a COBRA Class 26 sewing machine and the NP4 Bell Knife Skiver; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by May 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

In this hands-on and demo class Leandra will show you how to create your own made-to-length zippers using YKK solid brass zippers. You will create your own length of zipper and learn how to carefully remove teeth and add a slider and end stops easily. Leandra will then demo pocket construction using leather and fabric for the liner. {You'll be using a COBRA Class 26 sewing machine; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by May 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

Make a stunning sling bag from alligator leather and hair-on-cowhide! You will be using alligator crust which you will be dyeing prior to assembly. Next, you will be machine stitching on a COBRA Class 26. Everyone will be leaving with their own custom, eye-catching sling bag! {You'll be using a COBRA Class 26 sewing machine; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by May 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

In this workshop, you will be making a guitar strap using crust alligator skin and hair-on-cowhide. You will be dyeing the crust prior to assembly. You will be machine stitching your guitar strap, then finishing the edge. Everyone will be leaving with their own custom guitar strap. {You'll be using a COBRA Class 26 sewing machine; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by May 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

This workshop is designed as an introductory course to the iPad, the Apple Pencil, and a program called Affinity Photo (downloadable as a trial application before the workshop). Karla will go into this program with you in detail and will include a booklet along with hands-on instruction for laying out a pattern to include cutting patterns, manipulating and correcting patterns, and filling patterns with traditional western elements. Bring a sense of humor, and Karla will bring hers, too.

Learn how to make a 17-strand cincha with a solid color diamond in the center using blend cord and zinc rings. At the end of the workshop, you will be able to take home a finished cincha as well as a kit to make one at home. It is recommended that you bring a notebook and pencil as well as a camera for taking notes on each step. All other materials will be provided. Emphasis will be on proper knots and tension.

This beginner-level workshop is focused on working to develop a quality foundation in leather floral carving and stamping. The patterns that you will use in this workshop are designed to teach you the proper techniques for carving and developing a pattern. Students will focus on proper swivel knife skills and smooth beveling, which is the basis for a properly tooled piece of floral work. You will also work on backgrounding, pear shading, and decorative cutting to finish a pattern that looks beautiful. If you are new to floral carving or want the opportunity to step back and work on fundamentals, then this workshop will be very helpful. Bring your tools and Don will bring the leather and patterns. Let’s stamp some leather! (New patterns and content for 2026!)

This is the class you want to take if you want to learn more about the day-to-day aspects of bookkeeping for your business. We will discuss the importance of bookkeeping software, a chart of accounts, bank reconciliations, coding of transactions, quarterly reporting, year-end reporting, 1099’s, financial statements, and payroll. This is the nuts and bolts of bookkeeping. Come learn tips from the Leather CPA and bring your questions!

Students will learn how to braid a Turk's head foundation knot of 7 parts/6 bites (with a herringbone interweave) and also a Spanish ring knot of 2 passes. Joe Boyles and Nick Carter will be teaching this workshop together and will also go over braiding terminology, different braiding materials, and how they behave, string sizing, and books/reference resources for the braider.

Running a leather business is more than making great products; it’s about having a clear plan for success. In this strategy-driven workshop, Beyond the Workbench (BtW) co-hosts Odin Clack (Odin Leather Goods) and Michael Magnus (Elktracks Studio, Magnus Opus) will help you step back and think bigger about your business. You’ll learn how to define your direction, refine your product mix, set meaningful goals, and create a roadmap that works for where you are today and where you want to go tomorrow. If you’ve ever felt like you’re busy, but not always moving forward, this class will help you find clarity and momentum. While it pairs perfectly with How to Market Your Business (which covers the promotional tactics to grow your reach), Build A Better Business gives you the big-picture foundation that makes every marketing effort more effective.

Your business won’t grow if people don’t know about you. In this tactics-focused workshop, Beyond the Workbench (BtW) co-hosts Odin Clack (Odin Leather Goods) and Michael Magnus (Elktracks Studio, Magnus Opus) break down practical steps to market your leather business effectively. You’ll learn how to build a strong brand, connect with customers locally, and promote yourself online through social media, digital advertising, and search engine optimization (SEO). This class is designed for makers who want to see results from their promotional efforts without wasting time or money. While it stands alone as a marketing deep dive, it works even better alongside Build A Better Business. Together, they give you both the strategy to set your direction and the tactics to get noticed.

Selling online doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this hands-on workshop, Beyond the Workbench (BtW) co-hosts Odin Clack (Odin Leather Goods) and Michael Magnus (Elktracks Studio, Magnus Opus) will help you understand, improve, or troubleshoot your Shopify store in real time. Bring your laptop and work alongside the instructors as they share practical tips, answer questions, and give direct feedback on your site. Unlike a traditional lecture, this class is designed as a working session. Whether you’re just getting started or already have an online shop, you’ll leave with real progress made during class, plus actionable advice for driving sales, streamlining your setup, and making your store more professional and customer-friendly. This is a rare opportunity to get expert eyes on your business and walk out with results, not just ideas.

Build a Chap Purse with Julie while learning some skills you never thought you needed to know! This bag is 12" wide x 14" long, and includes all of the leather and hardware. You will learn a bit of layout and design along with how to install an interior pocket. This handbag is a flat style with no gusset. If you have ANY questions at all, please give me a holler! The colors will be exactly like the ones in the photo. You will go home with a template and full instructions on how to build this style of handbag! NO REFUNDS for this workshop will be given after May 1, 2026. {You'll be using COBRA Class 20 and 26 sewing machines; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by May 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

Build a Trophy Buckle Purse with Julie while learning some skills you never thought you needed to know! This bag is 13" wide x 10" tall x 4" gusset, includes all of the leather and hardware and a generic buckle (pictured) that is easily removable to change out to a real trophy buckle. We will focus on the method I have used to install trophy buckles on handbags! This is an unlined, bare interior basic purse. If you have ANY questions at all, please give me a holler! The colors will be a black body with tan trim, not red like in the photo. You will go home with a template and full instructions on how to build this style of handbag! NO REFUNDS for this workshop will be given after May 1, 2026. {You'll be using COBRA Class 20 and 26 sewing machines; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by May 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

Let's build an apron, or better yet, a Chapron! In this workshop, you will be building a leather apron that looks like a pair of chaps. We will be using Hermann Oak's 1881 Heritage, water resistant leather that they will be graciously donating, and their latigo for the yoke tops! These aprons will ALL be the same size; one size fits all. You get to determine the pockets that will be going on them and the configuration you would like to use! If you want to tool or stamp your yokes, you'll need to get a hold of Julie at least 6 weeks in advance so she can send you the yoke template you will be using! (jbldleatherschool@gmail.com) NO REFUNDS for this workshop will be given after May 1, 2026. {You'll be using COBRA Class 20 and 26 sewing machines; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by May 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

Part history lesson, part leather carving workshop, this workshop examines the style, technique and influence of one of the greats of the craft. F.O. Baird is certainly one of the undisputed masters. His style has probably had more influence on floral carving evolution than any other master. His books and patterns command premium prices even to this day, and are eagerly sought after by professional craftsmen. Join Jim Linnell as he explores that style and the techniques of carving under the influence of F.O. Baird.

Join Carlos to learn his bespoke leather dyeing style! Be the first to join him for a day applying color to tooling leather in the bespoke style that he's known for, and then molding and shaping the leather into trays. Your tray will be finished with a properly burnished edge, creating a centerpiece fit for any room!

Three hours of hands on, AI for leathercraft! As a group we will use AI to learn by doing—no lectures, just creating together. Generate design concepts for bags belts and patterns with prompts iterating and editing in real time as a group. Solve practical calculations like bullet loop lengths, pattern scaling, and leather estimates by prompting AI on your own tricky problems. Create simplified tooling and carving patterns from references, turning ideas into usable line art. Explore quick extras like color suggestions marketing ideas and project brainstorming through live prompting.

This workshop is designed for makers who want to create an item—whether it’s a saddle, tack, or another leather project—but find themselves stalled because they don’t have a suitable pattern. With over 60 years of experience in the saddle business and more than 20 years in the pattern business, Bob offers insight into the challenges that arise when a project can’t move forward. The object of this class is teaching how to deal with pattern-related problems, knowing what a pattern can or cannot do, and when to create or purchase a new pattern. Topics include deciding when it’s practical to design your own pattern versus buying a ready-made one, evaluating pattern quality, and knowing what to expect from a pattern. Bob will also cover pattern sources, how to create your own patterns, suitable materials, and how long patterns typically last.

Enjoy the freedom of drawing your own flowers. In this workshop, you will learn simple guidelines to help you draw balanced flowers. You don’t have to be super artistic if you follow a framework. Then, we will move to tooling and work on some practical ways to make your flowers stand out. Make your flower centers stand out and bring petals to life with small adjustments to your shading and decorative cuts.

In this workshop you will be making a classy, bucket-style purse with a drop-in liner and grommet strap connectors. You will learn how to construct a professional-quality handbag by learning how to reduce the bulk in seams, turn raw edges, and create a fabric liner with a great fit. We will discuss leather options for giving this bag structure without excess bulk, fabric options for the liner that easily wipe clean, and other materials for bag construction that will help your understanding in bag making and design. You will go home with a complete purse and pattern to make future products for your customers. {You'll be using COBRA Class 20 and 26 sewing machines, a COBRA burnisher, and the COBRA NP4 bell knife skiver; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by May 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

The structural details of an animal are always most important, but with this picture, the color plays the greatest role in the presentation. Contrast is the major factor to successful coloring here. It has been a while since background color has been included in one of Kathy's workshops, and this background has much more to it than meets the eye. The moose is embossed on leather cut to 8” x 10” and colored with acrylic paints. Your finished picture will be suitable for framing.

If you are one whose hand tenses up when touching a swivel knife and a bit of fear brushes the pit of your stomach when your swivel knife touches the leather, this is the workshop you need to take. This workshop begins with the basics and then takes participants beyond what they ever dreamed they could do with a swivel knife. Once the fear of the swivel knife is conquered, cutting a pattern, decorative cuts, and even complete designs will be handled with confidence. By the end of the workshop, students will complete a piece of leather art using only their swivel knife. Jim promises to get the novice started down the right path and the experience to be challenged. This is one of those workshops that always sells out, so don't wait until the last minute.

This floral carving workshop is designed for those at the intermediate to advanced skill level in floral tooling, with a focus on further developing those skills. During this class you will work on improving depth and realism of main elements within a pattern as well as maintaining natural and elegant flow of your vine work. Quality swivel knife work and beveling are foundational to the quality of any floral pattern. Don will have multiple patterns of varying degrees of difficulty to choose from for use on Hermann Oak leather panels, so that we can work on your area of need in your floral carving. You can work on any technique issues in tooling that come up, as well as work on some techniques that you may not be aware of. Don will discuss and demonstrate techniques of carving, beveling, backgrounding, decorative work, and other areas of tooling that will help to refine your floral carving. In the end, you will have spent the day tooling together with Don and working to become better floral carvers through demonstration and hands on experience. There will surely be discussions on tool selection, casing leather, pattern design, and many others. Load up your tools, bring your questions and let's tool some leather together. (New patterns and content for 2026!)

You will work along side Don Gonzales in this workshop to learn how to draw and lay out floral tooling patterns for leather projects. We will discuss the elements of floral pattern design, flow, and balance, as well as decision-making within any project as to how to fill odd-shaped spaces with elegant floral artwork. This workshop is designed as Beginner to Intermediate level, but all experience levels are welcome! This is a paper and pencil class designed to give you a good foundation for designing your own floral carving patterns.

This course offers a comprehensive basis for the accounting aspects of launching and managing a small business, with a specific focus on financial literacy and regulatory compliance. It details the steps for launching a new business, including choosing between business structures (like LLCs or corporations), hobby vs. business, record keeping, and an explanation of financial statements and how they correlate to an income tax return. Ultimately, the course serves as a practical guide for entrepreneurs to understand the business accounting structure, reporting, and regulatory compliance within that structure. More importantly though, this class is taught by a CPA who explains the accounting jargon in everyday terms so that every student is comfortable in the class.

Vector drawings & patterns...the next step in the evolution of leathercraft! Vector-based applications (i.e.. Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, Inkscape, Affinity, etc...) can be very confusing and intimidating to some. This is where Dave Skinner can help take the mystery away. As a graphic designer, Dave has been using vector drawing programs for the last 35 years to create simple line drawings...all the way up to branding and marketing campaigns. Now, he uses these tools to create carving layouts, project templates, maker stamps, logo designs, marketing material, and so much more. After a few hours with Dave, you too will be well on your way from pencil to PC.

People often assume Swift’s (Swifthammer Leather) bold, dramatic tooling comes from working with heavy leather, but the truth is, it’s all about technique. In this workshop, Swift shares the methods he uses in every single project to create powerful contrast and the illusion of depth – even on medium-weight leather. Students will learn how to layer cuts, bevels, and textures in ways that make a design feel three-dimensional and dynamic. These “secret sauce” techniques can be applied to almost any style, whether you want subtle shading or dramatic, eye-catching depth. Swift’s fresh, non-traditional teaching style keeps the process approachable, entertaining, and full of practical takeaways. By the end of class, students will understand how to make their tooling stand out with clarity and dimension, and will have the skills to add this professional polish to every future project.

Making the investment in a full side of leather is a big investment. That investment can be scary when you’re not certain on how many projects you can get out of it, where to cut those projects out, or how to minimize waste. Buying by the side isn’t referred to as a big investment because it’s expensive. It’s referred to as a big investment because there can be a big return on your money if you utilize it correctly. At 23+, they break down over 25 sides of leather each month. In this class, Joe is going to show you how they do that to get the most yield out of a side, how to work around blemishes, or where to work them in. Learn to minimize waste and get the most projects out of your leather. {This workshop will become available when the Wednesday evening workshop is full.}

Making the investment in a full side of leather is a big investment. That investment can be scary when you’re not certain on how many projects you can get out of it, where to cut those projects out, or how to minimize waste. Buying by the side isn’t referred to as a big investment because it’s expensive. It’s referred to as a big investment because there can be a big return on your money if you utilize it correctly. At 23+, they break down over 25 sides of leather each month. In this class, Joe is going to show you how they do that to get the most yield out of a side, how to work around blemishes, or where to work them in. Learn to minimize waste and get the most projects out of your leather.

Get expert answers to all your leather finishing questions in a clear, no-fluff format. This class is your chance to gain confidence in, and get control of, the materials that make or break your leather projects. Confused about which glue to use? Wondering how to get your dye even, or what the difference is between antique and finish? Learn the what, why, and how of glues, dyes, antiques, and finishes so you can choose the right products with confidence. Walk away with real-world knowledge you can apply immediately to improve the look and durability of your work. Bring your questions. This session is designed to give you real answers you can put to use right away.

In this workshop, participants will construct a stylish half-moon clutch featuring a zippered closure and wristlet. The interior will be fully lined with Hermann Oak English Bridle leather and include credit card slots, a slip pocket, and gussets designed to keep contents secure. As this is a construction-focused class, there will not be time for tooling during the session. Participants who wish to tool the exterior panel in advance may contact Leandra at martin.leandra@gmail.com to request the pattern. Tooling patterns are also available for purchase from Steve Yezek at nlpm63@gmail.com. Each participant will leave with a completed clutch, a reusable pattern for future projects or custom work, and valuable instruction on achieving clean, professional-quality construction. {You'll be using COBRA Class 20 and 26 sewing machines, a COBRA burnisher, and the COBRA NP4 bell knife skiver; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by May 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

In this workshop, you'll learn to build a solid, all-day headstall. The techniques you'll learn could be used for any other headstall. We will start with cutting the pieces, refining the edges, and then stamping the cheekpieces and browband. After that, Steffen will show you how to fix the buckles with latigo strings. The browband will get a simple, yet fancy, knot in the middle. After attaching all hardware, you will complete final assembly of all of the headstall pieces.

In this workshop, participants will construct the Heritage Crossbody Purse, a classic design focused on clean lines and functional details. Instruction will emphasize professional construction techniques, including pattern layout, skiving, sewing, installing hardware, and refined edge finishing. Participants will also learn how to install a fabric liner, construct a zippered pocket, and install a zippered opening. Additional instruction will cover managing bulk in seams and applying binding for a clean, durable interior finish. Each participant will leave with a completed crossbody purse and a reusable pattern for creating future pieces for their customers. {You'll be using COBRA Class 20 and 26 sewing machines, a COBRA burnisher, and the COBRA NP4 bell knife skiver; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by May 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

This class is designed for absolute first-timers — no tools, no leather, no experience required. Students will be provided with everything they need and guided step-by-step through the basics of leather tooling. Swift (Swifthammer Leather) starts from square one: how to prepare and stabilize your leather, transfer an image cleanly, and avoid common mistakes that can trip up new artists. Instead of being boxed into traditional floral patterns, students will work on a non-traditional design that feels fresh, fun, and approachable. Along the way, Swift will show how each tool works and why it matters, giving you the confidence to keep practicing at home with the set you take home. Known for his clever, non-traditional teaching style, Swift makes the learning process lighthearted and stress-free, while laying down a strong foundation for your future projects. Just show up — everything else is covered.

This workshop will offer figure carving, geometric stamping, floral carving, and inverted/silhouette carving. This is not a beginner's workshop; attendees must have about 2 years of leathercrafting experience and be (approx.) 10 - 17 years old. It is a workshop designed to go beyond the bare basics and level-up your skills as a teenager. The class will be organized by Kay Orton and taught (mostly) by Ann Stohlman Award winners! (There will be an hour break for lunch.)

If the idea of adding figure carving to your floral carvings is something you have wanted to do, this is a class you should consider. To someone who has never tried it, that can be an imposing challenge, but in this class, Jim will walk you through the basics that everyone needs to know to add realistic-looking figures to their work. If you are wanting to do more than just another floral carving like everyone else, come learn how to add a new look to your work with some figure carving.

Unlock the art of leather tattooling in this hands-on class! Dive into the essentials of the Leather Tattooling Machine as we explore techniques for clean lines and smooth shading. Whether you’re a seasoned leatherworker or a curious beginner, this class will guide you step-by-step through the process of transforming leather into stunning works of art. Learn how to control the machine for precise lines and master shading techniques that add depth and character to your pieces. Join us and elevate your leathercraft skills with expert tips and practical demonstrations—your next masterpiece is just a class away!

In this workshop, you will be learning about leather inlay and how to get the best results. We will focus a lot of our attention on the necessity of skiving and we will spend a lot of time doing it! Leandra will show you how to get that nice, "puffy" look and how to operate the roller foot sewing machine. Since a good deal of Leandra's inlay work involves adding clients' initials to a custom leather piece, we will focus on lettering in this workshop. Each student will be given materials to practice with. {You'll be using a COBRA Class 5550 and COBRA Class 26 sewing machine (with work platform); if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by May 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

Julie Pierce, a two-time World Leather Debut blue ribbon winner, will lead a workshop on creating custom leather jackets. The session covers design consultation, pattern development, measurement (using her JJ Pierce Co. Worksheet), mock-up creation, sourcing materials, cutting, and construction. Tips on pricing and sewing machines are included. Attendees will practice taking measurements in pairs. A basic knowledge of sewing machines and garment construction is recommended, though all are welcome for this lecture.

This class will present ideas and techniques for pockets, linings, and front closures like buttons/buttonholes or zippers and snaps. Julie will have samples and will be able to answer your questions regarding the fine finishing details that will set your jacket apart. This is a ‘demonstration only’ class, with no sewing required from you. Julie recommends that you take How to Make a Leather Jacket for a greater understanding of the techniques to be presented.

Award-winning leather artist, Kathy Flanagan, is known for her life-like animal carvings in leather. In 2025, she posted a photograph of a horse on leather which got a lot of attention online based on the definition and detail involved. Responding to the many requests to offer this as a class, Kathy hosted this as an online workshop, which sold out and had international attendance. Now it is available as an in-person class. If you are interested in horses and figure carving, this is a great class for you!

Have you ever spent hours tooling a project, only to ruin it when you got to the decorative cuts? I remember my work looking like a cat used it as a scratching post. Once I learned where and how to put in decorative cuts, I was able to start making cuts on purpose that actually looked good. In this class we will work on the fundamentals that make cuts work together to add flow and depth to your work. When you leave this class, a good decorative cut won’t just be a happy accident at the end of your project. Instead, it will be something that you do on purpose.

In this fun workshop, you'll carve this wild, expressive goat face using just a swivel knife for precise outlining and a modeling spoon for shaping, beveling, shading, smoothing, and building 3D relief. Beginners learn swivel-knife basics, while everyone explores modeling-spoon techniques. All skill levels welcome!

Join me as we carve this horse from a more challenging perspective! Learn how to breathe more life into your figure carving, using just a modeling spoon and very few essential tools. On a thin, flat piece of leather, we'll explore how to create details, optical depth and dimension.

In this workshop, you will learn how to create deep relief and a 3D effect with embossing, Jürgen's technique of cutting out backgrounds with ease, and obtaining a fine filigree for the win! You'll be working a lot with modeling spoons and ball modelers. This is an interesting workshop utilizing many techniques, yielding an impressive effect!

In this hands-on workshop, students will learn the techniques and thought processes for creating custom leather patterns from scratch using a pair of shoulder saddle bags as our real-world example with no prior experience required. The first half covers using AI to visualize and concept your project, while the second half focuses on drafting the physical pattern on poster board. By the end, you'll gain the skills and confidence to design patterns for any leather project you can imagine. Participants can choose active participation (by bringing their own tools to draft along step-by-step), or demo/observer mode (to watch the instructor demonstrate, take detailed notes, ask questions, and follow along visually without cutting or drafting).

Come learn how to photograph your leather work effectively with tools you already have – your iPhone (or Android), family DLSR, or even a professional level camera that you already have (or would like to have)! We will be discussing and learning how to use “Home Depot” lighting up through professional set-ups to get the image and effects necessary to highlight your work. Coby will teach industry methods for lighting, staging, and producing professional looking images.

Bob Brenner is the leather industry authority with decades of experience on how to price your work. Are you profitable? Even if you are, this workshop is designed to help you maximize your profits and avoid common pitfalls. This is a packed, 4-hour workshop based on Bob’s book, “How to Establish Prices for the Saddle Maker or Leather Worker”. Each student will receive his book (a $39.95 retail value) during the workshop, which will help you greatly in your note taking while Bob is teaching. This proven system will teach you how to establish a profitable hourly rate and price for your services and products, and it is updated by Bob continuously to reflect fair market pricing. Having a Business Administration Degree from Colorado State University and spending 11 years in the banking industry, Bob set up every day, real world accounting systems in his shop which are the basis for the book. These strategies can be used for anything you make. Bob uses this same system in his shop on a daily basis and this is his 22nd year teaching this workshop, which tells you it is a valuable resource. If you’ve made it, he’s priced it – profitably!

Learn the fundamentals of professional holster design and construction. Slickbald will focus on a field style holster with thumb break retention. This workshop will cover the fitting of the holster style to the customer, types of holsters and their applications, as well as designing holsters from scratch. Leather selection, liners, wet molding and more will be covered during construction. This workshop will also cover shop tips and production techniques to help the student hit the ground running. NOTE: Firearms are NOT permitted on the Sheridan College Campus. Only Blue Guns will be allowed in this workshop. {You'll be using a COBRA Class 4 sewing machine and a COBRA MP Burnisher; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by May 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

Together with Slickbald you will learn how to design and build a sheath for a Crosswinds Forge (Shaun Woodsum) hunting knife. Each student will receive a new knife to keep, valued at $180, and for which this workshop is designed. You will learn to design a cross draw pattern from scratch and create a welted sheath stamped with a geometric design of your choosing, complete with a snapping handle wrap. {You'll be using a COBRA Class 4 sewing machine and a COBRA MP Burnisher; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by May 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

All Four Saddle Workshops – save $50
This is a unique opportunity to learn and spend time in Wayne Hape’s saddle shop. Wayne was taught saddle making from his father, accomplished saddle maker Chester Hape. Spend Tuesday through Friday with Wayne, learning his approach to saddle making. The goal of this week is to cover all the most important and challenging aspects. Due to time constraints, some simpler aspects may not be covered as in depth. Feedback from the students will determine some of the focus for each day.

Saddle Trees – Cut Out – Ground Work – Covering the Horn
This is a unique opportunity to learn and spend time in Wayne Hape’s saddle shop. Wayne was taught saddle making from his father, accomplished saddle maker, Chester Hape. Wayne will discuss using patterns, cutting out the parts of the saddle from a side of leather, and the properties of leather. Finally, he will discuss saddle trees, ground work, and covering the horn.

Riggings – Covering the Front – Blocking in Skirts
This is a unique opportunity to learn and spend time in Wayne Hape’s saddle shop. Wayne was taught saddle making from his father, accomplished saddle maker, Chester Hape. Wayne will fit and cover the front, prepare the cantle for fitting the seat, and block in the skirts.

Covering a Seat and Building an In-Skirt Rigging
This is a unique opportunity to learn and spend time in Wayne Hape’s saddle shop. Wayne was taught saddle making from his father, accomplished saddle maker, Chester Hape. Wayne will fit a piece and cover the seat, then build the in-skirt riggings.

Cantle Bindings, Fenders, Finishing, Discussion
This is a unique opportunity to learn and spend time in Wayne Hape’s saddle shop. Wayne was taught saddle making from his father, accomplished saddle maker, Chester Hape. Wayne will cover cantle bindings, fenders, stirrup leathers, and the finishing process. Then, he will answer questions on the saddle making process.

Annie Libertini is well known for her sculpted leather masks, flowers, and other 3D leather art. In this one day workshop Annie will teach you a range of sculpting techniques, including molding leather over a form, sculpting it by hand with minimal tools and everyday objects, and combining different sculpted elements. The form we will be molding leather over will be yours to keep after the class.

Let's draft a pattern for a pair of shotgun chaps! This class will teach you how to take measurements, and then apply measurements to make a pattern for a particular person. We will go over fit, details in fitting including types of leather and how different things like pockets affect fit. You will get a pattern to take home with you and instructions on what the class went over. Generally, Julie also gets to talk about construction order and techniques used to build chaps. Please feel free to bring chaps that you have built so we can go over them. Julie's goal for each student is to give them a good base to go from so they can add to details and learn in an easy format and manner. Please don’t hesitate to get ahold of her if you have any questions ahead of time! jbldleatherschool@gmail.com

Silver Creek Leather has something new in store for the youth class this year. Young students will be introduced to the basics of leather craft, while building a project from the Realeather product line. Students are guaranteed to go home with finished projects and smiles. Open to youth ages 7-16. The workshop will also include a tooling demonstration for kids by author and legendary leatherworker, Tony Laier.

Silver Creek Leather is honored to once again have the opportunity to spread the power of leathercraft to our nation's Military Veterans. Our good friend, and your fellow Veteran, Justin Girsh, will guide the class through the basic techniques of stamping and tooling leather as you tool and assemble a field notes journal.

More and more, leathercrafters like you are purchasing the versatile Cobra Class 26 or the heavy-duty Cobra Class 4 stitchers for your workshops. For some, this is your first leather sewing machine; for others, this may be in addition to the Class 4 (or other sewing machines). Maybe you're not sure which machine to get. If so, this is the workshop that will answer that question!

Chris will address setting up the machines, finding “home”, tension and thread weights (and needle sizes/compatibility), and go over the accessories for each as well. He will teach you how to take care of the machines to keep them running smoothly and help them live a long and productive life. Is your machine skipping stitches? Chris has the answers. Various applications suitable for each machine will be demonstrated. Questions are encouraged and students will have the opportunity to practice with the stitchers on hand. If you have ever been stumped by your Cobra Class 4 or 26, want to know if there is even more you could be doing with these machine, or are planning on purchasing one or both, this workshop is for you.

Whether or not you already own one or both of these stitchers, this workshop will prove to be an invaluable resource for your projects if you know how to operate and troubleshoot the set-up for various projects. Saving time on these machines means fewer headaches and more productivity! This will be an evening well spent at the show! {Chris will be using COBRA Class 4 and 26 sewing machines; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by May 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

The Spanish Ring knot seems to escape a lot of people. With a little practice, it is actually a fairly easy knot to braid. It can be made with a single pass, two pass, three pass and beyond. Nick and Joe, who will be teaching this workshop together, have been trying to get enough time in previous workshops to teach this, but have failed miserably. They finally decided to make it a workshop all its own. You will be braiding this knot on a mandrel using 1/8th-inch kangaroo lace. There will be time to do multiple knots and work on the skills it takes to braid this button long after the workshop has ended. The goal is to learn the single pass and the two pass Spanish Ring Knot. Time permitting, we will work on the three pass knot.

Short on time, but want maximum exposure to an array of tooling techniques? This demo is built exactly for that. Instead of slowing down for a guided project, Swift will work at full speed in a live demonstration, showing every technique exactly as he uses it in his own award-winning work and explaining as he works. Students will watch a flowing design take shape using bold contrast, dramatic depth, and heavy texture — all in one focused session. Because nothing is held back or simplified, this class offers a rare chance to see a wide range of advanced techniques in a short amount of time. It’s the fastest way to understand what professional-level tooling actually looks like in real time, making it perfect for students who want the biggest takeaway without committing to longer classes.

Most students come to this event to sharpen their art — and this one-on-one session is built exactly for that. Swift offers 1-hour private consultations focused on whatever you need most, whether that’s tooling technique, design choices, pushing depth, or breaking through creative roadblocks. If questions about marketing, social media, or selling your work come up, Swift can cover that too — drawing from 10 years of full-time experience and a massive online presence that speaks for itself. Sessions are scheduled during open gaps between your other classes, so you get high-value, personalized advice without giving up classes you’re excited about. This is a rare chance to get direct, honest feedback on your work and direction, tailored specifically to you, in the most time-efficient format available. To schedule your hour with Swift, call 715-362-5393. (Can't do Friday? Call us and see if we can fit you in on another day!)

Wield your swivel knife with confidence! Learning to cut smoothly and seamlessly is the goal of this workshop. This is the right workshop for anyone who is a little afraid of making decorative cuts, or who has some trouble with positioning or holding the swivel knife, has problems with sharpening, does not know which blade is to be used for what...Let Jürgen guide you on cutting depth, pressure, correct hand grip, cutting for beveling, cutting for decorative cuts, using the correct blade for your work, and more. He'll also be teaching correct sharpening techniques and ways to keep your blades sharper for longer. Patterns that will challenge and delight will be provided. At the end of the workshop, you'll cut a complete design into leather using only your swivel knife!

Leave this class with a fully tooled rifle sling that will last generations. We will work on refining basic tooling skills to add depth and flow to your work. In addition to tooling, there are some basic construction skills to go over. Punching holes, setting rivets, and slicking edges. The best part about this project is that you can make more of them at home without any machines!

Celtic knots are often the first designs new leatherworkers try, but most stop at the basics. In this class, Swift (Swifthammer Leather) takes those simple patterns and shows how to bring them to life with over 10 years of developed techniques. Students will learn how to add depth, texture, and character to their knotwork, transforming flat designs into pieces that feel dynamic and three-dimensional. From subtle background treatments to bold illusions of depth, Swift’s non-traditional approach makes the process fun and easy to follow, while giving you tools you can apply to any project. Whether you’ve tooled knots before or you’re tackling them for the first time, this class will help you move beyond “beginner basics” and develop a style that’s uniquely your own.

The Twin Ring Belt is an icon of Australia. It is made using two brass rings as the buckle. It expands with you as there are no holes for a buckle to hook into. In this workshop, you will learn a ten-strand flat braid. You will also learn how to calculate the amount of lace needed to make any length of belt. You will be making a belt for a 32-inch waist, using 3/16-inch brandy color kangaroo lace. You will also learn to attach two solid brass rings for the buckle. Learning this braid will allow you to do any flat braid up to any number you want. You will also be able to make braided hat bands with the skills you learn. The workshop fee includes the belt, a 36-page book on braiding, and a jig for starting the belt. Joe and Nick will be teaching this workshop together.

This class will teach the fundamentals of garment fitting that will then be used to create a cotton canvas shell for a vest that fits. We’ll talk about how to take accurate measurements, modify a pattern, construct the garment, and fine tune the fit. You’ll come away with an understanding of how to make a vest that *finally fits* and a pattern that you can use for any fabric or leather. Basic machine sewing skills are helpful. {You will be using the COBRA Class 20; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by May 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

This class will present ideas and techniques for pockets, linings, and front closures like buttons/buttonholes or zippers. Julie will have samples and will be able to answer your questions regarding the fine finishing details that will set your vest apart. This is a ‘demonstration only’ class, with no sewing required from you. Julie recommends that you take Vest 101 (the workshop was called "Make a Vest That Fits" in 2023) for a greater understanding of the techniques to be presented. {You will be using the COBRA Class 20; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by May 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

The first rule of this workshop: Let’s have fun with it, because there are so many places we can use wet forming on our projects. We’ll start with some simple wet formed projects like a classic opera mask. From there, we’ll talk about and work with common shapes and pieces for wet forming such as bullet loops, welts and belt keepers. We’ll make a mold from scratch with common items found in our shop and home and then we’ll take it up a level with molds on molds, more complex molds, and even a beautiful diamond plate design. The last thing we’ll do is get creative by making our own form design and then form a pouch flap onto that. Other topics of discussion will be using leather formers to hold our shape, baking for a harder form, and how to add tooling or stamping to formed pieces.

The first rule of this workshop: Let’s have fun with it, because there are so many places we can use wet forming on our projects. We’ll start with some simple wet formed projects like a classic opera mask. From there, we’ll talk about and work with common shapes and pieces for wet forming such as bullet loops, welts and belt keepers. We’ll make a mold from scratch with common items found in our shop and home and then we’ll take it up a level with molds on molds, more complex molds, and even a beautiful diamond plate design. The last thing we’ll do is get creative by making our own form design and then form a pouch flap onto that. Other topics of discussion will be using leather formers to hold our shape, baking for a harder form, and how to add tooling or stamping to formed pieces.

Take your tooling to the next level with even more depth and definition in your lines and shading. This comprehensive course with Sarah (Western Skies Handmade) will explore the impact leather weight and quality has on your carving, various approaches to effective casing, the importance of maintaining sharp tools, as well as a close look at the tools and techniques in your current and future arsenal. Be ready to practice concepts learned in class after short demonstrations.

Ever wonder why your paint doesn't look quite right or maybe it rubs off when you resist? Struggle with antique not turning out the way you want? Wonder which products you should invest in or how they differ from others? Oil first or paint first? What glue should you use? What's the best way to seal your edges? Join Sarah (Western Skies Handmade) as she demonstrates what happens after the tooling is done. Learn first-hand her processes for painting and dyeing, oiling, antiquing, and sealing, as well as edge finishing and lining. Use this rare opportunity to ask questions as she works on a handful of her current projects in various stages of completion in real time. All of these questions and more will be covered, along with her two cents, so bring an open, inquisitive mind and notebook.

Learn how to draft gusseted purses and cases made entirely of tooling leather. Unlike fabric and soft leathers, veg tan can be difficult work with 3-dimensionally. We will explore the most common gusset styles, leather weights, and assembly techniques and practice creating and adjusting them as needed. Sarah (Western Skies Handmade) will show you the whole process, from designing to drafting a usable pattern to putting together your initial prototypes in leather. To accomplish this, you'll focus on making 3 small-scale leather prototypes (think business card cases), each featuring a different gusset style. By the end of class, you will have the knowledge to both alter existing patterns and construct your own prototypes and working patterns. Make unique products that will stand out in a crowd and never have to buy someone else's pattern again. {You'll be using a COBRA Class 26 sewing machine and the COBRA NP4 bell knife skiver; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by May 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

Take a critical and constructive look at your leather carving in this adaptation of a traditional music masterclass. As an artist, learning to be critical of your work is just as important as learning how to receive constructive criticism from others. Students will each receive 10 minutes of one-on-one time with me in front of the class, sharing a prepared piece of your choosing. During that time, I will share my constructive feedback and answer students'' questions. Every presentation will provide an impromptu and sometimes unexpected lesson for more than just the person in the spotlight. Learn how to effectively practice the art of self criticism and how to humbly open yourself to other’s input so you can grow as an artist.

Take your tooling to the next level by learning how to efficiently draft patterns like a professional artist. Don't leave the success of your designs up to chance, wasting precious time and erasing hours of work. Learn how to approach layouts with a plan and stand out from the crowd. Whether you are comfortable drawing scrolls or wanting to break away from patterns and draw your own, this class will help you to step up. Class kicks off with a foundational crash course in Art 101, learning how to speak and understand the fundamentals. The rest of the day will be spent implementing Sarah's (Western Skies Handmade) entire design process from initial conceptualizing to a final, useable pattern. The focus of this class is not on drawing scrolls, but on the framework that accompanies them. For an in-depth course on scrollwork, sign up for her Scrolls, Scrolls, Scrolls workshop! Past students of Non-Traditional Scroll Design are welcome and encouraged to take this as a refresher and will be pushed to dive deeper.

Start your days off right by exercising your creativity. Building a strong foundation is an absolute must for any artist no matter your skill level or carving style. Through a series of fun and simple exercises that you can easily incorporate in your daily routine, my focused and intentional approach will help you grow and improve more quickly. By deconstructing scrollwork into its simplest forms and exploring variations, you will learn how to draw as well as recognize and correct problem areas. Beginners and masters alike benefit from practicing the foundations with purpose. Bring your morning tea or coffee and sketchbook for this fun, quick morning warmup! Sarah (Western Skies Handmade) will bring the donuts!

Learn to confidently construct and develop your own scrollwork patterns and designs. If you struggle with drawing with drawing scrolls or want to elevate your complexity, or maybe just want help in learning to start, this class will be a game changer. Mastering scrolls is less about natural talent and more about dedicated practice of effective processes and in this immersive class Sarah (Western Skies Handmade) will walk you through her unique approach. You will: Deconstruct scrolls to their most basic forms, talk about their rich history, and learn how to put them back together in a variety of styles; Practice correcting common mistakes and adjusting existing pattern samples to suit various needs. (Students are encouraged to bring in their own scroll patterns – their own creations or a purchased – in order to dive deeper into what works and what needs improving; Discuss the deep connection between your patterns and stamping tools (students are welcome to bring along stamps – bevelers, shaders, backgrounders – for size reference if their selection is limited, but it is not required); Create a usable scroll design you can take home and tool! Grab your drawing book and get ready to find your flow, while methodically building scrolls on a strong foundation.

Pull up a front row seat as Sarah (Western Skies Handmade) spends the morning drawing out and carving a design in real time from start to finish. She'll walk you through my process and answer questions along the way. Enjoy your coffee while waking up to the sound of my tap-tap-tapping. From designing the initial layout, drawing scrolls, cutting in lines and carving to finishing details, this class will cover the entire process. I also promise to be done in time for you to shop at the trade show. And, who knows, this demo might even help you narrow down (or expand) your tool shopping list...