Discover the Best Leather Classes in Los Angeles
Leatherworking, or leather crafting, is the practice of making leather into utilitarian items or unique pieces of art using techniques like molding, dyeing, carving, stamping, and fabrication. A part of human history since 50,000 BCE, leather has long been both an everyday commodity and a symbol 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.
A craft that is equal parts form and function, leatherworking was even used for making shields and jewelry during the Bronze and Iron Ages. From the Greeks to the Romans, throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, leather crafting has always been in high demand. 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 in Los Angeles
Do you consider yourself an aspiring artisan? Do you value making bespoke goods to give to your loved ones or sell to those who value quality handmade items?
Busy schedules, demanding jobs, and free hours filled with family obligations, workouts classes, and further professional development all can contribute to higher levels of stress. A hobby such as leather crafting can be an outlet for those looking to relieve some tension and improve their mental health. Cutting, gluing, stitching, casing, and embossing are all tasks that will require your individual focus, allowing you to set aside your previous stressors and fine-tune your craft.
If you’ve recently moved to the LA area, are starting a new phase in your life, or are simply looking for a new way to meet people, the practice of leatherworking could help you to form those connections. Leather artisans are a niche community of passionate craftspeople, creating plenty of opportunities to plug into groups, like the International Leather Club. You can also join forums or peruse local meetups of like-minded leatherworkers near you.
Do you wish to embrace your creative self-expression more? Interested in starting a side hustle to make some extra money? The art of leather crafting holds 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. In a city like Los Angeles, makers could sell at markets, pop-up events, trade shows, and festivals locally or nationwide.
In-Person Leather Classes in Los Angeles
Well known as a haven for creatives, Los Angeles offers several leather crafting classes. Santa Monica College hosts Leather Hand-Sewn Basics, where students will make a bespoke leather wallet. This hands-on workshop teaches students how to smooth leather edges, punch holes, saddle stitch, and install a button. There is a $25 supply fee that will be collected at the start of class but no prior experience is necessary.
Santa Monica College also has a Leather Basics - Zip Pouch course which will prove that leather can, in fact, be sewn on a home sewing machine! Students will learn to install a zipper and sew seams that won’t stretch. You’re required to bring your own sewing machine and supplies, and having a basic comprehension of machine sewing is needed. The standard $25 supply fee applies to this course, as well.
Makers Mess in Silver Lake hosts a class on creating your own marbled leather coasters. Students will learn the beautiful art of marbling in a thickened water bath, and will then marble and assemble their own set of cork-backed leather coasters. This class is ideal for those with no sewing or pattern-making skills, as neither will be required.
There’s also a sandal-making workshop put on by The King’s Roost in Silver Lake. You’ll learn to make your own sandals from sturdy leather soles, stacked leather heels, and soft leather straps and insoles. Choose from four simple sandal designs that are ideal for beginners and four unique leather colors to create a custom-fitting pair of sandals. Completed sandals will be ready for pick-up the following day, and students will also take home an outline of the sandal-making process including a list of local leather and shoe supply resources.
Out in the Valley, Craft Sierra Madre is hosting a leather keychain course. Starting with a piece of vegetable-tanned leather, students will learn to trace and cut a pattern, how to dye leather, and how to customize their piece with techniques like stamping. This all-level class is open to most ages and includes all supplies.
If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, Craft Sierra Madre also offers a leather tablet case course. Students will craft a clutch bag designed to fit 2018 iPad Pro 11", iPad Pro 10.5" (or other small models) from vegetable-tanned leather. Once completed, students have the option to embellish their case with elegant baroque stamps or a stylish patina finish.
Virtual Leather Classes
While in-person classes allow for face-to-face interaction with an expert instructor and learning in a hands-on environment with other students, online classes can typically accommodate more varying schedules. Online students can learn about leatherwork from wherever they choose, avoiding traffic headaches and long commutes. While you are usually required to supply your own materials and equipment, the flexibility of online classes is very appealing.
On-demand leatherworking classes offer even more flexibility because you can pause the class at any point and take an extended amount of time to master a skill. Live online classes allow you to still be able to ask your instructor and have them answer in real-time without being 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.
Atelier by Héna offers three courses that may fit the bill. Firstly, they offer an online cardholder-making class that exposes novice artisans to basic leathermaking tools. Intended for beginners, you’ll learn basic techniques like saddle stitching, sanding, and edge painting. By the end of this class, you will have completed your very own handmade leather cardholder. Tools are not included but they’ve provided a list of what you’ll need to source prior to attending.
Their second course offering 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 wanting to combine their passion for leatherwork with the art 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 Group Leather Classes in Los Angeles
Do you have an incredible team that deserves a special reward? Are you looking to create tighter bonds between your organization members? CourseHorse also coordinates private group leatherwork classes that can be customized to fit the needs of your business or organization. Your group can get to know each other better while mastering a new craft, together!
With no booking fees, confirmation within 24 hours, and the ability to adjust your group size within 72 hours of your scheduled class, CourseHorse makes scheduling a breeze. Plus, with extra benefits like multiple supported platforms and having your supplies shipped directly to your group, organizing a private group class has never been easier.
Is the leatherworking class you’re looking for not posted online? No need to worry. Reach out through the contact form on the CourseHorse site to learn about the available options, even those not listed.
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