Leatherwork: A Full Leather Shoulder Bag 6 to 9 Nov 2026 with Jeremy and Carla Bonner

On this relaxed course you will be working from templates provided to make an adjustable leather shoulder bag from vegetable tanned leather, using traditional hand tools and techniques.

For the first evening session, Jeremy and Carla will introduce you to the materials and tools you will be working with, and throughout the course they will work along side you demonstrating each process and the tools required to complete them. Even though you will be working from templates, you will discover ample opportunity to personalise your bag as it comes together, and make it totally yours.

Some techniques and information covered during the course will include:-

• Looking at different types of leather
• How leather behaves
• Using templates
• Marking up leather
• Cutting out leather
• Paring leather
• Stitch punching
• Hand stitching
• Attaching billets
• Attaching straps
• The use of rivets
• The use of press studs
• Finishing edges

Included

On this course the tutor will supply most of the materials including the leather and clasps for your bag (A4 size). Leather PVA is also included.

What students need to bring

Sensible covered footwear – essential in the workshop Notebook and pencil

Available to buy

From the tutor (you’ll need to pay the tutor by cash or cheque): Additional leather if required.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Please note: some strength in your hands is often needed for working with leather.

Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration  
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm  
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break  
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)  
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break  
Teaching finishes: 5pm    
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)  
Teaching finishes: 3pm  

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

Terms & Conditions