Leathercraft classes are held every Saturday morning from 8.45am -12.45 noon, with "Beginners Classes" and "Open Classes" every month, along with specialty classes slotted in throughout the calendar year.
Included regularly are Belt/Dog Collar workshops and Carving & Tooling Workshops. There are also regular Jandal making workshops (simple sandals or thongs) with Mario Dato, coming soon.
BEGINNERS
*******************************************************************************
BELT MAKING OR DOG COLLARS!
You can keep it plain in a cool colour or add bling to a pre-coloured belt length/dog collar to call your own. Your choice.
Have you ever wanted to personalise a collar for your dog, making it just the way you want?
In this workshop, you will walk away with your own handmade collar complete with extra hardware like conchos and studs if you wish. Your choice.
Loads of options to choose from including brass hardware for dogs who enjoy the water.
Cost includes a 4-hour workshop, leather, standard buckles & hardware, and use of all tools & dyes.
Important!! Please have your dog's neck measurement or an old collar to measure from.
(Please note that a basic dog collar will be completed in 4 hours, however, if extra embellishments & stitching are chosen, the project may not be completed in one day.)
When: Saturday 20th March 2021 BOOK HERE
OR
Saturday 27th February 2021 SOLD OUT
Time: 8.45am sharp to 12.45pm
Where: Birdsall's upstairs workshop
Cost: $75.00 for a 4 hour workshop
DID YOU KNOW? You dont have to wait for this class. You can make a belt or dog collar in any Open class.
Supplied:
Veg tanned strap in pre coloured leather
Hardware: nickle plated buckle & dee ring
Tools, Dyes & Conditioner
Extras:
Brass & chromed brass hardware available plus loads of conchos and embellishments to choose from.
Harness needles and thread if you're stitching.
Suede if you're lining
Required:
Your imagination!
Perhaps an old collar you'd like to replicate.
************************************************************************
Swivel knife
Modelling tool
Mallet or Maul
Edge creaser
Marble slab
Strop
Some tools will be available in the workshop to be shared amongst students. Bring your own tools if you have them.***WORKSHOP SPECIAL KIT***
Purchase a complete set of required tools, (normal RRP @ $225.00) for the super discounted price of $187.00!
*****************************************************************************************INTRODUCTION TO PLAITING WITH OWEN HARTSHORN
Learn the intricacies of plaiting, starting with a basic 4 plait, and then perhaps try your hand at 6 and 8 strands, round or flat plait.
Long time plaiter, Owen Harshorn has been plaiting leather for over 30 years. Learn skills from the master to be able to handle 4.7mm lace, (to make it nice and easy for you to pick up), and learn how to plait either flat or round braiding.
In this workshop you may be able to tackle some simple projects like a hat band, jewellery or bracelets, or round to flat plaiting like dog leads.
You may also be able to plait buttons, knots and turks heads If Owen thinks youre up for the challenge.
Whatever you decide to do in this introductory workshop, you can turn your work into something practical and attractive.
When: Saturday 13th February 2021 BOOK HERE
Time: 8.30am — 3.00pm
Where: Birdsall’s workshop
Cost: $98.00 for a 6 hour workshop and some take home masterpeices
Bring your lunch
Supplied:
10 mtrs of 4.7mm lace
Braiding clamp
Braiding lubricant
Tools Required:
Sharp knife (Stanley, break off, etc)
Lacing fid
A small amount of items are available in the Craftroom to be shared amongst all students.
Held over two (x 4 hour) consecutive Saturday sessions.
Do you have knives needing custom sheaths?
Or do you want to make a better sheath than the stock standard boring ones that come with some knives?
Or if you're a knife maker, this is the workshop for you.
Join knife maker and leatherworker, Ben Duncan over two sessions to learn the principles and his precise methods to get the job done. Starting with design, Ben will show tips and tricks and also pitfalls of sheath making.
In this workshop you will make either a two piece or a fold over sheath for a standard knife.
You will learn how to make a welt so that that sharp blade will not harm the stitches in your sheath
Bring your favourite standard sized knife to work with, with the full length to not exceed 30cm.
You will be working with 3.5mm natural veg tanned cow hide and will be dyeing or antiquing on the day.
You have the choice to decorate your sheath with simple stamping (embossing) prior to colouring.
Time: 8.45am SHARP — 12.45pm
Where: Birdsall’s upstairs workshop
Cost: $150.00 for 2 x 4 hour workshops and your custom sheath
Supplied:
Required:
ONE-DAY JANDAL MAKING (LEATHER THONGS OR SIMPLE SUMMER SANDALS) WITH MARIO DATO
New dates available..... Back by popular demand!
Would you like to learn how to make, AND walk away with a brand new pair of custom made leather thongs (Jandals)?
Master Italian shoemaker, Mario Dato, who has over 50 years experience will show you how to cut, shape, dye and assemble some simple, comfortable footwear, namely leather thongs. Different simple designs are permitted, subject to Mario's approval.
You need to email Silvia with your current thongs size, and make sure you have closed in footwear on the day, hair tied back and no loose clothing, as you will be using machinery in the workshop.
Cost is inclusive of:
Full days tuition
Use of all tools
Leather and components
Extra tools can be purchased at Birdsalls, or bring your own tools if you have them.
When: TO BE ADVISED
Time: 8.45am till 2.30pm
Where: Birdsalls downstairs workshop
Cost: $130.00 for a 5 hour workshop and a pair of shoes!
ALL WORKSHOPS REQUIRE:
Bookings are Essential
Payment in full is required in advance to secure your spot. Credit card, Direct Deposit or cash are acceptable.
A non-refundable 20% booking fee is applicable for cancellations less than 7 days prior to workshop. (Shoe workshops are less than 21 days prior to workshop.)
Closed in shoes are MANDATORY
Need Accommodation?
We are working on close-by accommodation solutions for our new address @ 6 Bay Rd, Taren Point.