You may recall I'm a bit of a fan of shoes ("kicks") and small leather goods. So, what better place to checkout than a shoemaking and leatherwork school?!
As a student, you can start from the very bottom and attend paid classes to learn how to do things the right way with a teacher helping you at every step. I've now done two of those classes and have made a handful of items in just a 4-5 hour window of time. I do like working with my hands and find this craft to be quite satisfying.
With your class tuition, they provide all the tools and materials you need as well. It could not be easier to get your craft on.
In the first class all six of the students decided to make belts. You pick out your leather width (1.5" below) & color, plus hardware. It's pretty cool and easy.
In the second class, which was titled "Small Lather Goods I", I went a bit gangbusters and made two wallets, a valet tray, and another belt (1.25" this time).
Our teacher for this class, who is also the owner, helped me find and print out a pattern, then assisted in anything else I needed or questioned during the class period. They let you roam most places for the leather you want to use as well as hardware. They also have dozens of hand-powered and electric machines in the studio for cutting, shaping and changing the leathers you choose. It makes most of the work enjoyable and simple.
I don't know where I'll take this crafting, but I have already signed up for a 2nd round of the small leather goods class. It's pretty free-form, so I can go in and make some more stuff. They had a pretty cool wine bottle holder there.
I would also recommend this school overall. They have been very helpful in terms of changing chosen class days and times and seem really mellow about almost everything. Not only that, but very generous with their studio, time and knowledge as well. It's a nice way to get your craft on.
