Mothers and Others

We’re rounding the corner towards Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, my birthday :)) and a number of special events. So here’s just the class to make those special gifts. You have ample time in a 4 hour class to design, construct and decorate a belt, wallet, pouch, kindle cover, clutch, a few cuffs or a string bag. Look at what some students recently created and get inspired. This is a one time event–so join us on Saturday May 5th for the ride!

NEW DIY CLASSES!

Exploring Leather Work: 6 week class-3/21-5/2: $225
This hands-on fundamentals course is for people who want to learn how to make items and projects out of a variety of weights and types of leather. Whether you have done some leather work on your own, have already attended a workshop at the school or are a new leather worker, this is the best class to refine your skills and move forward to more intricate projects later in the more advanced classes we are designing.
We will cover all the basic information students will need to complete 5 different projects and many aspects of working with leather: cutting, gluing, shaping, dyeing, hardware,and finishing techniques. Patterns and projects are provided as well as many choices of leather types and colors. You will also have time and space to work on independent projects as the class continues. All materials and use of tools are included. This course is limited to 8 students per session so sign up soon! Register Now

Busy Week Elves and All

There’s something magical about shoemaking. How many of you know the story of the Shoemaker and the Elves?

We’re not only training shoemakers at the school. We’re creating excitement about art and design and edgy decorations on leather. We’re teaching the qualities of leather and how it can be formed. We’re introducing new tools and how to use them. We’re refining skills and having fun. Come by and see us–Sign up for a class. Soon we’ll be posting a Sandalmaking class–now that’s exciting!

Leather Work 101

Leatherworking 101 Class Jan 27th

Leatherworking 101 is not only about the cool things you can make in this class, but the pleasure and discovery of working with  new materials and with tools you’ve never had a chance use before.  Who knows where it can lead?  Hopefully to another class and this time, bring your friends!

Exciting Times at the Chicago School of Shoemaking

Young women from Northwestern taking the leather jewelry class together at the Chicago School of Shoemaking

The last few days have been fabulous for the school. We got a great piece on Thrillist and the calls for classes started pouring in. Yesterday a great group of young women from Northwestern took the leather jewelry class together Note: What a great birthday party event or girl-friend-getaway! and made some really fabulous stuff–all in 2 hours. They were really proud of themselves too. Don’t they all look gorgeous?!?

Leather Jewelry Galore

We’re adding projects to our Leather Jewelry class every day. You’ll get to choose up to 3 things you can make in the intro class–if you have time. Everyone will start out making a sampler: set a snap, punch a hole, crimp an eyelet, set a rivet. It’s all so accessible and fun. Barbara Jean is setting a snap here and that’s a new style of cuff I just made to show what’s possible. If you look closely, you can see that BJ has on 2 bracelets that she made and a very cool choker she designed. All made within the 2 hour class.