leatherworking courses
Suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced leatherworkers.
belt making and basic tooling
Learn the skills needed to create one of Anvil Leather’s premium leather belts, complete with a custom tooled design made to your specifications. This workshop is open to all abilities.
What you'll learn
- Selecting the right leather for high-end belts
- Understanding tooling requirements
- Designing your custom tooled pattern
- Cutting, dyeing, and edging techniques
- Fitting hardware and finishing your belt
You'll be working with sharp knives and traditional hand tools, so care and attention are essential throughout the process.
small leather goods
Learn the fundamentals of leather crafting by making your choice of a small leather item, such as a pouch, case, or pet collar, to take home at the end of the day. This workshop is designed to give you the core skills and confidence to begin leatherworking on your own.
What you'll learn
- Choosing the right leather for small goods
- Simple design and template making
- Introduction to specialist leatherworking tools
- Cutting, stitching, edging, and finishing techniques
You'll be working with sharp knives and hand tools throughout the day, so attention to safety and detail is important.
moorforge leathercraft weekend
Join us for an exciting and unique opportunity to learn traditional leathercraft in the beautiful Moorforge Viking Village, Cumbria.
For a one-off weekend we will be setting up in the historic long house at Moorforge and inviting people of all abilities to come and spend a weekend learning all aspects of traditional leathercraft. The course will allow you to understand the properties of leather, design items and use traditional tools to construct and fully complete leather projects.
We will also look at tooling leather using knives and stamps to create unique patterns and artwork that can decorate all kinds of leather goods. We have a catalogue of Viking, Pictish and Celtic patterns that are great for tooling, however personal pattern ideas are welcome and encouraged!
You will take away your own personalised carved leather belt, waist belt, wallet or purse, along with a better understanding of the craft and the ability to begin a leathercraft journey yourself at home.
The Viking village is open to all attendees for the weekend, including camping facilities and an outdoor kitchen. Crafting can continue into the evening in the long house lit by firelight. You are welcome to stay on site overnight in campervans or tents, or lay a mat by the fire in the longhouse.
Option to join us for one day only, if spaces allow. Please message and we'll see what we can accommodate.
general info
- Workshop capacity
- Each session is limited to up to 3 people to ensure plenty of one-on-one guidance.
- Group bookings
- Booking as a group? Discounts are available for group bookings, just get in touch to discuss the details.
- Refreshments
- Hot drinks and biscuits are available throughout the day to keep you fuelled and focused.
- Tools & materials
- All tools and materials are provided, so there’s no need to bring anything with you.
- Course times
- Workshops typically run from 10am to 4pm, though this can vary depending on the project and what we agree on beforehand.
- Age & accessibility
- There’s no age limit, and disabled access is available. It is a live workshop with sharp tools and machinery, so minors must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times. Let me know in advance about any physical restrictions and I’ll do my best to make appropriate adjustments.
ready to book?
Email me to book a course. I'm a one-man business, so thanks in advance for your patience with booking availability.