In-person course
in BURTON-ON-TRENT Maker & location details

Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

Description

During this one to one course a basic introduction to leather work is given, during which we will examine the tools, materials and process of making items from leather. In this course we will touch on Design, Measuring, Cutting, Marking & Stitching and examples of different styles. Whilst 8 hours is not enough to cover of all the techniques and processes, you will have sufficient instruction and appreciation of the principals to continue at your own pace. Nigel Armitage is registered with and insured by the Guild of Master Craftsmen along with being an NVQ A1 Assessor. Please note: the Craft Course Diary does not sync with the business diary so please check the website for correct available dates before booking.

What's included in the price?

All materials are included in this course along with unlimited tea and coffee. Please bring your lunch. If you are looking at working to a specific item, let me know the details so I can ensure what you need is made available.

Duration

1 day

Cancellation policy

Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Nigel Armitage at Armitage Leather Ltd

with Craft Courses since 2016

Message the tutor

Nigel has been a bespoke maker for thirty years focusing on the longstanding traditions of making leather goods completely by hand. Six years ago, after many requests, Nigel began teaching one to one classes passing on these techniques. Today, Nigel can now be found sharing his skills offering both individual and group courses in his Midlands based workshop which has been specifically designed to offer the best learning experience.

Suitable for

Adults
Seniors
Accommodation offered
Suitable for all abilities
Corporate days out & team building
Daytime (weekdays)
Suitable for beginners
Parking provided
Intermediate level
Tutor can travel
Advanced/pro level

What does this mean?

Message the tutor

Venue

Woodlane Hall Farm, Yoxall, BURTON-ON-TRENT, Staffordshire, DE13 8PH

Reviews

All maker's reviews

21 Jul 20'

Gary Dennis reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"Attended a introduction to leather work course with Nigel, and had an informative fun day. Nigel’s knowledge is second to none, and he explains things in a way that’s both interesting and easy to understand. So much so that I am in the process of obtaining my own tools so that I can progress my learning further. Once I have practiced, I will definitely be looking to do another course with Nigel again."

20 Jun 20'

James Woodings reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"I took a one day course with Nigel, as a complete beginner, the only experience I’d had prior was from watching his series of Vimeo tutorials (which I found extremely useful). I thoroughly enjoyed my day and will be returning to further my skills. If you are a beginner or already have experience and want to further your skills, I have every confidence you’ll benefit from a course. I’m pleased I went down this route rather than trying to work it out by myself. Highly recommend."

19 Mar 20'

Filip Lazic reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"I have spent two days on a beginners course. Nigel is very experienced and knowledgeable which is great in itself, and he is a great teacher as well. I found Nigel excellent at sharing the knowledge, while being very patient. Made me feel very welcome there. Communication was timely, clear and efficient. In the two days, I learned a lot about stitching, pattern making, tools - the whole process of making a leather item from initial idea to finish. It was a exceptional experience, I will be back to learn more soon. I'm very happy that I found Armitage Leather!"

1 Mar 20'

Aletha Hanson reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"I sew but have never worked with leather. The course responded to my interests, was hands-on and we covered a lot of ground. Nigel is a natural teacher, personable and encouraging, giving you space to have a go while remaining on hand so that errors can be caught early, resolved and learned from. I enjoyed working in such a well-furnished workshop and with the high quality tools. A door has been opened to me and I am so pleased I booked the day. The coffee was great too!"

13 Jan 20'

Rob Murphy reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"Excellent in every sense of the word. Nigel is a natural educator but he's also someone who has clearly worked hard to perfect not only the craft of leatherwork but also his skills as a teacher. Often these skills don't go together but Nigel has both in spades. A highly professional approach at every step, from email communication to location instructions and throughout. A great training facility too with an abundance of tools of the highest quality and a well laid out and welcoming environment right the way down to the quality of the coffee! Add to that a first class teacher and you can't really ask for more. It's not a surprise to me that even seasoned leatherworkers travel from far and wide to learn from Nigel."

2 Sep 19'

Anya de Visme reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"I had two consecutive days under Nigel's watchful eye, and had an utterly fantastic time. Nigel is an excellent teacher; insightful and amusing, he taught me a massive amount in the two days. Before this course, I had never handled leather from a maker's perspective. My experience was so positive that I am inclined to delve much further into the medium, and I feel that Nigel's teaching means I stand a good chance of becoming proficient (with further tuition). The full process of making my chosen item was covered, including measuring, patterning, cutting, riveting, saddle stitching and finishing. Nigel made sure that I did every part of my final piece, while he demonstrated and instructed separately. As a result, I feel much more secure in the skills I learned. I went home with a rather lovely scaled bracer (a fully functional and aesthetically attractive armour piece that I shall treasure for a long time), a confidence boost and potentially a new passion. I cannot recommend this course enough; an absolute treat on every count!"

18 Jan 19'

Julie Rockall reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"Had a day with Nigel on introductory leather work class - Absolutely brilliant! I had a lovely day. Excellent tutor, learned all the basics, and returned home feeling that I could progress further on my own but looking forward to going again. Julie R."

11 Nov 18'

Alison Harrington reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"What a fantastic course! I have been on many courses but by far, this is the best course I have ever been on. I am so new to leather working and from the off, Nigel was so patient and took me through what the day would entail, and the processes needed to produce a finished item, as well as giving a very interesting insight on the history of leather. I cannot believe how much I learnt. Designing, pattern drafting, pattern cutting, choosing leather, bevelling, slicking, saddle stitching and finishing and so much more all in one day! I am really chuffed and proud of what I was able to achieve with Nigel’s help and knowledge and cannot wait to move on to more challenging items. As I progress, I will most definitely be returning to do more courses. I left armed with knowledge, skills and confidence to work out a design on my own and to see it through to the finished product, but also know Nigel is just an email away for advice should I feel I need it. I have also subscribed to Nigel’s Vimeo channel and would absolutely encourage anyone who wants to get in to leather work and produce well-made beautiful products, to do the same. The videos are brilliant, Nigel not only explains clearly, he takes you right through each of the processes with very clear tutorials and lots of tips on tools and much more. Nigel, thank you for such a productive and memorable day, and for your generosity in sharing your knowledge willingly, to help others."

16 Jul 18'

John Fletcher reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"Excellent training session. I sent Nigel a dozen points that I wanted help with and he covered them all in 4 hours. Thank you Nigel."

19 Mar 18'

Graham Reader reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"Having just started leatherwork, I found and viewed most if not all of Nigel Armitage's YouTube videos, I then subscribed to his Vimeo channel. You would think that this would be enough to start your own projects, well it is to an extent, but I decided to contact Nigel and book a 1-day course with him. Nigel is a good tutor on video and even better when when one-to-one day with him. His style is to tell you what he needs you to do and possibly demonstrate a technique but lets you gets on with it while observing and, sometimes commenting, but he is always asking you when the task is finished what YOU think. A great day of learning which enhances the video learning. Now though I must put into practice the small tweaks to my leather stitching and design work before asking for another one-to-one. A great day, a great tutor, well worth doing."

28 Jan 18'

Paul Newton reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"An excellent course and great value for money. I had three months full-time experience of leatherwork and had watched about fifty hours of video tutorials before attending a two-day course with Nigel. I decided to attend a face-to-face course because I felt that my progress had stalled. Nigel gave me his undivided attention for sixteen hours and answered every question I had, including some crucial information about materials and suppliers that I could not have found anywhere else. The course covered everything from pattern making to construction and finishing. I learned a tremendous amount during the course and the quality of the pieces I’m making has improved markedly. I think that while online learning is useful, there are many things that you really need to be shown to fully appreciate. I have just booked another course with Nigel. Highly recommended!"

27 Jan 18'

Oli Foulds reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"Hands down the best course I've ever been on. In anything. Solid 5 stars. Perfect for the beginner, this is a fantastic hands-on experience mixed with the theory behind it all and a fascinating history lesson thrown in too, all set at a pace that gives you plenty of time for it to sink in. It's amazing what you can learn to do in a day! I walked through the door with no knowledge of leatherwork whatsoever but over the next few hours I was able to go through the core techniques and then actually put them all into action and produce something that I will be able to keep forever. Nigel's friendly, patient, expert guidance all the way made it not only a great learning experience but an absolute joy from start to finish. The day is centred entirely around what you want to achieve and I couldn't fault a single thing. Outstanding tuition in a beautiful craft - I would strongly recommend this course to anyone who wants to give leatherwork a go. This is absolutely the way to start."

26 Jan 18'

Michael Spinks reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"I recently had a days tuition with Nigel. During this time we covered stitching, pattern making, leather cutting and tools. To start with the improvement in my stitching has been, in my opinion, transformational. I can't recommend that highly enough. Next we covered pattern making, cutting, edging all areas I sought to improve. Essential to avoiding costly mistakes on the more expensive leather. Nigel is wealth of knowledge and extremely open about tools, suppliers on the market. It was an invaluable days training, which I hope to repeat."

17 Jul 17'

Terry Pomeroy reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"I spent the day with Nigel, as a complete beginner, I wanted to know pretty much everything! We covered all the items on my list and other topics I hadn't thought about. I even left with my first project 90% complete which I finished at home. Really fulfilling! I feel quite confident that I know the best way to start other projects, with a good degree of knowledge of how to approach them. I am so glad that I booked this day, it has prevented me from making expensive mistakes and saved me time in the long run. While Nigel is super experienced the level of instruction was pitched exactly at the right level for me. Thanks again Nigel!"

2 Jul 17'

Craig McKee reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"I could not rate this workshop high enough; it's a shame that it only lets me click excellent! I had been in contact with Nigel prior to my visit to discuss what I wanted. I wanted to make a watch strap for my wife for our anniversary - a project that another leather maker told me would be too difficult and was not prepared to do!! Nigel was clear from the beginning that this was an ambitious project and gave me a variety of options to achieve my goal. From start to end he was extremely patient, knowledgeable, friendly and supportive. The 4 hours flew by and by the end I had achieved such a high quality gift my wife will be truly amazed!! Not only that, he took photos of me creating the piece as we went through which I will collage, print and frame and present as part of our gift. I could not recommend this enough!!"

8 Jun 17'

John Bacon. reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"Fantastic course. Learned so much on the day, all pitched at the right level. There's one thing being knowledgeable about a given subject, but the skill comes putting that knowledge across. Nigel knows his stuff, there's no arguing that, but the information and techniques are put across at a level which makes them understandable, but more importantly, memorable. We focused primerrily on pattern making from concept design to product. Then cutting and assembly. If you enjoy leather craft, be it professionally, or as I do, purely as a hobby, you will take and remember lots from this course. Friendly, professional and informative. Highly recommended."

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Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

Description

What's included in the price?

Duration

Cancellation policy

Maker

Nigel Armitage at Armitage Leather Ltd

Suitable for

Venue

Price:

Duration:

Time:

Next available date:

Reviews

Gary Dennis reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

James Woodings reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

Filip Lazic reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

Aletha Hanson reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

Rob Murphy reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

Anya de Visme reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

Julie Rockall reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

Alison Harrington reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

John Fletcher reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

Graham Reader reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

Paul Newton reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

Oli Foulds reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

Michael Spinks reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

Terry Pomeroy reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

Craig McKee reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

John Bacon. reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

Have you done this course?

More from this maker

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