Leatherwork in the woods

This Saturday I went over to Cherry Wood to do another leatherwork course with Rob Exton,
cocooned in an autumn haven of orange yellow leaves, woodsmoke and low sun we were happy badgers with cold noses, working on various projects with Rob’s expert guidance. This time I decided on a red leather notebook case. I love carrying a notebook with me and jotting down lists and thoughts so having a handmade one will be all the more enjoyable!

If you fancy learning the skills you need to make beautiful functional leather goods then I highly reccomend Rob’s courses, he is a wonderful teacher AND you get to frolick in the woods! The next course is in May.

In Love with Leatherwork

Last weekend I was lucky enough to do a leatherwork course with the wonderful leatherworker, green woodworker and all round crafty chap Rob Exton. I learned SO much (30+ skills and techniques) and produced some lovely leather items including a purse, knife sheath and moulded blessing bowl. It was genuinly one of the best things I have ever done and I have well and truly got the leather bug, I loved all the processes from tanning to moulding and most of all the glorious sadle stitch. I am currently making a simple over the shoulder bag which is Very exciting.

Practicing sadle stitch

Bag – WIP

In June I am going on a basketmaking course, which I am also VERY excited about. Traditional crafts like basketmaking and leatherwork have always been intrinsically linked with rural living and they are being kept alive by a small core of  skilled passionate craftspeople. I feel extremely lucky to be learning these skills and I hope to perfect them over the coming months and hopefully become a leather working, basket making ninja. Watch this space!

*For more information on Rob’s courses and projects visit his website

My new home:

See: http://webuiltthisnest.wordpress.com/

Holiday at home

This week we are having a holiday… at home. Strange but lovely. Today we went for a cycle to a castle: