I spent a hugely enjoyable and informative weekend on the Essential Skills weekend in June 2019, plus an extra "Makers Day" on the Monday to continue the project I'd started.... read more I would absolutely recommend this course either to learn the basics of leathercraft from scratch, or to build upon what you may already know (in my case, I'd done a couple of very short courses before; but this weekend increased my knowledge and confidence exponentially.)

The tutors themselves were all extremely knowledgeable, attentive, and patient (they had to be with me, being somewhat of a slow learner!) and the location is in a pleasant estate located in a beautiful part of the country. The surrounding area is also well worth a visit, especially the numerous arts and crafts shops in Totnes.

All in all, highly recommended. More

  My wife bought me a leather making day as a present and it was just brilliant. The team are great at teaching and really encouraging. I only had one day... read more so needed to pick a manageable project, and a replacement sheath for my machete was just about right. I can now see why quality leather goods cost what they do! I did just the one day, but I'd recommend two if you have the time.
Thanks guys - awesome day.

  I've just completed the Essential Skills Weekend course at the Leather School, it was brilliant. I had no clue about working with leather before I arrived, didn't even know the... read more different types of leather or how to go about starting. This course covers everything from scratch - materials, tools, techniques etc - in a well structured way.
The tutors are excellent, really know their stuff and are approachable and friendly. It's also great to see the beautiful leather goods in the Tanner Bates shop which is downstairs from the school. Lots of inspiration!
Well equipped classroom with everything you need, lots of choice of leather when you get to day two and are ready to design and create your first choice of project.
The leather belt you make on the first day introduces the basic techniques and is a great way to get used to the tools and techniques.
By the end of the weekend, I felt confident to continue working with leather on my own. I know how to buy leather appropriate to the project, how to work with it etc. I truly feel like I could approach anything with confidence now.
I bought some tools while I was there. They have a great starter kit that is good value and well worth getting if you are just starting out. Professional level tools, fully guaranteed.
One caveat, the days are long, 9am to 5.30pm, and the work, especially on the second day, used muscles I didn't know I had! It's not terribly physical but I found sitting and concentrating for prolonged periods of time gave me some muscle ache. The tutors were very good at reminding us to keep hydrated which was good for getting up and moving around. I was exhausted at the end of each day but in a good way.
I chose to spend an additional day on the Makers Day they offer. This meant I could choose a more challenging design for my Sunday project and continue with it on the Monday with support. It's still not finished but I know I have the skills to complete it at home.
Great location, lots of places to get food close by. If you are travelling with someone who doesn't want to do the course, there is plenty for them to do while you are at the school.
I highly recommend this School.

  3 weeks after completing this course, my leather tote bag is doing well and still drawing gasps of admiration. The 2 days are intense and well structured which is what... read more you want if you are serious about making a career change or simply want to produce an item you can be proud of. The tutors are inspiring and genuinely encouraging with endless good humoured patience. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this course. Huge thanks to you all.
Jennie M

  These guys have so much passion it's infectious... if you're wanting to start a business or just a hobby the skills you learn from the course are immediately applicable... you'll... read more be off and running in no time.

It's really laid back but your confidence will shoot through the roof and you wont believe some of things you can make after just the first day.

It's perfect for an absolute newbie like me or experienced leather workers like we had on our course.

Don't hesitate the positions fill up fast!... and you get to spend the weekend around Totnes a hugely creative place.

  It’s not often that you get the privilege of witnessing old crafts still being practised by hand and even less often that you get a chance to learn some of... read more these crafts and skills. They do some amazing leather work at Tanner Bates. Within the workshops you can learn some brilliant basic skills whilst making something that you can treasure for a long time to come. I really enjoyed my afternoon learning basic bag leather work stitching. Highly recommended.

  It’s not often that you get the privilege of witnessing old crafts still being practised by hand and even less often that you get a chance to learn some of... read more these crafts and skills. They do some amazing leather work at Tanner Bates. Within the workshops you can learn some brilliant basic skills whilst making something that you can treasure for a long time to come. I really enjoyed my afternoon learning basic bag leather work stitching. Highly recommended.

  An full on weekend at the Leather School learning techniques for working with leather. Fantastic 2 days spent with the Leather School team including Berian and Giles, their enthusiasm is... read more very infectious and enjoyed thoroughly the process of belt making then applying all the skills learned and more to the design and making of a bag in a day! Highly recommended.

  This was without one of my top 10 favourite weekends in my life. I have no natural creative skills and yet I have come away with the confidence to continue... read more making this out of leather. The staff were helpful and friendly and the course was perfect for just about anyone who has any interest at all in creating something. It’s not hard and you learn the skills of cutting and sewing leather very quickly. Send someone you love for this weekend and I promise they will love you and thank you forever.

  Our family of 5 did the day course here of making a leather satchel each. It was lovely for us to all come away from the day with things that... read more we can all use!
Fantastic teaching and lovely products produced