Leather Craft

Using designs pulled directly from nature, we will be making hand painted leather earrings recreating animal prints native to the North Country. Students will select two different prints, then learn how to stamp patterns, apply dyes to leather, and practice their new skills. Additionally, we will add natural elements with ties to the region, such as pyrite, garnet, and freshwater pearls. To complete the earrings, we?ll add sterling silver ear wires. Rainbow Trout and Halloween Pennant Dragonfly pictured; longest earring length is approximately 3?.

This is an introductory class where students will learn leathercraft basics, as well as how to use various tools and techniques including, but not limited to, cutting, edge beveling and burnishing, grooving, setting hardware, and letter stamping. There will be two leather types to select from, in addition to finish/color, cowhide pattern, faux sinew color, and hardware finish. Students will complete the class with their very own one-of-a-kind, heirloom quality tray to hold all of their essentials on a desk, dresser, nightstand, or elsewhere. Overall finished tray size is 7" x 7".

Inspired from camping, hiking and kayaking in the Adirondacks, we'll be making "Mountains" or "Waterways" leather pendant necklace and earring sets in this class. After selecting a design, students will learn various leather craft techniques, including but not limited to, cutting, stamping, dyeing, and antiquing. Additionally. We'll add bead "cairns" to our jewelry using notable stones found in the Adirondacks. To complete the set, we'll add leather cord with silver plated findings and sterling silver ear wires. Pendant sizes are approximately 2 5/8" tall for teardrop and 2" diameter for circle.