Leatherwork
Leather is a wonderful material. It can be supple or stiff, soft or smooth, and it lasts an incredibly long time. Besides, it actually gets more and more beautiful in use and over time. It gives me satisfaction to work with leftover leather from the fashion and furniture industry, because I think it is a shame that an animal’s skin is wasted, thrown away while it is in fact such a beautiful material. To me, these discarded skins are a reflection of how we live together with animals in this society.
In the past, everything from an animal was used. The meat of course, but also the bones for tools, glue or closures, intestines for sausages and thread for sewing, sinews for the sturdier sewing threads, brains for tanning, eyes for ink. Especially the skin was precious, per animal there is only 1 of it and you can make so many useful things from it.
In these workshops, you will re-learn the old craft of leather working with simple tools. You work by hand, making your own piece step by step – basic stitches, a bag, a shoe. This is how you get to know the material and bring back respect for the hide and thus for the animal that once wore it. And from it, you make something beautiful that can last your lifetime.
In this one-day workshop, I will start showing you different types of leather, touch them, feel them. I will also take you through the making of different handmade leatherwork.
Then you get to do it yourself. First with a sample patch to try out various test stitches and techniques. In the afternoon, you will work on a small pouch, a belt bag or on a projectidea you bring yourself. In the workshop, you will find a feast of pieces of leather, tools and haberdashery! There are various patterns you can work with, and I can help you make adjustments to suit your own ideas or the plan you brought.
Depending on your speed & chosen version, you will either take home a self-made pouch/ belt bag/accessory/project or get the materials & knowledge to finish it at home.
In addition to the bag and sample stitches, you will receive the bag pattern, and if needed leather needles for future projects.
The fee includes all materials. We work with leftover leather from the clothing and furniture industries; I provide a diverse stock for you to choose from. If you want, you can buy some leather after the course for new projects at home.
Location: Makerspace (Maakbar) at De Ceuvel
Time: 10:00 – 17:30
Exchange: €90 p.p.
Stadspas: €25,- (2 places available)
Maximum of 8 persons
Data:
Wednesday, 26 November – Holiday season special!
This Wednesday, I will provide additional gift ideas: alongside a bag or pouch, there will also be patterns/ideas for jewellery, small gifts, and moulds for animals to place on the Christmas tree with which you can get creative :-).
Learn how to make your own shoes, tailored to your foot!
Supple shoes that fit your feet like a glove AND still let you feel the earth.
There is something magical about being able to make your own shoes – to transform the beautiful leather under your hands into something you can actually walk on around town and through country… You create a garment you really connect with, from leftover leather from the clothing and furniture industry. Beautiful pieces of leather that would otherwise be thrown away.
Workshop content:
You will learn to work with a simple shoe pattern, learn how to customise this pattern on your own foot. Learn more about leather, how to transfer your pattern and then process the leather. Discover how to sew and finish leather by hand. There are two different types of shoes for different levels of experience with sewing or crafting so that everyone can go home with a pair of shoes at the end of the afternoon (or to the point where you are able to finish it at home). The patterns we are going to use has provided me with shoes I walk on constantly during spring and autumn!
Of course, there are also different types and colours of leather for you to choose from, and you’ll also get the pattern to take home with you!
‘I used to prefer walking barefoot everywhere. I love feeling the change in texture, hardness, temperature of where I walk, but in the city it became too unsafe. Since making my own shoes, I get that experience back again and don’t really want anything else…’ Anke Wijnja
Location: Werkplaats (Maakbar) at De Ceuvel
Time: 9:00 – 17:30
Exchange: €130 p.p.
Stadspas: €25,- (2 places available)
Maximum of 8 persons
Dates:
Friday 31st of October – autumn barefoot shoes
(High top shoes, two-toned or single color. But if you prefer the low model, that’s possible too!)
Op dit moment kunnen er helaas geen workshops/events plaatsvinden.
Natuurlijk zijn we wel achter de schermen alles aan het voorbereiden zodat we straks vliegend van start kunnen 😉
Wil je op de hoogte gehouden worden, mail dan naar anke@thenatureconnection.nl of laat onder aan de pagina je email achter.
The Nature Connection
The Nature Connection takes you into Nature with craftworkshops, foraging, mindfulness and coaching. Based at De Ceuvel in Amsterdam Noord.
Bezoek Ons
- Korte Papaverweg 2L
- 0621546663
- info@thenatureconnection.nl
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For the occasional inspiration and tips (because honestly, it doesn’t publish regularly). However, you will be the first to know about new workshops & Trainings 😉