I was appalled to find out that my kid’s one required “shop” class was technology - basically a combination of using a computer, scissors, glue, and paper.  Somehow I find that rather juvenile for High School, and would much rather they had learned something useful like which end of a hammer to hold, how to cut wood or metal,  or how to change a flat tire.

Sadly, many schools have cut back or discontinued  their shop programs so it now falls upon others to show our youth how much fun it can be to make things with their own hands.

This free guide for scout and youth group leaders explains the basics of setting up a leather crafting program for groups. It covers the basics from materials to procedure, as well as hints and tips.

See: Group Leather Crafting Guide

A new article on the basic technique for using basket weave stamps for patterning leather is now available.

Illustrated, with instructions as well as hints and tips.

See: Basket Weave  Stamp Use For Leather Working

A new article on the basic technique for using leather working alphabet and numeral stamp sets is now available.

Illustrated, with instructions as well as hints and tips.

See: Letter Stamp Use For Leather Working

We are now offering leather craft workshops at our Williston Park, NY store every Wednesday evening. These are designed to let students proceed at their own pace. For full details see the link below.

See: Leather Working Classes

As many of you are aware, I have been offering a free Introduction To Candle Making course on this site since 2003. That course is immensely popular and I have decided to expand the course offerings.

In preparation for the expanded course offerings I have set up a new domain to enable upgrading the course software without interruption of the existing course. The free candle making course has been moved to it’s new home and additional courses are now under development.

The new course site is Artisan School

Here is a direct link to the Introduction To Candle Making Course in its new home.

We are planning to expand course offerings beyond candle making as well. If you are interested in designing and teaching a course at Artisan School, look over the site then use the teach a course link to apply. We will consider courses in most artisan, craft, and art subjects.