Learn How to Make Leather Products of Your Own

For years people kept asking me if I would teach leathercraft but my answer was always "no".  It wasn't because of not wanting to be with people.  I'm a people person!  :)  I guess I was just scared.  Fear held me back.  I used to think, "What if the students ask me a question that I don't know the answer to?"  Now I realise that no one ever knows everything about a topic - no matter how much of an expert they are.  So, if I don't know, I can just be honest and say, "I don't know but will find the answer for you!"  It's not hard is it?  Funny how we (people in general) always seem to let those fears get in the way of greater opportunities.

Not now! :)

With my 5th workshop coming up, now I'm wondering why I let that fear hold me back for so long.

The workshops have been GREAT!  Students have been really enjoying learning the history of leather, the characteristics and seeing how much work is involved in making a piece.  The most common statement from the workshops so far has been, "Wow!  I never realised it would take so long to make this."

Learning how to make leather products completely by hand; punching holes, sewing saddle stitch, tooling, burnishing edges and more, students gain knowledge, skills and confidence to create their own products as well as gaining a whole new appreciation for leathercraft.

Workshops are held either over :

• one month - one morning a week for four weeks, or
• a weekend.

Held at my home in beautiful Maleny, Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland, these workshops are limited to 3 students to allow the individual attention that each student deserves.

For more information on these workshops, please visit: http://thehappyviking.com.au/introduction-to-handcrafted-leather-workshops/

Testimonials: http://thehappyviking.com.au/courses/testimonials-student-photos/

The Longevity of Leather

Today I was talking to one of my Mum's friends.  She told me that she still had one of her mother's leather handbags at home and it must be 65 years old!

How many things that are made today would last that long?  Not only because of the cheap materials that are used but also the lack of skill in making the products.  Most things today are made quickly so that they can get a heap out in a hurry to sell and they are made badly so that they will fall apart so that you will have to replace them - another purchase.

Not my products!  I believe in craftsmanship and quality.  Handcrafted leather products are an investment.  Not only will they last but they'll also develop more character as the years go by.  I love to think that what I make can be passed down through generations.

Conscious consumerism and craftsmanship combined.  That's what I am passionate about and hope to educate people in.  Of course I'd like to sell my own products but I'd also like to teach you how to make leather products that last so that, together, we can keep this skill alive and stop the throw away society that has become so much of today's culture.

If you love the thought of purchasing or making leather products that last, then you'll find this interesting - Digging up the Past - 7 Amazing Leather Artifacts

Back to Blogging! :)

WOW!  I can't believe it's been a year since I last wrote.  How time flies when you're having fun and when you're really busy!!!

So, you might be wondering what I have been doing all this time?  The answer is  HEAPS!  Where would you like me to start?  You will be here for a week if I tell you everything, so how about I narrow it down to just three of the 'big' ones. :)

First of all, if you have been following my Facebook page, you might already know that one of the biggest changes I made over the past year was to quit the Viking group I co-founded and go out on my own, as a sole trader, within the Medieval scene.  Do you remember leaving home and going out into the big wide world?  Well, it's kind of how it felt for me.  It was a big decision and rather scary but, as I'm sure you will find when you follow your heart, it always proves to be the right move!  It turned into a busy year travelling, attending 7 festivals along the east coast of Australia, meeting so many beautiful people, opening a lot of doors for my business and just enjoying life!

If you own a website yourself, you'll notice how quickly they can look outdated and daggy. Mine was at that stage so I created a whole new one.  It was rather challenging and very time consuming but the end result was/is (if I can say so myself) - fantastic!  I just love it.  It's so much easier to get around, to be able to find things and it looks fresh; kind of like having a tidy house.  It just makes me feel good!  What do you think? - http://thehappyviking.com.au

"Keeping the old skills alive" is part of my - hmm, would you call it a 'motto'?  Anyway, my decision to start teaching leatherwork came about after being asked for years to do it.  I kept on saying no because I never thought I had the patience and worried that I wouldn't know all the answers to questions that people might ask but, you know what?  I do have the patience and no one knows all the answers!  One monthly and two weekend workshops have already taken place.  Students have had a great time making their pieces and learning leather skills in general.  The comment I heard most over the time was "Oh, I didn't expect it to take so long to make".  It's certainly given them a whole new understanding and appreciation of this craft, as well the skills and knowledge to now go out and make more.

There is a new workshop starting up next week.  If you get in quickly, you might still be able to grab a spot.

I'm also in the process of finishing an online course, for those who live too far away.  If you're interested in learning leatherwork, you can find out more information here - http://thehappyviking.com.au/introduction-to-handcrafted-leather-workshops/

or visit my YouTube channel and watch my video:

https://youtu.be/BEe7UD1lZm4

So, it's good to be back here blogging and "talking to you" again.  I hope that you've all been well and happy.  I'll make sure I keep this up now.

Talk to you soon.

Good night!