6 Reasons to Learn Leatherwork (or any new skill)

 

6 Rewards of Learning Leatherwork (or any new skill)

When you make the decision to learn a new skill, your main focus might be what you’re going make and perhaps what you can do when you finish the course or workshop but you might not have thought about the other rewards.  I’m sure there’s more but here are 6 that I can think of:

1.    Brain exercise

Our brains are lazy!  Generally they don’t like working out, thinking or problem solving.  Learning a new skill is like exercising your brain.  It expands your mind.

2.    Something to look forward to

Whenever we have something new in our lives, there’s always a level of excitement and anticipation.  When you learn a new skill you will be thinking about the possibilities, what you’re going to be able to make and what’s coming up in the next lesson.  Just as important as being in the now, having something to look forward to encourages us to move forward.

3.    New conversation piece

Next time you talk to your friends and they ask what you’ve been up to, you’ll have something new to talk about!

4.    New opportunities

Who knows where your new skill may take you.  You could discover your passion or calling in life – something you felt was missing.  Doors can open, opportunities for making money may come your way and the people you meet might change your life.

5.    A different perspective

We all see things differently but think about watching a movie for the first time, being captivated by the scenery and the story line and being taken into another world.  You’re probably not thinking of much else.  Then think about watching the making of that movie.  If you watch the movie again, you won’t see it the same way.

Learning a new skill is the same.  You’ve probably seen hundreds, maybe thousands, of leather products during your life but never thought more about them other than you like them or you don’t.  Once you understand the characteristics of leather, learn about it’s history and what you can make with it, you will have a whole new appreciation of handmade craft and a completely different perspective.

6.    It’s great for your soul

Taking a break from your usual routine, getting out of the house, giving yourself time to focus on something other than what goes on every day is refreshing and revitalising for your soul.  It charges your batteries and gives you confidence.

As I said before, I’m sure there’s more.  If you can think of some, feel free to add them.
Interested in learning a new skill now?  Take a look at The Happy Viking workshops and learn leatherwork

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!

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Well, it's almost here again!  Can you believe how quickly it comes around?  If you're like me, I'm always trying to figure out what I can give my Mum this time.

So, here are some of my favourite pieces that might help - all handcrafted by me and available to purchase through my Etsy shop ... https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/TheHappyViking?ref=si_shop

Small Pouch - Inspired by Hatteberg Brooch

Large Bag - Viking Design

Small Clutch Purse

All orders are gift wrapped but, as a special treat, I will also send you one of my greeting cards to accompany your Mother's Day present.

Armidale NEMAS Easter Gathering and Lithgow's Ironfest

WOW!  What an amazing time I've had!  Two days short of two weeks, roughly 2500 kilometres of driving, being surrounded by Vikings and other people who are passionate about what they do, catching up with old friends and making new ones.

The first part of my trip was Armidale and it was FANTASTIC!  How could it not be?  Spending almost a week in a Pine forest with 500 Vikings and leaving the modern world behind; it was like heaven - or should I say Valhalla? :)

I took my wares up to the Market Road and was delighted to sell almost all of my pouches.  Here's one happy customer who bought one of them.

NEMAS did a spectacular job of organising everything and I'd like to thank them for their efforts.  It's definitely an experience like no other.

My new Viking A frame tent was delivered to me at Armidale and it is GREAT!!  I absolutely love it.  Unfortunately I couldn't safely take the beams on my roof racks because they are too long.  So, luckily for me, a friend in Ulveflokk Vikings took it back to Maleny for me and I took my old one to Lithgow. Tomorrow someone is coming to buy my old tent and the money I get from it should be enough for me to buy a trailer to carry my new one!  Don't you just love how things work out?  I do! :)

The next part of my journey was another 6 hours' drive - Lithgow's Ironfest; a festival of Medieval, Fantasy and Steampunk.  What a feast for your eyes!  All the wonderful costumes and contraptions and friendly happy people.  I loved it!

I loved having a stall at Ironfest.  Other than selling my wares, it was great sitting at my stall watching Vikings walking alongside Sci Fi people and seeing the little UFO camera flying around, taking footage.  It was also really wonderful to meet people who have been following my Facebook page.

I'd like to especially thank Mitch Luke, Byzantine Pete and Benny Softbeard for making me feel so welcome and helping me out and, of course, the organisers of the festival itself.  What an amazing effort!  I definitely want to attend again next year.

Only THREE DAYS LEFT of the Crowdfunding Campaign! :)

This time next week I will be at Armidale!!!  YAY! In the meantime, I'm rushing around like a headless chicken, packing and unpacking baskets - shuffling things around and trying to make as much as possible fit into each one - AND trying to finish off making things. Craziness! 

I'm really looking forward to catching up with friends and making new ones. This was taken last Armidale.

There's only THREE days left of the #crowdfunding campaign so, if you want to make a pledge, you've still got time!  Funds raised from here on will be going towards purchasing materials for the market/demonstration shelter - in front of the tent. Here's the link ...
http://thehappyviking-hlif.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/a-viking-saga-shelter-and-ship-pozible.html