Kids Leather Classes

Welcome to our Kids Leatherworking Classes, where creativity meets craftsmanship!

Our hands-on classes are designed to introduce young minds to the art of leatherworking in a fun, safe, and engaging environment.

Whether your child is crafting their first keychain or creating a personalized leather wallet, our experienced instructor guides them every step of the way.

With a focus on skill-building, creativity, and self-expression, our classes empower kids to create unique, lasting pieces while developing problem-solving skills and confidence.

Let your child explore their imagination and discover the world of leatherworking with us!

How do kids classes work?

At least 6 kids need to be signup up to a class for it to run, with a minimum of 3 parents there to help.
The younger the kids are the more help is needed but I’m happy to take kids 6 and up.
Younger kids are welcome and for $10 I will have an extra table set up for them to stamp little scraps of leather. My 2 year old and 4 year old love to do this.
Maximum of 10 kids.
Beginner Classes start at $30 per kid. This covers all materials, 2 hours of teaching and all the preparation needed before hand. Some projects include optional extras which may have an additional cost.
Intermediate Classes are $40 per kid. This covers all materials, 2.5 hours of teaching and all the preparation needed before hand. Some projects include optional extras which may have an additional cost.
Advance Classes are individually priced depending on the the project materials and teaching time.
Private Classes with 1 on 1 tutoring is $60 an hour plus materials, 2 kids is $80 plus materials (minimum of 2 hours). Kids can pick almost any project they want after running it by me. One parent or guardian must be there for the private tutoring unless arranged beforehand.
It is held at my home studio in Merimbula in the Bega Valley. Its outside and under cover and we are surrounded by bush while being in the heart of Merimbula.
The address is sent out once the class is booked.
I can travel and hold classes in different venues but the added cost will be passed on in the class fee. Any place that has a sturdy table and some chairs will work.
Once you have a group together, email me at Hi@thelocalcraftsman.com.au or call me on 0468550020 we can organise a date, the project the kids want to make and I can answer any questions you may have.
I will also organise the occasional class that anyone can book into. This will however be more expensive due to booking fees and a lower minimum class size.
No one knows your kid better than you so if you don’t trust them with knives or hammers then this may not be for them.
That being said I run through the safe handling of the stanley knives, the needles hammers and every tool we use.
I also hold a WWCC and encourage parents and guardians to stay the whole time and be part of the learning process.

Beginner Classes

The beginner classes are designed for those who have no experience at all and are a great way to introduce kids to the world of leatherworking. These are simple but practical items that will lay the foundation for them to build their skillset so they can tackle larger and tricker projects later on. I always try and provide a range of leather colours and allow kids to put their own spin on things to personalise them. More projects can and will be added to this list, so if you have any ideas please let me know.

I allow up to 3 hours for each class (it rarely takes that long though).

Kids must take a beginner class that involves stitching before taking an intermediate or advanced class.

Half Moon Pouch $30

A cute little pouch that involves all the basic leatherworking skills. From Punching the holes in the leather to learning the traditional hand stitching method. I usually would cut the shape out before the class.

Add $5 for a strap to make it a bag.

Wrap Wallet $30

Another simple wallet that focuses on hand stitching. Kids can choose to use the cord or use buttons to close the wallet.

Simple Pocket knife Sheath $30

A great introduction to making belt pouches and knife sheaths. This style only works for pocket knives, Leatherman’s, and folding knives.

Bracelet Workshop $30

Kids learn to make up to 3 different types of bracelets. A mystery braid bracelet, a Riveted bracelet and a stamped bracelet depending on time.

Leather Stamping Workshop $30

The stamping workshop is the perfect introduction to creating cool patterns in leather. Kids will get to try stamping different leathers, using different tools and techniques. They will get to make at least one keyring and or bookmark, plus take home all the other bits of leather they stamped

Intermediate Classes

Medieval Belt Pouch $40

A fun little belt pouch inspired by olden times. It works as a drawstring pouch using soft leather for the sides and harder leather for the main loop.

Wrap Pencil Case $40

This a great intro into making bags and putting sides/gussets onto leather objects.

A6 Leather Journal $40

In this class kids use their stitching skills to learn to bind books/journals.

An A5 Journal would be $50

Leather Belt or Dog Collar $45

Kids will learn how belt blanks are cut before embarking on making their own unique belt or dog collar.

Advanced Classes

Leather Wallet $100

A deep dive into wallet making and the different types available in this class kids will make a standard billfold wallet out of kangaroo leather. Aimed at older and more experienced kids. Different styles of wallets can be done too e.g long wallet

Approx time 7 Hours

Max class size 5

Toiletry Bag $120

This is a larger project that teaches how to incorporate zippers into leatherwork. Aimed at older kids and more experienced this is a bag that will last them a lifetime.

Approx time 5 Hours

Max class size 5

Tool Roll $140

In this class kids learn the different way to make tool rolls depending on the tool. They have a choice of two styles which are 25cm high by 600 long. Larger ones can be made but may cost more.

Approx time 5 Hours

Max class size 5