Avon Hills Annual Artists and Makers Camp will take place on September 25 - 27, 2026!
This skill sharing event is a great experience for those wanting to learn new crafts and techniques. Every student will leave with their own handmade creations. Learn from our fantastic instructors who are all skilled artisans and craftspeople. You will walk away with an experience you will not soon forget!
Learn more about Avon Hills Artist and Makers Camp 2026 here: https://avonhillsfolkschool.org/artists-and-makers-camp
Hand-Sewing Leather with Merchant Leather (AM and PM option)
Leatherworking is one of the world's oldest crafts and one of the most satisfying to learn. In this four-hour session, Dan from Merchant Leather will guide you through the timeless basics of hand-sewing leather using the traditional saddle stitch, a two-needle technique that has been used by craftspeople for centuries.
You'll work at your own pace and leave with finished pieces you made with your own hands - and the know-how to keep going at home.
Every project begins with a pre-cut pattern. From there, you'll mark, punch, and stitch your work by hand with guidance at every step. Along the way you'll make real creative choices - picking your leather color, selecting your thread, deciding what to make next. All tools are provided.
Choose from dozens of project options across a wide range of styles. Students typically complete two to three finished goods in a session. Current offerings include:
Multiple styles of wallets, sunglass cases, keychains and luggage tags, pencil cases, clutches and wristlets, passport covers, and field note covers. New for Fall 2026: a leather notebook cover, tool or paint brush roll, simple travel cribbage board.
Leather rewards the maker. It's durable, develops character with age and whatever you choose, you'll leave with something made by hand and built to last.
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Register for a Merchant Leather class here:
AM: https://avonhillsfolkschool.org/artists-makers-shop/p/hand-sewing-leather-with-merchant-leather-8am-to-12pm-aamc-2026
PM: https://avonhillsfolkschool.org/artists-makers-shop/p/hand-sewing-leather-with-merchant-leather-1pm-to-5pm-aamc-2026
