MartSim73

Hi there Paul, I'm just up the road from Poole in Wimborne. About 15 mins away by car. As yet I've not started leatherwork. I need to source some basic items such as bradle, punch, needles and then some scraps of leather and thread. LOL I need to start with the basics.... then I'll get more adventurous! Martin

Thank you for your warm welcome... I'm sorry my reply has taken so long, but I had issues mith my 'grey matter' (could not remember my password)! So much to do... ah well, I'm still here. Andy thanks for your post. It's nice to know there are people interested in leather over here too... it seems quite hard to find 'local' groups or information. So yes, if you don't mind I will head over to your site a little later and maybe drop you a line, once I get started. Ferret and Joquarter, cheers for your welcome. I hope we can all soon share ideas and progress. Now I have the job of browsing through the forum, to see what I can pick up and learn. Best wishes to you all.

Good morning to all from Dorset, England... I'm a 'Newbie' to the forum and interested in starting leatherwork as a hobby. I have recently volunteered locally at the Ancient Technology Center in Dorset and am keen on helping preserve some of the 'old' crafts. I could see my practical skills as a Design & Technology Teacher & my thirst to learn new skills being useful to help people be more aware that these traditional 'skills' still continue in their local communities. I'm on a tight budget for tooling, but would be keen to learn which starter tools are best for the beginner! I would love to be able to offer leatherworking (as a hobby) at school as an extra curricular activity, during my activities week at the end of our summer term. That gives me nine months of practice... LOL!!! I'm all ears and eyes to learn from you... I've seen some outstanding examples of work on here already - Excellent! I must be in the right place. I am now your student! Martin