Starting a beginners class

[zuludog]

I have offered (or rather I have been persuaded !) to start introduction to leatherwork sessions at a local community centre. I don't know what sort of interest there will be, but I suspect only a few people

I'd thought of starting with an outline of tools & techniques, followed by a couple of simple projects; a key ring & a card holder; spread over  several sessions, depending on how quickly people pick it up.

Any comments and advice would be appreciated

[fredk]

About 8 years ago I did a series of beginners classes. Very poorly attended,

Any way, My plan was to have and show examples of veg tan and chrome tan leather. I made up bags for each person. Each bag had the two types of leather, twice, a length of flat and round lace, a length of 1/2 mil & 1 mil thread. I also made up bags containing the parts for a simple coin purse. The bag of leather was given out at the first meeting but the coin purse kit was shown to them but not given out until needed. Showing the kit and few finished examples keep their interest

I made up tool kits for every person. For months before hand I scoured ebay and the shops. The kits cost about £15. These were given to each person but left at the venue until so many classes then they could take them home. My classes were being funded by a community type body and wanted the tool kits

One important thing, for me anyway, was my 'assistant' and the main organiser was an experienced teaching lecturer, for I am no teacher. She was able to guide me and the classes smoothly and make it fun

If I remember I'll be back

I was supposed to do a few classes with the ladies of my Knit & Natter group at Easter but I ended up in hospital instead. I was going to show them and have them make a key-ring coin purse. I have 18 kits prepared

Something like this

 And then I was to show them how I made the pen cases I gave them one Christmas. I may be able to pre-mould a case or something and do a kit

 

[jcuk]

On 5/21/2024 at 10:29 PM, zuludog said:

I have offered (or rather I have been persuaded !) to start introduction to leatherwork sessions at a local community centre. I don't know what sort of interest there will be, but I suspect only a few people

I'd thought of starting with an outline of tools & techniques, followed by a couple of simple projects; a key ring & a card holder; spread over  several sessions, depending on how quickly people pick it up.

Any comments and advice would be appreciated

I would check liability, if the worse case Scenario happens would it be you or your local community centre. We all know leather tools can at times be dangerous in the wrong or untrained hands. And no i am not from the nanny state but do know how these things work in todays world.

Hope this helps

JCUK

Edited May 23 by jcuk