leathercrafter Report post Posted March 30, 2011 hello everbody my name is john ivy(ivycustomleather.com) i have done leatherwork for 20yrs, but have never given a class on it , i am a100% disable vet(usmc) and i am wanting to donate one or two days a week at the local v.a. hospital, putting on basic leather classes for our troops coming home. it will be part of their phy/mental therphy.something to help keep their mind busy while they are recovering. i need some ideas of what would be good starter classes. all input will be welcome. feel free to check out my gallery of work. " thanks god bless america " Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
electrathon Report post Posted March 30, 2011 I would start with a basic pattern, either a rounder or wallet side. Have them carve it at least 3 times, the repitition teaches a lot. Then lace around it when done. Start with a simple tooling pattern and progress forward from there. Try posting an add on Craigs list similar to what you posted here asking for tools, you may be surprised at the donations you recieve. There are a lot of people who will step forwards to help you when they hear you are a disabled vet willing to help others. Aaron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leathercrafter Report post Posted March 30, 2011 I would start with a basic pattern, either a rounder or wallet side. Have them carve it at least 3 times, the repitition teaches a lot. Then lace around it when done. Start with a simple tooling pattern and progress forward from there. Try posting an add on Craigs list similar to what you posted here asking for tools, you may be surprised at the donations you recieve. There are a lot of people who will step forwards to help you when they hear you are a disabled vet willing to help others. Aaron thanks Aaron, i think i will start with basic belts and checkbook covers, coasters and small things like that. i have to remember keep it simple, i have already contacted tandy leather co and they are will to donate anything i need and wickett&craig is willing to donate leather. the hardest part for me is keepinh it simple i have done this so long that i sometimes go overboard on my projects. but that is a good suggestion on gathering tools thanks for the advice john Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
particle Report post Posted March 30, 2011 Sounds like a great thing you're doing! Have them do a few mystery braids.... that'll keep their minds occupied for a while! It certainly did mine!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LilRay Report post Posted March 30, 2011 Brother I've grown up with Cerebral Palsy, and I walk on forearm crutches. Just wanna say thanks as I'm unable to serve. But I had an idea. How about unit bracelets? Get some 11/2 belt strips and let everybody carve themselves a bracelet. Just a thought. God Bless, Ray Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Samuel Report post Posted March 31, 2011 At my local V.A. hospital, our rehabilitation department has basic leather wallet making classes for people who need to learn basic fine motor skills, learning how to use their prosthetics, and for traumatic brain injury. I don't know if you're already in contact with the rehabilitation doctors and therapists, but if you are not ask them about skills they need to practice for part of their rehab. They may have some specific things for individual people to learn that you might be able to integrate into your curriculum. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dawn Report post Posted March 31, 2011 I just have to say what and awesome thing you are doing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leathercrafter Report post Posted March 31, 2011 i want to thank everbody for all their input on this and yes i have been in contact with several rehabiliton doctors and there will be some that just need this to help with their hand and eye cordenation, and some that just need to fell like they have a purpose in life. semper fi everbody Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
King's X Report post Posted March 31, 2011 Welcome to the forum! I have seen your work on Facebook and really like how you work your leather. I am past president of the local leather guild in Austin, Texas. As a member of the guild and veteran (Army), I am part of a group that our guild sends to the VA hospital near Fort Hood and put on a leather demonstration. Since our guild has been doing these demos, we have found that the most common asked for demos are any hand stitching techniques, anything lacing, geometric and basket stamping and basic tool manipulation. Every time we go, we are amazed at the artistic abilities of the service veterans that use the craft shop within the hospital. Side note: if you can the coordinator of the local VA hospital craft shop, they are more than willing and welcoming to our craft. You will be surprised. My suggestion is that you keep it small and simple. Key fobs, coasters, credit card sleeves, etc. Good luck and let me know if our guild can help you down the road. Thank you for your service!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leathercrafter Report post Posted April 1, 2011 Welcome to the forum! I have seen your work on Facebook and really like how you work your leather. I am past president of the local leather guild in Austin, Texas. As a member of the guild and veteran (Army), I am part of a group that our guild sends to the VA hospital near Fort Hood and put on a leather demonstration. Since our guild has been doing these demos, we have found that the most common asked for demos are any hand stitching techniques, anything lacing, geometric and basket stamping and basic tool manipulation. Every time we go, we are amazed at the artistic abilities of the service veterans that use the craft shop within the hospital. Side note: if you can the coordinator of the local VA hospital craft shop, they are more than willing and welcoming to our craft. You will be surprised. My suggestion is that you keep it small and simple. Key fobs, coasters, credit card sleeves, etc. Good luck and let me know if our guild can help you down the road. Thank you for your service!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leathercrafter Report post Posted April 1, 2011 thank for the kind compliment on my work i have seen some of your work and think you do some alfull nice work your self,about the v.a. that is what i am thinking some basic belts b/w, geometric, some wallets that you lace together,maybe some costers things along that line are what i am looking at doing. i just got off the phone with our tandy store and they are willing to give me anything i need for the classes, also w/c leather co is willing to donate leather, i just have to remember the basic, this is something i fell real strong about, because i know how much it has helped me over the years. i may take you up on your offer about advice once i get this thing going and thanks to you and your guild. semper fi! john Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
