Training/Apprentiship

[JLSleather]

there was a class couple times a week at the tandy in Des Moines, IA  - dont know if they're still doing that or not, new manager (which is good, that guy was a JERK).

but I has there in teh store when one class was going on, and honestly it looked like you could save time  by just tearing up the registration fee in cash and going about your business.  VERY remedial, clearly intended to sell the members some tandy stuff, like "oh, you'll need this and this and this for the class, but you don't have to buy it, it's included in your class fee" and then "by the way, if you want to REALLY do it you'll need this and this and this, sold separately"

And honestly I only paid any attention at all because that one gal in that class was CUTE, CUTE, CUTE.  So I paid a little attention, only to find out that they might as well be playing Bingo, or could just move it over to the restaurant across the lot.  Appeared to be more of a social gathering,.. something to do to meet people... than actually anything to do with leather.

But I'm apparently the dissenting opinion on those Y-tube videos (pronounced WHY-tube)... vast majority of it is useless refuse intended to gather "followers" and advertisers for people who seem to be better at TALKING leather than actually DOING leather.  One effeminate little... uh, guy I guess... has a video that goes on FOREVER about the most basic stuff... I can't watch that.  If I'm giong to spend an hour watching a video, NOT doing leather, gimme the girls in that Greg Allman video

Don Gonzales is one exception... good information presented in a very easy style.  Mostly about TOOLING and COLORING leather. I can take most of what that guy talks about (I don't AGREE with all of it, but I think Don's opinion is worth seeing).  And his work is quite good - just no point in listening to somebody droning on if they aren't producing GOOD WORK to back up their words.

Doesn't matter where it comes from though... pick up what you can use and leave the rest - no matter.  

[zuludog]

If you can find a course with a good instructor and a small group that could be useful, but not so much if there is a larger group and a not so good instructor

But it seems that you have read books and watched a load of videos, so really you should just go and do it!

And spend the money you would have spent on course fees, travel, and possibly accommodation on leather; then practice, and get started! 

 

[Selvune]

Thank you everyone for your guidance.  I went out and bought 3 or 4 sides of inexpensive leather and started practicing based on the books I read and what I have found on youtube.  I appreciate all the advice.

I did find a few local people that I have mutual friends in common, so might ask for a brief introduction and see if they have any advice. 

Again, thanks for all the advice.