Have you ever been curious about how to create your own functional leather objects? Perhaps you’re unsure of where to start. This article is for you!  My first experience with leatherwork was when I was 27 years old and walked into a local Tandy Leather store. I was so fascinated that I could not stop learning about this amazing craft.

Step 1. Choose what to make 

Do you have a wallet that you love, but it’s falling apart? My first projects were a makeup bag, an iPod case, and a wallet. I have since created numerous fun projects. There is a great deal of joy to be found in creating art that you can use. 

Option 1. Take a class

Art Students League of Denver

Take one of the classes that I teach in Denver, CO! Registration opens on August 5 for the following classes:

Making a Leather Journal Cover

Date: 09/04/2025 – 09/25/2025 | Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Thu

Price: $222 | Member Price: $188.7

Check your Local Tandy Leather Class Schedule:

• Tandy Leather, Aurora, CO 
• Tandy Leather, Westminster, CO
• Tandy Leather, Sheridan, CO

Option 2. Buy a kit

• Buckle Guy Kits
• Springfield Leather Kits 
• Tandy Leather Kits

Option 3. Buy a pattern

• Westbrook Findings Patterns – We are launching more soon!
• Buckle Guy Patterns 
• Creative Awl Patterns

Step 2. Buy materials and tools

Leatherworking Materials

• Herman Oak Leather – Purchase by the square foot. 
  • 2-3 oz for wallets
  • 4-5 oz bags
  • 6-9 oz cases
  • 9-10 oz belts
• Waxed thread
• Masking tape, painters tape, or artist tape

Leathercraft Tools

• Sharp knife (rotary cutter, x-acto knife, box cutter, or other specialized knife) 
• 1.5mm hole puncher, 3mm pricking irons, or awl 
• Ruler
• Hammer
• Needles – John James Saddler Needles
• Scissors

Dying Materials 

• Angelus Leather Dye
• Wool Dauber
• RTC Sheridan Resist and Finish

Edge Finishing 

• Sandpaper
• Tokonole Burnishing Gum
• Burnisher

Step 3. Play! 

It is time to put your tools to work and explore working with the material. You don’t need a fancy studio or a lot of expensive tools. A folding table with a cutting board is enough. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. What I love about the Leatherworking community is that everyone is so helpful and welcoming. 

Do you love it? Get Connected

Local Organizations

Columbine Leather Guild: https://www.columbineleatherguild.org/
Monthly Meetings are held at the Tandy Leather, 13900 E. Florida Ave, Aurora, CO 80012, on the 2nd Sunday of every month, 1 pm to 4 pm. Dues $35/individual $50/family per year.

Colorado Saddle Makers Association:  https://coloradosaddlemakers.org/seminars/
Quarterly seminars are held around Colorado and Utah. Upcoming local seminar:

2025 CSMA Fall Seminar – September 2025
Friday, Saturday, Sunday Date – TBD
Douglas Co. Fairgrounds, Castle Rock, CO.

Trade Shows and Classes

Amazing classes are held the week before these shows, and all of the biggest names in leatherworking and leathercraft tools are in attendance. I highly recommend attending at least one of these shows. 

Southwest Leather Workers Trade Show – February, 2026 | Prescott, Arizona

Rocky Mountain Leather Trade Show – May 2026 | Sheridan, Wyoming

Suppliers

• Local Tandy Leather Stores
• Springfield Leather
  • Best for Herman Oak Tooling Leather
• Rocky Mountain Leather Supply
  • Great tools
• Hide House
  • Best for pre-dyed hides
• Weaver Leather Supply
  • Leather tools and supplies
• Barry King Tools
  • Best tools for leather pros!
• Maker’s Leather Supply
• Montana Leather Company
• Craft N’ Tools
  • Get your Saddler Needles
• Buckle Guy
  • Hardware and patterns 
• Ralph’s Industrial Sewing, Denver, CO
  • Industrial sewing machines and resources

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