One- or Two-Day Leather Workshop

​Beginning, Intermediate & Advanced

Friday & Saturday, November 8 & 9, 2024 (2 Sessions)
10:30 am to 4:30 pm both days
Instructor: Tom Slavicek
Class Fees:
For one-day: $55 non-members + $35 Supply Fee
For one-day: $49.50 BRMAA members + $35 Supply Fee
For two-days: $110 non-members + $50 Supply Fee
For two-days: $99 BRMAA members + $50 Supply Fee 
                 
This is a unique opportunity to choose either a one-day or two-day workshop to make leather projects of your choice. Either way, you will learn the basic techniques of leather crafting - cutting, using hole punches and setting rivets, decorating the leather with artwork, dying leather, making fringe and leather lace, making tassels, and using specialized tools. In a one-day workshop, you will have time to make a leather shoulder bag of your choice or choose any project from the following: leather belt, passport wallet, journal, phone pouch with braided strap, drawstring pouch, clutch purse, tote bag, and more. In a two-day workshop, you will have time to make at least 2 to maybe 4 pieces, depending on the size and complexity of your choices. These include a leather shoulder bag, "marbled" shoulder bag (using leather dyes), messenger bag, tote, phone pouch, hiker's belt pouch, laptop case (bring your laptop), leather belt, backpack (may take two days), and more. If you want to make something specific, please let Tom know as soon as possible so that he can prepare for you ([email protected]). 
​All leathers, use of tools and instructions are included in the class and supply fees. There will also be a "Trading Post" available for you to purchase leather supplies, tools, and leather at a discount. No artistic ability is necessary, nor is any previous leather working experience. You do not need to bring anything except a lunch, enthusiasm, and your desire to make something beautiful! You will be asked to indicate which project you want to work on two weeks before the class so be sure to check your email. 
Register Below
Leather Workshop-November 8 & 9, 2024 Registration & Supply Fee
Call (706) 632-2144 for questions regarding this course and registration.  Payment is required to register for BRMAA courses. You may pay via PayPal above, over the phone, or visit The Art Center located at 420 West Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 to pay in person. 

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Picture
Tom Slavicek has been leather crafting since he was a Boy Scout, when he earned his Leatherwork Merit Badge on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout. During his career days as an executive director for the Boy Scouts of America, his hobby managed to stay alive and thrive in the form of creating numerous Native American leather/beadwork outfits and articles of clothing, along with his favorite item,  hand-crafted leather pouches and shoulder bags. 
After a 37-year career serving young people, Tom retired in 2011 and he and his wife, Karen, moved to Dahlonega, GA. His enjoyment of working with leather is coming to fruition through his crafting of various styles of pouches and bags, with the added feature of inscribed images on the front of the pouches. Tom uses a wood-burning tool to inscribe the images free hand directly onto the leather. The color on some bags is created by either adding dried wax to the leather and then melting it, or by using leather inks. Each pouch is a unique work of art, and no two are alike. 
Currently Tom teaches leather classes at about a dozen venues across north Georgia, including the John C. Campbell Folk School (North Carolina), Camp Mikell Folk School (Toccoa, GA), and the William Holland School of Lapidary Arts (Young Harris, GA).