Leather Workshop

Beginning, Intermediate & Advanced- CLOSED
December 12, 2022-1 Session (SUNDAY)
10:30 am-4:30 pm
Instructor: Tom Slavicek
Class Fee:   $45.00 non-members + $35.00 Supply Fee
                     $40.50 BRMAA members +$ 35.00 Supply Fee                  
Students will have time to make a leather shoulder bag of their choice or choose any TWO from the following projects: Leather belt, wallet, passport wallet, journal, phone pouch with braided strap, drawstring pouch, instrument strap, lady’s wallet, clutch purse, and more. Depending on the project students will be able to learn techniques of cutting leather and stitching styles. If desired, students can learn how to use a wood burning tool to inscribe a design directly on to the leather and then colorize it. All leathers, materials, tools, and instructions are provided, along with templates. No artistic ability is necessary, nor is any previous leather working experience. Students do not need to bring anything except lunch, enthusiasm, and desire to make something beautiful! Be sure to indicate which project you want to work on when you register.  Limited seating, please sign up early.

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED - 
If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please contact the Art Center at (706) 632-2144. ​

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

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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).