Leather Workshops — 1:1 Tuition
HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO LEARN THE ART OF TRADITIONAL LEATHERCRAFT?
Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to deepen your skills, I offer one-on-one workshops tailored entirely to your goals and interests.
Held in my workshop in West Devon, these sessions allow you to learn at your own pace with full hands-on guidance. For complete beginners, a typical day starts with mastering the basics—learning about leather types, essential tools, pattern making, and hand-stitching techniques like saddle stitching. After lunch, you’ll begin crafting a project such as a belt, journal cover, or another item of your choice. By the end of the day, you’ll leave with a finished piece and the confidence to create more at home.
If you already have some experience, we can focus on advanced techniques or work on projects that push your skills further—whether it’s bag making, saddlery, pattern design, or crafting custom bridles.
How does it work?
You can book a single focused day or multiple sessions, each completely customised to suit your needs. My goal is to help you develop the skills you’re most passionate about while creating something truly unique with your own hands.
I’d love to hear about your leathercraft goals and tailor a 1:1 course just for you, or if you would like more information please get in touch to discuss your specific needs, preferred projects, and to explore available dates.
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Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided throughout the day, students will need to provide their own lunch (there is a small fridge in the studio, but no cooker). Please make sure you bring lunch with you as the closest town is a ten-minute drive. The closest town is Okehampton.
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Being so close to Dartmoor there is a wealth of accommodation available, please get in touch if you need local knowledge on where to stay.
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The leather used on all courses will be oak bark tanned, from the last remaining oak bark tannery in the UK, based here in Devon. This leather is from Devonshire beef cattle and is some of the finest leather used in leatherwork. I will talk you through the fibers of leather and how leather is tanned. There will also be a talk about the history of leather, and how leather plays a part in the circular systems within farming and soil.
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NEW FOR SUMMER 2025
Apprentice to Artisan: Leatherworking 101 - the online course
I’m excited to invite you to join this course I’ve created to share the time-honoured craft of leatherwork with beginners. Together, we’ll explore the traditional skills of hand-stitching, tooling, dyeing, and finishing—just as leather artisans have done for generations.
Along the way, you’ll also learn how to select the finest hides and gain an understanding of tanning techniques, including a glimpse into Britain’s rich tanning heritage—a craft that has shaped leatherwork for centuries through natural, patient processes. Over 10 carefully paced lessons, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to turn simple hides into beautiful, handcrafted pieces. Whether you’re aiming to make your first wallet, belt, or accessory, I’ll be there to guide you every step of the way, all from the comfort of your home.
This summer, take your first step on the path from apprentice to artisan.
If you’d like to be the first to know when enrollment opens, please sign up below for updates and early access.
NEW FOR SUMMER 2025
Digital Pattern Downloads
I’ll also be offering digital PDF pattern downloads for shoulder bags, trugs, and small accessories. These patterns will be available for instant download, and some will include detailed build-along videos to guide you step-by-step through the process.
Sign up now to be the first to be notified when these pattern downloads become available!
About your tutor, Katy
I embarked on my leatherwork journey 12 years ago with a two-day leather working course. Having always been passionate about leather, I dreamed of becoming a saddler from a young age. I was self-taught, delving into books and videos to hone my skills. I then trained with a Master Saddler to further develop my craft and advance into a career in leatherwork.
With 12 years of experience as a professional leatherworker and prop maker, I founded Warriner Leather in 2018. I am a qualified Bridle Maker, Saddle Maker, and Harness Maker with the Society of Master Saddlers, specialising primarily in harness making. I also work closely with clients to create bespoke pieces, including luggage cases, knife sheaths, belts, and bags—limited only by imagination.
My craftsmanship has been recognised by both national and international saddlery and craft societies, earning awards for my work in saddlery, harness making, and leathercraft. My ultimate aspiration is to achieve the status of Master Harness Maker, a true testament to mastering my craft.
Teaching has always been a passion of mine, and through these courses, I am thrilled to share my skills and love for the beautiful art of leatherwork with others.