blog 5th december
christmas giveaway
win a mini herd of tiny reindeer!
like the post on insta and recommend to a friend and you will be entered into a draw to win these delightful festive decorations.
merry christmas from us to you x
blog 2nd december
brooklyn studios is all a buzz as we get ready for hebden's annual seasonal open studios event! this weekend sees us throw open our studio doors for all to experience our artistic and crafting world. we have herds of tiny leather reindeer for sale at this event.
lynda thomas's impressive exhibition of lino printing at nanholme mill,todmorden, OL14 6DA is on this weekend, not last weekend as we mistakenly blogged.
we're pleased that the diary is filling up with workshops at our studio, kith homestead, the craft house at bingley and the whitaker at rawtenstall.
there have been some wonderful reviews recently on craftcourses.com from people who have booked our courses via the site. it's a brilliant platform for all things creative and their vouchers make marvellous christmas presents.
#leather , #leathercraft , #ukhandmade , #handmadeleather , #leathergift , #artisanwork , #makedoandmend , #communityworkshop , #leathercandleholder , #openstudios
email: cathy@ce-leathergoods.com
mobile: 07720 715 418
twitter: @cathybags
fb: @catherine edwards leather
website: ce-leathergoods.com
insta: catherineedwardsleather
blog 25th november
the festive season is upon us here in hebden bridge.
the town tree is a whopper this year! there are beautiful christmassy ice sculptures to behold at the town hall too. they have been created by local talent, sand in your eye (https://www.sandinyoureye.co.uk/)
come and have a look and combine your visit with open studios next weekend 3rd/4th december. a perfect opportunity to buy christmas gifts from hebden's fantastic makers. there are locations all over hebden bridge. our lovely little leather reindeer will be available to buy at the workshop.
another interesting event very worthy of your attention is lynda thomas's print exhibition at nanholme mill, todmorden, OL14 6DA. lynda makes lino prints featuring local architecture. there will be prints, post cards, handmade books and cards available to buy. refreshments are available at the cafe plus work by other local artists.
on a sad note, we lost lovely old workshop dog jess this week. our dear friend has left a big hole.
#leather , #leathercraft , #ukhandmade , #handmadeleather , #leathergift , #artisanwork , #makedoandmend , #communityworkshop , #eveningclass , #christmaswreath , #wreathmaking , #leathercandleholder
email: cathy@ce-leathergoods.com
mobile: 07720 715 418
twitter: @cathybags
fb: @catherine edwards leather
website: ce-leathergoods.com
insta: catherineedwardsleather
blog 18th november
we're starting to feel quite festive with the first christmas wreath and candle holder workshop coming up this weekend. it's always a pleasure to work at the lovely venue of the whitaker museum and art gallery, www.thewhitaker.org. much gathering and preparation means we're fully loaded with wreath making materials; beautiful ribbons, dried grasses, foliage and berries.
tonight's excitement is also on a festive theme, 20 minute pop-up workshops are on offer at the millenium gallery in sheffield. come along and make a tiny leather reindeer to hang on your christmas tree. we're also offering this on saturday 3rd december at open studios in our workshop...a satisfying creative burst!
coming up on 26th november is another opportunity to make a christmas wreath and candle holder, this time at the kith homestead education centre just outside leeds. kith is an outdoors-focused place of community and learning, running events for all ages. our outdoor workshop offers you the chance to make your own unique natural leather and reclaimed wood candle holder and willow wreath. booking is through kith at www.kithhomestead.com
#leather , #leathercraft , #ukhandmade , #handmadeleather , #leathergift , #artisanwork , #makedoandmend , #communityworkshop , #eveningclass , #christmaswreath , #wreathmaking , #leathercandleholder
email: cathy@ce-leathergoods.com
mobile: 07720 715 418
twitter: @cathybags
fb: @catherine edwards leather
website: ce-leathergoods.com
insta: catherineedwardsleather
blog 11th november
feeling reflective today, honouring those who have served and those who have lost loved ones. by weird coincidence, we're unpacking these sam brown studs, which are component parts of a belt named after Sir Samuel James Brown VC. It was standard army issue uniform between WW1 and WW2.
The studs are the front fasteners on the back packs currently under construction in an evening class.
tomorrow is the repair cafe at Heptonstall primary school from 10 til 1. anything and everything can be fixed! www.facebook.com/HeptonstallRepairCafe/
on friday, we're participating in an exciting venture called craft jam at sheffield's millenium gallery. it features craft demonstrations, hands-on activities, mini workshops, a pay bar and cake! little reindeer will be our project.
#leather , #leathercraft , #ukhandmade , #handmadeleather , #leathergift , #artisanwork , #repaircafe , #childrensworkshop , #makedoandmend , #communityworkshop , #eveningclass , #leatherbackpack , #northlightstudio
email: cathy@ce-leathergoods.com
mobile: 07720 715 418
twitter: @cathybags
fb: @catherine edwards leather
website: ce-leathergoods.com
insta: catherineedwardsleather
blog 4th november
with the change of the clocks, the turning of the year becomes more apparent. samhain brought wild gales and swirling leaves and the first real frost.
repairs have come in and are on their way out. the briefcase in last week's blog was handed back to it's very happy owner in a much rejuvenated form.
2 students completed HUGE projects this week. mel's briefcase satchel was created for her daughter. it's destination is mexico via london. theresa's traveller's bag, made for a special someone, is featured in the picture. made from full grain missouri hide in coal black.
there are three 1 to 1 classes this week. they make wonderful christmas gifts for creative loved ones. gift vouchers are available and are beautifully presented.
on 3rd december, there is a christmas candle decoration workshop taking place at the creative hub that is the leeds craft centre and design gallery. think tiny reindeer, jingle bells, textured ribbon and miniature christmas trees. places are available through us or www.craftcentreleeds.co.uk, www.leedsinspired.co.uk, www.eventbrite.co.uk, www.visitleeds.co.uk
email: cathy@ce-leathergoods.com
mobile: 07720 715 418
twitter: @cathybags
fb: @catherine edwards leather
website: ce-leathergoods.com
insta: catherineedwardsleather
#leather , #leathercraft , #ukhandmade , #handmadeleather , #leathergift , #creativewithnature , #leatherbowls , #leatherbackpack , #leathertoolroll , #totebag , #yorkshirecraft, #dayclass, #craftworkshop, #ukhandmade, #ukleather , #eveningclass , #weeklyclass , #visitleeds
blog 31st october
in true halloween style, we've been frightening ourselves stupid with the latest danny robins podcast #thewitchfarm. there's a live listen along this evening on twitter at 9pm for anyone brave enough!
there's been lots of pumpkin action here in hebden bridge featuring a trail and pumpkin sculptures by @sandinyoureye.
a really enjoyable weekend was spent making satchels at the craft house in bingley last weekend. have a look at catherineedwardsworkshop account on insta for pics.
we had a mother and son dog collar and belt making workshop on tuesday, pics on the above insta account.
our favourite project of the week has to be these handsome slippers. a collaborative effort between joes toes slipper kits (www.joestoes.co.uk) and ourselves which is under development as a future workshop...
the backpack evening class begins tonight. late starters always welcome.
email: cathy@ce-leathergoods.com
mobile: 07720 715 418
twitter: @cathybags
fb: @catherine edwards leather
website: ce-leathergoods.com
insta: catherineedwardsleather
#leather , #leathercraft , #ukhandmade , #handmadeleather , #leathergift , #creativewithnature , #leatherbowls , #leatherbackpack , #leathertoolroll , #totebag , #yorkshirecraft, #dayclass, #craftworkshop, #ukhandmade, #ukleather , #eveningclass , #weeklyclass
blog 21st october
ah the power of social media! we received an order for a tote bag identical to the one featured in last week's insta post. the customer had seen it and thought it would be perfect for their mother.
it's been a busy week for orders, teaching and course enquiries. a last minute enquiry on tuseday led to a full day workshop learning new leather techniques and belt-making.
places are filling up on the leather back pack making evening course. please message soon if you would like to join us. featured above is an example of what you could make.
the final week of the young northlights group saw a wonderful selection of journal covers being produced. it's been a really successful six weeks, in terms of the beautiful outcomes and our creative journey. so many lovely ideas to make and do!
email: cathy@ce-leathergoods.com
mobile: 07720 715 418
twitter: @cathybags
fb: @catherine edwards leather
website: ce-leathergoods.com
insta: catherineedwardsleather
#leather , #leathercraft , #ukhandmade , #handmadeleather , #leathergift , #creativewithnature , #leatherbowls , #leatherbackpack , #leathertoolroll , #totebag , #yorkshirecraft, #dayclass, #craftworkshop, #ukhandmade, #ukleather , #eveningclass , #weeklyclass
blog 14th october
we've been super busy with prep work this week for workshops of different kinds and sizes including leather bowl making. we're trying to get ahead of ourselves for the festive season.
wall pods were this week's project at the young northlighters group. each young person created three of the little beauties!
a private belt making workshop produced some beautiful chunky leather men's belts. enquiries for one to one classes are always welcome. this type of class often encompasses a chance to be particularly creative and imaginative. it makes an extra special gift which we are all thinking about in the run up to Christmas.
today's image is of the finished tote bag with the romantic backstory. it's in sedgewick's bridle leather in australian nut which is a truly autumnal shade, perfect for the season. we hope the customer loves it as much as we do.
email: cathy@ce-leathergoods.com
mobile: 07720 715 418
twitter: @cathybags
fb: @catherine edwards leather
website: ce-leathergoods.com
insta: catherineedwardsleather
#leather , #leathercraft , #ukhandmade , #handmadeleather , #leathergift , #creativewithnature , #leatherbowls , #leatherbackpack , #leathertoolroll , #totebag , #yorkshirecraft, #dayclass, #craftworkshop, #ukhandmade, #ukleather , #eveningclass , #weeklyclass
blog 7th october
much fun has been had this week!
we made phone holders at the young northlighters group on tuesday after school. some amazing combinations of colour and texture were created...it's fantastic to see young creative minds at work. we spent a lot of time hammering things! there's a varied program through the year including ceramics, painting, willow sculpture, textiles and print. if your 11-16 year old would like to join, get in touch. either dm us or @northlights_studio on insta.
we had a brilliant outing to kith homestead located near harlow carr RHS garden, where learning is taken into an outdoor environment. kith's ethos is to combine being in nature with learning creatively. they provide workshops for all ages leading you through a variety of craft skills. we have programmed in a candle holder and wreath making workshop in the woods. a fire will be lit, hot drinks and cake will be served as yuletide creations are made. it's on saturday 26th november, again dm us for more details or @kithhomestead on insta
upcoming workshops include a mother and son 1 to 1 belt making workshop here on wednesday 12th october. in sheffield we have a rolling session of pop-up workshops throughout the day at kelham island, the industrial museum, on saturday 15th october more details on www.simt.co.uk
towards the end of the month, we have another day of pop-up workshops at the yorkshire craft house in bingley. we will be making leather phone holders, perfect for when you don't have big pockets or want to go bag-free! places available through @yorkshirecrafthouse or us. it's on friday 28th october and they're 2 and a half hours long.
email: cathy@ce-leathergoods.com
mobile: 07720 715 418
twitter: @cathybags
fb: @catherine edwards leather
website: ce-leathergoods.com
insta: catherineedwardsleather
#leather , #leathercraft , #ukhandmade , #handmadeleather , #leathergift , #creativewithnature , #leatherbowls , #leatherbackpack , #leathertoolroll , #totebag , #yorkshirecraft, #dayclass, #craftworkshop, #ukhandmade, #ukleather , #eveningclass , #weeklyclass
blog 30th september
this week we made candleholders at the young northlights group, using inks to paint onto the leather and stamps to add decorative touches. there are 2 places available...please message us
we're in the process of satisfying an international enquiry this week for a chap who wants a duplicate of a much loved bag for his partner. how romantic! it's a beautiful classic tote bag in australian nut brown leather. he's coming across continents to pick it up.
in planning, are 2 new venues for courses. kith homestead in leeds (www.kithhomestead.com) and the globe in slaithwaite (www.globearts.org.uk). watch this space for forthcoming dates
booking for the back pack making evening class is now live on craftcourses.com...only 3 places are left!
email: cathy@ce-leathergoods.com
mobile: 07720 715 418
twitter: @cathybags
fb: @catherine edwards leather
website: ce-leathergoods.com
insta: catherineedwardsleather
#leather , #leathercraft , #ukhandmade , #handmadeleather , #leathergift , #creativewithnature , #leatherbowls , #leatherbackpack , #leathertoolroll , #totebag , #yorkshirecraft, #dayclass, #craftworkshop, #ukhandmade, #ukleather , #eveningclass , #weeklyclass
blog 23rd september
!!evening class!!
our exclusive Back Pack making evening class begins on monday 31st october for 6 weeks.
make your own personalised Back Pack using beautiful British leather in a natural colour and finish. with solid brass or chrome fittings, the Back Pack is large enough for laptops, tablets and all your daily must haves.
small, friendly and supervised individually by Catherine, this workshop is a great way to introduce yourself to working with leather as it covers a range of techniques and skills, with tools and materials provided.
brilliant as a gift for the creative in your life or as a productive and stimulating class for yourself.
this week's young northlights club produced stunning leather plant potholders on tuesday. places are still available, please contact northlightstudio.co.uk or us
looking forward to the handmade parade on sunday!
email: cathy@ce-leathergoods.com
mobile: 07720 715 418
twitter: @cathybags
fb: @catherine edwards leather
website: ce-leathergoods.com
insta: catherineedwardsleather
#leather , #leathercraft , #ukhandmade , #handmadeleather , #leathergift , #creativewithnature , #leatherbowls , #leatherbackpack , #leathertoolroll , #totebag , #yorkshirecraft, #dayclass, #craftworkshop, #ukhandmade, #ukleather , #eveningclass , #weeklyclass
blog september 16th
a brilliant time was had all round at tuesday's young northlights club. the budding creatives produced a gorgeous selection of leather bowls. northlightstudio.co.ok
as seen in a previous blog, this is the messenger bag in missouri full grain hide in burnt brown. completed and now received by the very happy customer.
the tool roll workshop at creative with nature in todmorden went smoothly. everyone enjoyed the new cafe facilities, especially the yummy cakes. creativewithnature.co.uk
upcoming workshops include a tote bag workshop at king street studios on 30th october (re-arranged from 6th october). limited places so do get in touch if you'd like one. kingstreetstudios.art
also on 25th september, there is a dog collar and lead workshop at bingley at the craft house. yorkshirecrafthouse.com
#leather , #leathercraft , #ukhandmade , #handmadeleather , #leathergift , #creativewithnature , #leatherbowls , #messengerbag , #leathertoolroll , #totebag , #yorkshirecraft, #dayclass, #craftworkshop, #ukhandmade, #ukleather
email: cathy@ce-leathergoods.com
mobile: 07720 715 418
twitter: @cathybags
fb: @catherine edwards leather
website: ce-leathergoods.com
insta: catherineedwardsleather
blog september 16th
a brilliant time was had all round at tuesday's young northlights club. the budding creatives produced a gorgeous selection of leather bowls. northlightstudio.co.ok
as seen in a previous blog, this is the messenger bag in missouri full grain hide in burnt brown. completed and now received by the very happy customer.
the tool roll workshop at creative with nature in todmorden went smoothly. everyone enjoyed the new cafe facilities, especially the yummy cakes. creativewithnature.co.uk
upcoming workshops include a tote bag workshop at king street studios on 30th october (re-arranged from 6th october). limited places so do get in touch if you'd like one. kingstreetstudios.art
also on 25th september, there is a dog collar and lead workshop at bingley at the craft house. yorkshirecrafthouse.com
#leather , #leathercraft , #ukhandmade , #handmadeleather , #leathergift , #creativewithnature , #leatherbowls , #messengerbag , #leathertoolroll , #totebag , #yorkshirecraft, #dayclass, #craftworkshop, #ukhandmade, #ukleather
email: cathy@ce-leathergoods.com
mobile: 07720 715 418
twitter: @cathybags
fb: @catherine edwards leather
website: ce-leathergoods.com
insta: catherineedwardsleather
blog 9th september
despite the sad times we are living through, we are quietly and determinedly working on.
do you have a budding creative youngster?
in collaboration with northlight studios, we are running children's creative workshops on tuesdays 4pm to 5.30pm from 13th september. £10 per session. all the sessions are run by professional artists or craftspeople practising in the valley. we'll be using leather or pleather to create a different item each week.
please contact emma griffiths info@northlightstudios.co.uk or dm us.
back by popular demand...saga rucksack making evening classes starting monday october 31st. more details to follow but do contact us if you're keen as places are limited.
another reminder that this weekend is the first repair cafe after the summer break at heptonstall. gather up any leather items that need some professional tlc and bring them to us! https://www.facebook.com/HeptonstallRepairCafe/
we will be teaching a community workshop at garthorpe village hall near goole on sunday 17th september. there are a variety of options including purse and key fob, wallet and key chain, tool roll and belt. places are bookable through bridget.elliott@hotmail.co.uk.
#leather , #leathercraft , #ukhandmade , #handmadeleather , #leathergift , #artisanwork , #repaircafe , #childrensworkshop , #makedoandmend , #communityworkshop , #eveningclass , #leatherbackpack , #northlightstudio
blog 2nd september
after an amazing summer of sunshine and smiles, it feels like we're gearing up for seasonal change and setting our house in order.
a dog collar and lead making workshop is scheduled at king street studios, https://www.kingstreetstudios.art/, in lancaster for this sunday 4th. the places are all full but there will be courses at this venue on the first sunday of each month. coming up is a leather tote bag and then a tool roll in november.
the joyous return of the https://www.facebook.com/HeptonstallRepairCafe/ at heptonstall school will happen on saturday 10th september.
at creative with nature, https://www.creativewithnature.co.uk/, there is a tool roll making course on sunday 11th september...it's always good to be in such a lovely venue which has been enhanced with a new cafe. places are filled for this one but there are some left for 12th and 13th november.
dates are starting to go in the diary for next year...courses make a fabulous gift for christmas!
blog
thursday 5th august
festival season
lots of people are enjoying music and culture in the open air at the moment. blue dot festival was awesome!
the studio is still busy though and workshops are continuing. last week at the craft house, bingley was our tote bag making session.
we've also rejuvenated our online shop at etsy.com/uk/shop/CELeathergoodsShop and we're re-investigating folksy.com as another platform.
blog
thursday 14th july
as good as new
last week's repair cafe at heptonstall was delightful: people brought all sorts of items for our attention. cathy and harriett repaired the webbing of one of a pair of antique airbnb breakfast window chairs; a delicate watch strap's snapped buckle was fixed (featured); one customer brought a handbag in, and cathy just happened to have a matching colour of leather to repair its strap; a pair of snow boots were repaired - their loops now fixed and ready for wintry action. repair commissions often come from the cafe, and this week brought a church organist's leather music case into the workshop - previously bust at the seams - now sewn and oiled to as good as new. cathy used her new fave product - the pleasingly-fragranced otter wax from tinker and fix.
blog
friday 8th july 2022
art installations....(?)
last weekend brought a lot of visitors through the open-studios doors of brooklyn's workshops and art spaces. some came just for the rare opportunity to be invited into the cool, comforting interior of cathy's girl cave, admiring her lifetime's collection of tools of every description. some, being in art-mode, even wondered if the beauty of her neat and orderly display was an art installation in itself! others came bargain hunting for lynda thomas' cards, prints and framed art, or for cathy's leatherwork. the displays and descriptions of cathy's course options proved so popular that every single printed flyer was taken by those considering booking a beginner course later in the year. a local amateur photographer spent some time observing cathy making at her workbench. we'll look forward to sharing the shot he captured. there have been commissions following on - a couple of belts, and one request to recreate in leather a well-loved messenger bag.
brooklyn monday classes ticked along nicely: the large laptop case is completed, and some fettling continues on the slippers; one student, newly moved up from london, joined class to shorten a lovely red belt she had recently bought online. another saltaire student made a brick-red tool roll for his woodworking chisels (featured).
cathy has also completed a repair to a binoculars case.
heptonstall repair cafe is this saturday between 10 am and 1pm.
shout out for chris sands' newly published totally locally book, 'the economics of being nice' - a manefesto for those committed to making their small town a little better.
blog
friday 1st july 2022
Open-Studios Time
hebden bridge open studios summer event, from friday 1st July - sunday 3rd, is well underway, with interested visitors already drifting into brooklyn studios workshops.
hebden bridge, famous for its art scene, is a vibrant upper calder valley town. the public are invited into the workshops of over 80 of its artists and makers who have taken time to curate their personal exhibitions. this year's open studios offers a behind-the-scenes peek at spaces not usually open to the public. there are originals to buy, works in progress to admire, and chances to commission something unique. come hunt the bargains to be found!
catherine edwards (brochure listing 10) and lynda thomas (brochure listing 15) are sharing the space of cathy's workshop, within the broader brooklyn studios group - (venue 10).
cathy is displaying her handmade, luxury leather goods, and showing workshop and course options available to the public.
lynda, artist and print maker, is displaying her lino cuts inspired by local views, and places visited both near and far. there are postcards and hand-made greetings cards also to buy.
browse all the individual artists online, and check out the group studios and listed categories.
friday 1st july 2022
Open-Studios Time
hebden bridge open studios summer event, from friday 1st July - sunday 3rd, is well underway, with interested visitors already drifting into brooklyn studios workshops.
hebden bridge, famous for its art scene, is a vibrant upper calder valley town. the public are invited into the workshops of over 80 of its artists and makers who have taken time to curate their personal exhibitions. this year's open studios offers a behind-the-scenes peek at spaces not usually open to the public. there are originals to buy, works in progress to admire, and chances to commission something unique. come hunt the bargains to be found!
catherine edwards (brochure listing 10) and lynda thomas (brochure listing 15) are sharing the space of cathy's workshop, within the broader brooklyn studios group - (venue 10).
cathy is displaying her handmade, luxury leather goods, and showing workshop and course options available to the public.
lynda, artist and print maker, is displaying her lino cuts inspired by local views, and places visited both near and far. there are postcards and hand-made greetings cards also to buy.
browse all the individual artists online, and check out the group studios and listed categories.
blog
friday 24th june 2022
here, there and everywhere
our students' items are travelling far and wide this week: the slippers have been completed, found to fit perfectly, and have hot-footed it out the door to their fireside in luddendenfoot; after three intense extra days' workshop time, the holiday bag is heading off to a family member in new zealand; the knobbly-bobbly black bag, also for a family member, is being taken to mexico.
cathy has spent the week completing her contribution to the hebden bridge open studios. look out for it next weekend hidden somewhere in one of the town's artisans' shop windows...location number 37. at brooklyn studios that weekend, cathy will be displaying the products and course descriptions for the items you can make on her courses. come along to check those out, and the work of our other studio artists. while here, personalise your own key fob with your initials.
a couple, celebrating a birthday with a day's outing to hebden, had a joyous and jolly session making tool rolls together.
upcoming workshops include an already fully booked session in a month's time at the craft house, bingley.
the next heptonstall repair cafe is on saturday 9th july.
friday 24th june 2022
here, there and everywhere
our students' items are travelling far and wide this week: the slippers have been completed, found to fit perfectly, and have hot-footed it out the door to their fireside in luddendenfoot; after three intense extra days' workshop time, the holiday bag is heading off to a family member in new zealand; the knobbly-bobbly black bag, also for a family member, is being taken to mexico.
cathy has spent the week completing her contribution to the hebden bridge open studios. look out for it next weekend hidden somewhere in one of the town's artisans' shop windows...location number 37. at brooklyn studios that weekend, cathy will be displaying the products and course descriptions for the items you can make on her courses. come along to check those out, and the work of our other studio artists. while here, personalise your own key fob with your initials.
a couple, celebrating a birthday with a day's outing to hebden, had a joyous and jolly session making tool rolls together.
upcoming workshops include an already fully booked session in a month's time at the craft house, bingley.
the next heptonstall repair cafe is on saturday 9th july.
blog
friday 17th june 2022
backpack hack, backpack back
it's been a pleasantly quiet week in the workshop with the regular students attending to their individual projects: one student continues to make items in green leather for her son - document case, book wallet, and now at his latest request, a journal cover for his professorial papers; an extra class was scheduled for the slippers, which are all sewn together now, apart from the heels.
visitors to heptonstall repair cafe brought handbags for new handles, walking boots for back loops, and a last-minute, sequined, almost-damaged-beyond-repair school backpack that needed a clever over-stitching hack to get it back in action. the previously repaired backpack was also returned to its owner.
we've had a mulberry bag in the workshop for restoration (featured). the replacement panels and strap have been treated with gorgeous otter wax, kindly provided by last week's student's online business, tinker and fix.
blog
friday 10th june 2022
for the common good
one student, from the midlands, who has his own online store, tinker and fix - tools and equipment for makers, menders and growers - is with us in the studio at the moment making a leather tool roll, whilst also broadening his own skills. earlier in the week, two friends made aprons, a couple made dog collars, and one student cleverly made a very attractive tourderms traveller's bag... in a single day!
brooklyn monday and thursday classes this week included a red bag, a version of a max mara belt; the second slipper is now almost finished; our most imaginative of students (he of leather motorcycle cover, sofa seat cushion and large laptop bag) has started his latest project - restoring a ceremonial masonic regalia case, inherited from a second world war veteran decorated with the Victoria Cross.
at heptonstall repair cafe this coming weekend, the restored rucksack and thonged purse will be returned. cathy is also talking with todmorden makery about volunteering for their repair cafe, as being involved in this national movement is proving a most enjoyable and worthwhile investment.
the next hebden bridge open studios is 1st - 3rd july. pictured here are cathy's key fobs for brooklyn studios' visitors to personalise with their initials. pick up your guide from brooklyn studios, the town hall and shops of hebden to the 80+ local artists and makers exhibiting their creative work. the week before that weekend, look out for cathy's images in the windows of over 40 hebden cafes and bars, art galleries and independent shops, taking part in an art trail - for grown ups who like a challenge.
blog
friday 27th may 2022
new to you
1:1s and classes have been well attended throughout this week and weekend:
one student completed a beautiful, red backpack over the two days of a weekend; another from kilkenny in ireland, visiting her daughters locally, made an apron one tuesday, and a tool roll the following day. she is a multi-disciplinary sculptress, spending long hours in her own workshop, so used the japanese style of crossed apron straps with keeper at the back, which relieves the pressure that can be caused by a neck strap (featured photo); the monday class was full, with the first slipper completed and the second one now begun.
the repair cafe movement, although voluntary, has been generating a good number of follow-on restoration projects - a backpack in need of replacement straps, and a satchel requiring a complete refurb. the child's pouffe has now had its red leather central harlequin pattern fixed.
the next heptonstall repair cafe is on saturday 11th june. bring along your beloved and well-loved leather items to be given a new lease of life.
happily, the jumble sale raised £250, which has been donated to calder community cares 4 ukraine, who are using it towards a meal for guest visitors of local calderdale hosts; a ukrainian band (from todmorden!) will be providing the entertainment to accompany their traditional eastern european meal.
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friday 20th may 2022
slipperoo
we've had some brilliant workshops these last few weeks - with over 40 participants making colourful key fobs at Sheffield Museums. it was a great day out for many families - the children especially enjoying the creative activity.
people are becoming more aware that cathy volunteers at heptonstall repair cafe, and last week's session was busy with cathy and harriett repairing bags, a watch strap and a pair of boots. one customer brought his son's leather pouffe. it's in the workshop now awaiting cathy's repair to one of the central red panels.
the opera bag is very much underway (cathy is tackling the tricky corners now), as are the student's slippers, which now have their leather uppers and straps sewn in place (featured). the knife in the photo (repurposed from a transit van coiled spring) and 'kev the skull' are provided by brian at BC Woodworks.
here are three of our recent reviews:
"Thoroughly enjoyed my workshop and love the bag we made. Great teacher and so easy to chat to. So glad she had some spare reading glasses too as I realised I’d left mine at home! Cathy had some great suggestions and clearly has a great eye for detail. I’d love to come back and make something else! Will be recommending the course to all of my creative friends."
claire, may 2022
"Just a quick message to say my family and I really enjoyed our key fob making session this morning at Sheffield. The tutor was lovely and gave everyone attention and ensured we all made good quality products. Thank you."
tracy, may 2022
"We have both gained some good skills and knowledge from the course and would totally recommend it.
Liz and I both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Liz is really pleased with her art roll and I was very happy getting all my bits to a point where I could finish at home.
Thanks again to you all."
carl, april 2022
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friday 6th may 2022
elvis has left the building
a number of commissions have been delivered and collected from the workshop this week, including the large, black saddlebag. In fact, while out shopping, wearing her own, cathy bumped into the recipient, also wearing hers!
the spring green satchel has been picked up, and was really appreciated; happily, the slightly new shade was loved even more than the original it replaced.
the tiny toldbol bag in unfinished tooling leather has been delivered in time for the customer's trip to portugal. it was sprayed in silver, and designed with experimental, simple, quick-release catch fittings. the result? "Big E" - a small but mighty piece of holiday bling.
a replica pair of opera bags are the next commissioned items on the workshop bench for this week ahead.
it's heptonstall repair again this saturday, 10am - 1pm, held at the school.
there is another jumble sale on sunday 15th june at hope baptist church, hebden bridge, 12 midday – 3pm, fundraising in aid of ukrainian relief.
upcoming workshops include:
saturday 7th may, morning brooklyn studios taster session
friday 13th may craft house, burnley belt and hip flask
saturday 14th may sheffield museums key fobs
21st and 22nd may creative with nature backpack
saturday 28th may salts mill, saltaire tool roll
blog
friday 29th april 2022
new to you
it's been a busy week in the workshop with replicas, replacements, repairs and new commissions:
one of our brooklyn studio students made a replica of her mother's leather opera bag. she made hers with a tan outer and a rich, dark purple gusset. it has been so admired recently, that she has now commissioned cathy to make one for her daughter and another for a friend.
some years ago, one customer had cathy make a satchel in a particularly unusual dark green. when it was unfortunately stolen from her van, her father asked cathy to make a replacement. that particular green though has been a bit tricky to source and replace.
one scottish customer, bequeathed a large, leather, working waistcoat, asked cathy to adjust it to fit him better. he is intending to use it under his fisherman's jacket when out on his trips on the lochs.
a large, black saddlebag commission has been completed and is now ready to be collected.
a brother and sister came to the workshop to celebrate his 40th birthday: she made a journal cover, and he celebrated by making a belt pouch for his keys...for his train!
today we have a student over from the wirral, making her boxer dog, ernie, and new collar and lead.
there is a jumble sale this sunday at hope baptist church, hebden bridge, 12 midday – 3pm, fundraising in aid of ukrainian relief.
upcoming workshops include:
saturday 30th april salts mill, saltaire tote bag
sunday 1st may creative with nature roll
friday 13th may craft house, burnley belt and hip flask
saturday 14th may sheffield museums key fobs
21st and 22nd may creative with nature backpack
saturday 28th may salts mill, saltaire tool roll
blog
friday 8th april 2022
brave soles
it's been wall-to-wall workshops all this week with students confidently taking on increasingly complex projects: last friday we had a father-daughter combination in the workshop making a backpack and tool roll/pencil case; at the king street studios, lancaster on sunday, a small, intimate group made aprons, including one black apron for gardening, and a yellow one for print-making; a semi-retired husband and wife couple redeemed their ce leather goods christmas voucher to each other by making his and hers belts.
brooklyn studio class projects continue to come along nicely: this week, the adventurous slipper making has now lined them with soft pigskin, and is ready to attach ankle straps and sew the uppers to the soles.
this week has also brought the chance to be alongside some skilled artisans and craftspeople - including a blacksmith, a sculptor and an avian vet.
upcoming workshops are:
16th april, artworks, halifax, aprons
24th april, craft house, bingley, tool roll
we have a poorly pup this week: miss jupiter is seeing the vet about her upset tummy as we speak.
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friday 1st april 2022
workshop season
workshop season is going especially well at the moment: at the whitaker last week we made black, pigskin leather aprons (featured); a husband and wife made leather candle holders on saturday; at brooklyn studios monday class the slippers continued to come along nicely to the next stage. there was an ipad case, and small saddle bag with cute button keyring in matching purple leather.
cathy herself is working on a saddle bag, and has a new commission for another tiny one in silver leather. she is currently researching what her materials options are. she is also restoring a friend's father's wallet, using linen thread for the thonging.
the following workshops are coming up:
3 april king street studios, lancaster aprons
6 april artworks, halifax aprons
24 april craft house, bingley tool roll
30 april salts, mill, saltaire tote bag
blog
friday 25th march
action! distraction
there is plenty to do in the workshop including starting a lovely order for a leather obi belt (for a japanese kimono), but what with the distractions of the bright daffodils, brooklyn studios' twig-wielding nesting jackdaws, the nourishing new intensity of the sun's warmth, the excitement of the Happy Valley film crew's presence in hebden, and a special request to repair an unusual item... we don't seem to be able to focus much ;-)
hopefully this weekend's courses will bring some clarity:
saturday candle-holder making at brooklyn studios; sunday aprons at the whitaker.
blog
friday 18th march 2022
tell it like it is
this week cathy has received a craft courses students' choice award: the gold certificate of excellence is awarded in recognition of excellent student reviews.
so what have students said?
there are interesting tools and techniques available to use and practice with; cathy's courses offer a great introduction to working with leather in a hands-on, creative workshop; cathy herself, in addition to being knowledgeable and talented, is also supportive, patient and kind; the courses are relaxed, fun and the final product is very professional; our four-legged welcoming committee, Jess and Jupiter, also got a special mention.
today's featured image is the makings of one student's phone case.