This weeklong class will focus specifically on the essential leather items a craftsperson would need to hold their arsenal of tools. Grady will start with a brief introduction and history on leather and its uses then discuss leather selection for the many projects in this class. Students will design the patterns of the various items they will make throughout the week with freedom to tailor their pieces to accommodate their specific needs. As the week progresses, Grady will guide students through numerous skills and techniques needed to build a firm foundation in leatherwork. Participants will learn pattern making, how to adjust patterns and the theory behind it, how to select leather for a particular item, then skills like gluing and sewing leather, skiving, binding edges, setting rivets, and adding reinforcement for heavy-wear items. By the end of the week, Students will have completed a custom leather shop apron, a tool roll or two for things such as chisels and knives, and a small tool bag that will fit his or her “must haves” in the wood shop or craft room.