Take a minute to think: When was the last time you made something?
In a day and age where most goods are mass produced, creating something with your own hands is truly memorable and worthwhile.
Hence, we were delighted to spend a Saturday afternoon attending a 2-hour long basic Leather Craft workshop at Lucky Apron Studio.
Photo Credits: Lucky Apron Studio
The cosy studio is tucked away on the 2nd floor of a shophouse along Jalan Besar. The unmistakable whiff of leather is the first thing you notice, followed by the neatly arranged tools on the table for students.
The tools you will be using: A metal ruler, a silver pen, a pen knife and a paper cutting board
Alongside with the tools, all the materials and hardware you need will be provided. And do not worry – no prior experience whatsoever is required!
During the workshop, you will make 3 functional and stylish items:
- Envelope Cardholder – for name cards or credit cards.
- Key Chain Strap – for hanging quick access keys off your belt.
- Smartphone Wristlet – for use as a smartphone stand for movie playback or taking photos.
All of these will be made from premium quality leather – full-grain buffalo hide in vegetable tan or cow hide in crazy horse tan to be exact.
After a quick introduction to leather, enjoy a live demonstration by your facilitator on how to make each item that is interspersed with fundamental leather crafting techniques.
As we watched the demonstration, we realised the high level of conscientiousness required for an activity like this. Small mistakes like not holding your penknife straight or shifting your ruler whilst cutting will cause you to make an untidy cut. Making a cut in the wrong direction could cause an irreparable damage to your product. So attentiveness is a must during the demonstration!
Lawrence, our instructor and founder of Lucky Apron studios, demonstrating how to cut leather
If all this sounds too intimidating for you, fear not – your friendly facilitator will be there to guide and correct you if you are on the wrong track.
After the demonstration, it was our turn to start on our envelope cardholder and we were beyond excited to get our hands dirty.
A steady hand and precision is required for the perfect cut
The first few cuts were slightly awkward, but we quickly learned the amount of pressure and number of repetitions required to make a clean cut.
The product of a tedious yet oddly satisfying session of cutting
Before we knew it, our envelope cardholder template was ready for folding and hole-punching. There are bound to be some minor imperfections along the way, but take them as a testament of your handicraft and don’t get too caught up in it.
Do bring a packet of tissues along, as the leather dust can be slightly irritating to the nose. (You don’t want to be sneezing all over your precious leather goods!)
The finished product in all its handmade glory!
Next on the agenda was a smartphone wristlet, a functional yet stylish piece created by Lucky Apron Studio’s founder Lawrence himself.
Photo Credits: Lucky Apron Studio
After tracing the template out for the wristlet
More cutting ensued, but the simple template made for a much easier ride.
However, the cutout in the center of the wristlet was rather tricky to manoeuvre and required a certain level of delicacy.
Be sure to choose the correct size when punching any hole!
Bring a friend, sibling, significant other, etc.. – they will come in handy! 😉
The final item was a simple keychain strap, which was a breeze to make after more than an hour of experience with handling and cutting leather. Both the length of the strap and the colour of the keyring can be customised
Photo Credits: Lucky Apron Studio
Voila!
After 2 hours of hard work, our 3 products were finished – all that was left was a good ol’ slab of leather conditioner. Free initial embossing (pictured above on the envelope cardholder) is also provided – say, any birthdays coming up?
Needless to say, the feeling of creating handmade and functional goods with your own hands from a single piece of leather is simply euphoric.
So if you are interested in creating some useful products to take home, are obsessed with leather goods or simply want to try something unique and memorable, why not head down to Lucky Apron Studio for a fun-filled afternoon?
In addition, Discover SG is delighted to offer you a..
15% DISCOUNT on ALL of Lucky Apron Studio’s Classes!
Simply use the discount code “DSCVRSG2016EVENTS” before purchase.
So what are you waiting for? Head over to http://luckyapronstudio.strikingly.com/ to check out their classes today!
ADDRESS:
Lucky Apron Studio
#02-01
141 Jalan Besar
Singapore 208859
CONTACT:
+65 9863 2724
