Indoor Christmas Farmers Market, Gift & Craft Fair
SATURDAY 12TH DECEMBER 10.00AM – 3PM
This is Evancliffe Leathercraft‘s final Christmas Fair of 2015!
Teesside Caravans present a cornucopia of the finest foods, crafts and gifts the region has to offer. If it is something different you are after then visit the event to browse a wide selection of handmade gifts, cosmetics, soaps, luxury cards, leatherwork (from Evancliffe Leathercraft) and more.
Foodies will not be disappointed with the superb selection of cheese, meat, yummy cakes and sweets on offer at this event.
This event is designed to showcase local talent and create a unique shopping experience.
There is ample free parking, free entrance and free refreshments from 10.00am until 3.00pm in the warmth of indoors.
Preston Park Museum Christmas Bazaar – 6th December 2015
Free Leatherwork Demonstration & Activities
Evancliffe Leathercraft in partnership with Preston Park Museum & Grounds and the HLF River Tees Rediscovered A Spirit of Place Project are pleased to announce that they will be providing FREELeatherwork demonstrations and hands on activities at Preston Park’s Christmas Bazaar on Sunday 6th December 2015 from 10am – 4pm.
Hands On Leatherwork!
Adults and Children alike can have a go at creating their own unique leatherwork item with absolutely no charge for the activity thank’s to the generosity of the River Tees RediscoveredA Spirit of Place Project.
You will be able to choose what you want to decorate from a number of leather items including:
Wristbands
Bookmarks
Key Rings
Hair Barrettes
Festive Shapes
Stitch an Inch of leatherwork!
Try your hand at the traditional art of Saddle Stitch. Sit down and use a Stitching Pony to hold a piece of leather while hand stitching along the edge with saddlers needles and waxed linen thread. Find out how we get that nice neat evenly spaced stitching you see on quality hand crafted leather goods.
(Hands On & Stitch an Inch subject to availability.)
Range of Leatherwork!
Barrel Bag by Evancliffe Leathercraft
Evancliffe lLeathercraft will have a range of leatherwork available to view and purchase. Items will include key rings, jewellery, coin purses, bags, waterbottles, tankards and more!
Preston Park Christmas Bazaar!
The Preston Park Christmas Bazaar is open on Saturday & Sunday the 5th & 6th December 2015 from 10am – 4pm.
(Please note that Evancliffe Leathercraft will only be demonstrating leatherwork on Sunday 6th December.)
Enjoy a weekend full of festivities at Preston Park’s Traditional Christmas Bazaar on the Victorian Street.
Unique gifts for all the family from our hand-picked market stalls
Evancliffe Leathercraft have been invited by Hardwick Park to deliver Leather Workshops in their Mongolian Yurt.
The Hardwick Park Yurt, one of the largest in the region, can accommodate up to 60 people, however, numbers for the Leather Workshops we intend to host there will be much much smaller. In fact, our Leather Workshops will each be aimed at a maximum of 5 people.
With colourful bunting and a wood-burning stove the weatherproof Yurt provides an ideal place for craft and educational activities even on a cold day!
The First Leather Workshops in The Hardwick Park Yurt
The first One DayEvancliffe Leathercraft Leather Workshops in the Yurt at Hardwick Park will start on the 14th November 2015. Two workshops will run concurrently after sharing a joint introduction. Up to 10 people can take part, with up to 5 people making a Hand Stitched Leather Belt and another 5 people (max) making a Hand Bound Leather Journal.
Belt Making Workshop (Introduction to Leatherwork)
Hand Crafted Leather Belt with Brass Buckle
This one day Workshop will introduce you to the principles of hand crafted leatherwork through the making of your own hand stitched, hand dyed, leather belt.
A Hands On workshop during which you will learn how to mark out, cut and dye veg tan leather to make a belt. You will then prepare it for stitching and practice the technique of saddle stitch. The workshop will also show you how to burnish the edges of the belt and finish the leather.
Hand Bound Leather Journal Workshop
Leather Hand Bound Journal
This hands-on workshop will teach you to make a hand bound leather journal from scratch. Starting with a large sheet of paper you’ll be guided through the process of turning it into the individual pages of the journal, binding them together and adding a leather cover as well as a page marker.
You will be given the opportunity to dye the veg tan leather to form the cover as well as adding decoration using embossing / stamping it if you wish.
What’s included
The price includes tuition, use of tools and materials including the leather, buckles,paper etc. dependant on the options chosen. Tea & Coffee will be provided. Please bring your own lunch and any soft drinks / snacks you require, alternatively refreshments are available from the near by Hardwick Park Visitor’s Centre.
Brancepeth Castle is not usually open to the public!
Brancepeth Castle
Brancepeth Castle is not generally open to the public, so this is a massive opportunity for people to visit this historic north east building. Admission to the event is ONLY £2.50. Imagine getting to see a National Trust or English Heritage property for that small an amount!
Brancepeth Castle from the air.
“The castle was originally founded many centuries ago by the chief of the Anglo Saxon Bulmer family whose last male heir, Bertram Bulmer had a daughter called Emma who married Gilbert De Neuville, a Norman baron who had come to England with William the Conqueror. De Neuville’s descendants were called the Nevilles and were the owners of Brancepeth Castle until the sixteenth century.
In 1569 Brancepeth was confiscated from the Nevilles by the crown following their involvement in a plot to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I called the Rising of the North. The Nevilles had been the chief instigators of this rising which had been plotted at Brancepeth and Raby Castle with the assistance of the Percys who were the most powerful family in Northumberland.”
Evancliffe Leathercraft
Evancliffe Leathercraft Stall (at a previous event.).
Evancliffe Leathercraft are thrilled to be part of the First North East Re-Enactment & LARP Market at Brancepeth Castle. Like the organisers, we are hoping that this new North East event will become a regular feature on the Re-Enactment & LARP calender.
We will be joined by many other traders, a lot of them regulars at numerous other Re-Enactment & LARP events, including the others mentioned above by the same organisers.
We are also looking forward to setting up our stall inside a REAL CASTLE!
Re-Enactment & LARP Leatherwork.
As most of our regular customers will appreciate, most of our leatherwork is made to order. That is, people contact us, tell us their requirements, and we design and make the custom leatherwork to their specification. This means that we don’t usually carry a large range of standard items. We have however developed a small range of popular Re-Enactment & LARP items. These include belts, belt hangers for mugs, weapons etc. as well as water bottles and drinking tankards.
Leather Tankard by Evancliffe leathercraftLeather Tankard & Belt Loop by Evancliffe leathercraftLeather Water Bottle by Evancliffe leathercraft
The Pod – Open For Business & Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2015
Evancliffe Leathercraft are among the first Artists & Craftspeople invited to exhibit and demonstrate their work!
Saturday 18th April – 9:30am – 5:00pm
The Pod will also be open on Friday 17th April(10:00am – Early Afternoon) & Sunday 19th April (10:00am – 4:00pm).
The Pod – Bishop Auckland – Open for Business – Saturday 18th April 2015
Bishop Auckland’s new and exciting Retail Space & Art Gallery is Op[en for Business!
Pop into The Pod to view and buy work created by local artists. Opening for Business Saturday 18th April 2015 but also open on Friday & Sunday!
What better weekend to choose than the busiest weekend in Bishop Auckland‘s Year. Coinciding with the Bishop Auckland Food Festival and situated in the old Pound Stretcher building in the Market Place The Pod should prove an interesting place to visit! You can find out more about the idea behind The Pod below.
Evancliffe Leathercraft Display at The Pod Bishop AucklandMore of Evancliffe Leathercrasft display at The Pod Bishop Auckland
Evancliffe Leathercraft are pleased to announce that we have been invited to be among the first Artists & Craftspeople invited to exhibit at The Pod on it’s opening weekend, and invitation we were happy to accept.
We will be there selling our Leatherwork and demonstrating hand stitching leather etc.
Come along and visit us and other artists / craftspeople at The Pod at the start of this very exciting new venture.
what is “The Pod” all about?
From the official Press Release:
This new centre in market place aims to give small businesses the chance to incubator hub as they start out.
The Pod in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, has been set up by Jane Ruffer, whose husband Jonathan bought Auckland Castle in 2011. He ischairman of the charitable trust which now runs the visitor attraction.
Set to be managed by Hannah Waterston, whose background is in working with social enterprises, The Pod is taking a redundant shop in the town’s market place and turning it into a space for work, exhibition and retail space as well as advice and mentoring.
The facility will open on Thursday and is the latest initiative the Ruffers have been involved in since Mr Ruffer donated £15m in 2011 to save first the Zurbaran paintings and then Auckland Castle itself.
They have also set up a £1m fund with the County Durham Community Foundation to help people find work.
Ms Waterston said: “The aim of the Pod is to act as an incubation hub for small businesses where they can begin to grow their idea over a period and then move out into the community.”
“We want to prepare people for business so that when the town is full of visitors attracted by the developments planned for Auckland Castle, they will find an upbeat place.
“The Pod is running alongside the primary vision the Auckland Castle Trust has for the rejuvenation of the town. This is the outward facing part of it, if you like.
“It’s wonderful to be involved in such an exciting project that is breathing new life into an area and helping put Bishop Auckland on the cultural map.”
The scheme has received a grant to enable it to push ahead with its work from a London-based charitable trust, but it is hoped the Pod will become self-sufficient.
Businesses will be housed in pop-up spaces and they will be able to sell their work on site. They will have the chance to be mentored by experts in running their enterprise and promoting their products.
They will be charged a small initial rent which will increase as their endeavor prospers, and prepare them for moving to their own commercially rented shop space.
The Pod will also have room for local artists to exhibit their work on an ongoing basis.
The first business to move into the hub will be a design business led by 43-year-old artist Gillian Arnold and her husband Tim.
He said: “We were delighted when Auckland Castle Trust approached us to be the first business to move in and to work with them in setting things up.
“The Pod gives us the opportunity to concentrate on growing our own business, whilst working alongside other enterprises as they begin to grow.
“This has come along at the right time and is a great stepping stone for any business that wants to grow in a nurturing atmosphere.
“Gillian and I see our business as a catalyst for training and employment for the town. The Pod will give us the space to do that and to help push forward the plans to fill Bishop Auckland’s empty shops with viable businesses and return the town to the vibrant place I remember it being as a boy.”
We’re hoping to run more workshops and attend more events and craft fairs during 2015 than we ever have before! So that you know where we will be and when we have now created a page dedicated to Training Workshops and one dedicated to Markets, Shows & Events.
You can use the top menu to access these or click on the following links:
Our first Introduction to leatherwork – leather belt making workshop in Newton Aycliffe went well.
Students were introduced to the principles of hand crafted leatherwork through the making of their very own hand stitched, hand dyed, leather belt in this one day hands on workshop.
Practice Piece
The students practiced all the techniques they would need for making the belt including strap cutting, cutting leather, marking out, stitching etc. by first producing a small leather bookmark.
Threading a Needle
Belting Up
With these skills mastered, the students set off to make the actual belt. First they cut a strap using a strap cutter. They then marked out the end of the belt for the buckle and made the required holes using a hole punch and knife. Following this, the stitching was marked out.
At this stage we showed them how to apply the dye to colour the belt. They both chose a different colour and applied the dye.
A student dyes his belt
Once the dye was dry (it does not take long) the students practiced their new skill of saddle stitch and sewed a buckle of their choice on to the end of the belt.
Wendy Elsdon of Evancliffe Leathercraft assisting a student.
The Buckle has been sewn onto the belt.
The belt was then measured, holes punched and the end shaped to the traditional “Church Window” shape.
The dye was touched up where the end had been cut, the edges were burnished and the belt was finished with a special cream. Both the students left happy with their new skills and their very own hand crafted belt!
Students Proudly Display their Finished Belts
Feedback
We have had some great feedback from people about out Belt Making Workshops:
“The hands-on leathercraft workshop that Clive and Wendy offer are first class. They explain everything in an easy to understand manner, making the course idea for total beginners. The cost of the workshop includes all material so there are no surprises or extra costs.” – Jayson G.
“Thanks to Clive and Wendy for a great course today. Karen really likes the leather belt I made for her and I now know that I will be spending any Xmas money on tools to make some more.” – Bill W.
Future Workshops
Our belt making workshop costs £60.00 per person and includes tuition, use of the tools , the leather for the belt and a buckle.
Tea & Coffee is be provided but students are advised to bring their own lunch and any soft drinks / snacks they require. (Local shopping facilities may be available depending on venue.)
This one day course will introduce you to the principles of hand crafted leatherwork through the making of your own hand stitched,hand dyed, leather belt.
A Hands On course during which you will learn how to
more
Event Details
This one day course will introduce you to the principles of hand crafted leatherwork through the making of your own hand stitched,hand dyed, leather belt.
A Hands On course during which you will learn how to mark out, cut and dye veg tan leather to make a belt. You will then prepare it for stitching and practice the technique of saddle stitch. The course will also show you how to burnish the edges of the belt and finish the leather.
The price includes tuition, use of the tools , the leather for the belt and a buckle.
Tea & Coffee will be provided. Please bring your own lunch and any soft drinks / snacks you require.
Closed toe footwear should be worn. If you wish to protect your clothing (from dye etc.) please bring a suitable apron. As we use a stitching pony to hold the work we also recommend wearing trousers instead of a skirt or kilt.
You will need to know what size to make your belt. If it’s for you, that is easily solved by bringing along a belt you already wear and which you know the hole you are using. If it’s for someone else, you can bring a belt they wear or, you can measure it before you come. We can provide a diagram of how to measure a belt on request.
(Please note that the overall length of a belt can potentially be limited by the leather we have in stock. While we endeavour to have leather available to make reasonable lengths, it is not always possible to guarantee that we can supply leather to make all lengths.)
Local Attractions & Accommodation:
Many of our students travel some distance to take part in our workshops and may need to find accommodation for one or two nights locally. Many also remark on how beautiful Weardale is, something that you will see first-hand if you take part in one of our workshops overlooking Weardale.
Evancliffe Leathercraft are members of the Weardale Visitor Network, a partnership of businesses who have a passion and commitment for developing the tourism trade and visitor experience within Weardale.
If you need to cancel your booking for any reason please contact us as soon as possible.
Our refund policy is:
Over 30 days before the workshop date: Full refund OR alternative date if available.
Between 14 and 30 days before the workshop date: 75% refund OR alternative date if available.
Less than 14 days before the workshop date: No refund given.
Refunds due will be paid to the original payee by the original payment method. If you do not turn up for your workshop, you will not be eligible for a refund nor will you be eligible to move your booking to an alternative date.
In the unlikely event that a workshop has to be cancelled by Evancliffe Leathercraft, you will be offered the choice of a full refund or the opportunity to book onto an alternative workshop (if available). You will be given as much notice as possible if a workshop has to be cancelled.
This policy may be subject to change so please check at the time of booking. The policy in place at the time of booking a place on a workshop will apply in the event of cancellation.
*NOTE: AMENDED DATE*
Learn to make a hand stitched leather bag in this two day workshop by Evancliffe Leathercraft.
This workshop will teach you to:
Mark and cut
more
Event Details
*NOTE: AMENDED DATE*
Learn to make a hand stitched leather bag in this two day workshop by Evancliffe Leathercraft.
This workshop will teach you to:
Mark and cut out leather.
Cutting leather to form straps.
Dying Veg Tan Leather.
Preparing the leather to be stitched including marking and making the holes for stitching.
Hand stitching leather using the traditional saddle stitch method.
Riveting leather.
Attaching accessories such as D-rings, fasteners, sliders and buckles*.
Burnishing & Applying finish the leather.
Choose from a selection of patterns with the potential to add your own customisation to the bag as well. (* Some items used will depend on the style of bag chosen.)
Many people make bags for other people on the two day bag workshop, so it is useful to have an idea of the length of strap needed. Bringing along a bag with the strap set to the correct length can help, or measuring a strap of an existing bag at the point it is set by the wearer. If the bag is for yourself, don’t worry about the measurement beforehand, we can gauge it on the day.
(Please note that the overall length of a strap can potentially be limited by the leather we have in stock. While we endeavour to have leather available to make reasonable lengths, it is not always possible to guarantee that we can supply leather to make all lengths.)
The workshop runs from 10:00am – 5:30pmon day 1 and 9:00am – 4:30pmon day 2.
All leather and tool use is included in the price of the workshop. We include tea, coffee and biscuits in the price however participants should bring their own packed lunch and any snacks / soft drinks you require each day.
Closed toe footwear should be worn. If you wish to protect your clothing (from dye etc.) please bring a suitable apron. As we use a stitching pony to hold the work we also recommend wearing trousers instead of a skirt or kilt.
For more information email: welcome@evancliffeleather.co.uk
Accommodation IS NOT included in the price but Evancliffe Leathercraft are members of the Weardale Visitor Network. Many local accommodation providers are listed on their website. Please see below for a link.
Local Attractions & Accommodation:
Many of our students travel some distance to take part in our workshops and may need to find accommodation for one or two nights locally. Many also remark on how beautiful Weardale is, something that you will see first-hand if you take part in one of our workshops overlooking Weardale.
Evancliffe Leathercraft are members of the Weardale Visitor Network, a partnership of businesses who have a passion and commitment for developing the tourism trade and visitor experience within Weardale.
To find out more about Weardale and to access local accommodation please visit the WVN website at http://www.discoverweardale.com/home
Cancellation:
If you need to cancel your booking for any reason please contact us as soon as possible.
Our refund policy is:
Over 30 days before the workshop date: Full refund OR alternative date if available.
Between 14 and 30 days before the workshop date: 75% refund OR alternative date if available.
Less than 14 days before the workshop date: No refund given.
Refunds due will be paid to the original payee by the original payment method. If you do not turn up for your workshop, you will not be eligible for a refund nor will you be eligible to move your booking to an alternative date.
In the unlikely event that a workshop has to be cancelled by Evancliffe Leathercraft, you will be offered the choice of a full refund or the opportunity to book onto an alternative workshop (if available). You will be given as much notice as possible if a workshop has to be cancelled.
This policy may be subject to change so please check at the time of booking. The policy in place at the time of booking a place on a workshop will apply in the event of cancellation.
