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We’re Good to Go!

Updated 18.01.2021

Evancliffe Leathercraft are pleased to announce that they have achieved Visit England’s “We’re Good to Go” badge.

The ‘We’re Good To Go’ COVID-19 industry standard and consumer mark provides a ‘ring of confidence’ for businesses, attractions and destinations as well as reassurance to local residents and visitors that clear processes are in place and that as a business you are good to go.

Following achieving the badge Evancliffe Leathercraft ran its first Two Day Bag Making Workshop on Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th August where our student congratulated us on making them feel relaxed and confident that everything possible had been done to reduce the chance of spreading Covid-19.

Unfortunately, following introduction of the tier system and the national lockdown which followed Christmas 2020, we have had to postpone the two workshops we had scheduled for January and early February 2021. We have re-scheduled these for weekend dates in March 2021 instead in the hope that this National lockdown will come to an end

For details and to book on any of our workshops please visit our What’s On page. Please note that one of the measures we have introduced in order to provide a safe learning environment is to reduce our capacity. This may mean that workshops sell out quicker than they previously did. We have many other measures in place which will be outlined in our new Covid-19 Joining Instructions Supplement sent out to anyone who has booked a workshop.

Visit England Good to Go Badge

We have also decided to offer workshops on a 1-2-1 basis or for small family groups for those students who would rather reduce any chance of catching the virus further. Please contact us for further information.

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Your Workshop Booking and the Coronavirus – Covid 19 Pandemic

Coronavirus Covid-19

Amended 18/01/2021

Your Workshop Booking and the Coronavirus – Covid 19 Pandemic

Unfortunately in line with Government advice we have now postponed any workshops that were scheduled to run before February half term 2021. These workshops have been rescheduled for March 2021.

We know that many of our students will be disappointed, but hope that everyone understands. Please rest assured that we will be monitoring the situation daily and if the situation or government advice changes we will of course update you.

Why have we left workshops listed?

We have left workshops beyond February half term 2021 listed and those with spaces still open for bookings in the hope that things may have returned to nearer normal by the time they are due to run. We will also be putting into place the measures mentioned in our “We’re Good to Go” news item.

Please feel free to book onto any workshop with availability knowing that if that workshop is postponed this will give you first chance of being on it when it is rescheduled. We have outlined our revised cancelation policy below.

Once the workshops are going ahead we want to make the environment in which they are held as safe a place as possible. 

We ask that all our students follow the general guidance about regular hand washing.

We will have information sheets available and posters in key areas.

As usual we will have soap available for handwashing, however, instead of providing a traditional towel as we usually do, we will have disposable towels for drying your hands and a bin to dispose of it. We don’t currently have access to hand sanitiser for student use, however, please bring along your own if you wish.

We already thoroughly clean the surfaces you will come into contact with during the workshop including the door handles, floors and work tables. This will continue.

*If you have been advised to self-isolate or you are unwell and feel unable to attend a workshop please let us know as soon as possible.*

Temporary relaxation of our Cancelation Policy:

We have put in place a temporary relaxation of our cancelation policy for all existing bookings. This will come into play at the point where our existing cancelation policy would not allow a refund or transfer. Our existing policy remains in effect up to that point.

If you feel that you are showing symptoms or that you or a family member you are in contact with are at risk from the virus then we will allow you to transfer to a future workshop instead right up to the day of your scheduled workshop. This can either be the same workshop or a different workshop of your choice. A difference in cost will be payable if booking onto a dearer workshop.

More Information:

For more information on how the virus please visit  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

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Evancliffe Leathercraft receive Craft Courses Platinum Award – Their Highest Accolade!

Craft Courses Platinum Badge

Evancliffe Leathercraft are proud to display the Craft Courses highest award based on 50 or more 5 Star Student Reviews.

Reviews

Reviews are really important to small independent businesses offering training or services of any kind. They help our future students decide if the course or workshop on offer is for them. They give a taste of how people feel about the training and the product they will take away with them at the end of the day.

Expert Tuition

Many people are expert in their craft , but not everyone can teach. We hope that you will agree from the reviews that our students really believe that we can! We hope that they also show that there is fun to be had along the way and that each and every one leaves with a quality product.

Our Craft Courses Platinum Certificate of Excellence awarded for 50 or more 5 Star Reviews

Thank You To Our Students

Each and every review means a lot to us. Each student that leaves a review helping us achieve this goal has taken the time to log onto the Craft Courses website and compose it. We really appreciate that effort in a day and age where everyone is asking for reviews on almost everything you do or buy! Thank You to each and every one of you.

Thank you Craft Courses (www.craftcourses.com)

We would also like to say a big thank you to Craft Courses for running the scheme, allowing us to link into a fully independent review site and for introducing many of our students to us in the first place! If you’ve not heard of or looked at the Craft Courses Website it is worth paying them a visit. They list a wide variety of courses and workshops for anyone interested in beginning a new hobby or improving on one they already have some experience in.

Do we have a Workshop for You?

If us winning the Craft Courses Ultimate Award has inspired you to have a look at what we offer, the best place is either our listings on craft courses website or our workshop listings on own website.

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Training Workshop Ticketing Change Over

Possibles Pouch

Training Workshop Ticketing now hosted on our own website!

Links to our Leatherwork Training Workshops on Eventbrite are now out of date. All Training Workshops with remaining availability can be booked directly on our website at https://www.evancliffeleather.co.uk/leathercraft-workshops/

Some workshops may remain visible on Eventbrite, but show up as sold out. Tickets may still be available by following the link above.

Keeping our Fees Low

We have taken the decision to add a payment / ticketing plug-in onto the events package we already use.  This is because our sales come either through our listings at CraftCourses.com or from our own website / Facebook or Twitter. This decision will reduce the commission we pay on each ticket hopefully allowing us to maintain our current workshop pricing during 2019.

Existing Bookings

If you have already booked one of our workshops either directly with us or via Eventbrite, your reminders etc. will most likely still come from Eventbrite as this is a phased change over.

Any Issues?

If you experience any issues booking a workshop through the new system please contact us by sending an email to welcome@evancliffeleather.co.uk

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Two Day Leather Bag Making Workshop Launched!

Leather Bag Workshop - Evancliffe Leathercraft

Learn to make a hand stitched leather bag in this two day workshop by Evancliffe Leathercraft.

Evancliffe Leathercraft are pleased to announce the launch of their new two day Leather Bag Workshop. This is an ideal introduction to leatherwork through the making of your own leather bag at Evancliffe Leathercraft’s Wolsingham base overlooking beautiful Weardale in County Durham.

First Scheduled Dates:

Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th October 2018. (10:00am – 5:30pm Day One, 9:am – 4:30pm Day Two)

Book onto the Bag Making Workshop:

To book onto the first scheduled bag making workshop on the 6th & 7th October 2018 visit the Bag Making on 6th & 7th October Eventbrite Page.

What you learn:

  • 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.)

Leather Bag Workshop Duration:

The workshop runs from 10:00am – 5:30pm on Day 1 and 9:00am – 4:30pm on Day 2.

What is Included in the Leather Bag Workshop:

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 snaks / soft drinks you require each day. 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.

What to Wear:

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

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

Cancellation Policy:

If you need to cancel your booking for any reason please contact us as soon as possible.
Our refund policy is:

Over 28 days before the workshop date: Full refund OR alternative date if available.
Between 14 and 28 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.

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Leather Workshops at Hardwick Park’s Mongolian Yurt!

Belt & Journal Workshop - 14th November
Belt & Journal Workshop – 14th November

Leather  Workshops in The Yurt at Hardwick Park

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 Day Evancliffe 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
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 dyedleather 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 Red Heart Notebook
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 tuitionuse 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.

Information & Booking:

For more informationabout our Workshops in the Yurt at Hardwick Park please visit our website at: https://www.evancliffeleather.co.uk/training-workshops/

 

Hardwick Park Location:

The Yurt is at Hardwick Park, Sedgefield, Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland TS21 2DN <View on Map>

Hardwick Park on the Web: http://www.durham.gov.uk/hardwickpark

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Craft Fairs, Events & Workshops 2015

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:

Markets, Shows & Events

Training Workshops

 

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We had a belting time in Newton Aycliffe making Leather Belts

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
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.

Dying a Belt
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.
Wendy Elsdon of Evancliffe Leathercraft assisting a student.

 

The Buckle has been sewn onto the belt.
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
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.)

 

You can find out about our planned workshops at www.evancliffeleather.co.uk/events or contact us to arrange bespoke workshops by email to welcome@evancliffeleather.co.uk