Have you ever admired a beautifully crafted leather bag and thought, “I wish I could make that”? At the Walsall Leather Skills Centre, we believe you absolutely can and we’re thrilled to introduce our new Two-Day Leather Bag Making Course with award-winning craftsperson Jo Heard,
This is the perfect opportunity to turn that wish into reality.
With limited spaces remaining for our inaugural session, this is your chance to join a small, focused group of learners who will walk away with a professional-quality leather bag they’ve made with their own hands.
Learn From a Master Craftsperson
Jo Heard isn’t just any leatherwork instructor.
Since 2008, she has established herself as a leading figure in the leathercraft industry. Traditionally trained as a saddler through the prestigious Cordwainers Diploma at Capel Manor College, Jo further refined her skills through the Modern and Millennium apprenticeship schemes run by City & Guilds and the Society of Master Saddlers.
Her commitment to excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed—Jo has received multiple industry awards recognising her exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. This dedication to quality makes her classes some of our most sought-after offerings at the Centre.
Jo runs her successful home-based leatherwork business, J.H. Leather, and shares her knowledge with an international audience through her popular YouTube channel . Students consistently praise Jo’s patient teaching style and her ability to break down complex techniques into manageable steps.
What You’ll Learn and Create
This hands-on workshop spans two full days, giving you ample time to:
- Master professional bag construction techniques
- Learn about leather selection and how different leathers affect the final product
- Practice precision cutting and edge finishing methods
- Apply professional-grade hardware
- Complete a beautiful, functional leather bag you’ll be proud to carry
Unlike mass-produced items, your handcrafted bag will reflect your personal style choices and will be built to last for years—even decades—to come. Your bag will likely become one of your most treasured accessories and without a doubt often spark conversations about your newfound skills.
Who This Course Is Perfect For
This two day course is ideal for those who have some basic leather stitching experience but want to take their skills to the next level. Perhaps you’ve completed an introductory leatherwork course, worked on smaller projects at home, or have experience in related crafts like sewing or upholstery.
If you have basic stitching skills from making smaller leather goods, but find bag construction intimidating, this course is designed for you. Jo’s teaching method breaks complex techniques down into achievable steps, and the small class size ensures you’ll receive plenty of guidance throughout the process.
What to Bring and What to Expect
Course participants will need to have their own basic tool set—don’t worry, we’ll provide a comprehensive list upon booking. If you’re traveling from abroad, we can arrange to provide tools for the duration of the workshop.
The £175 course fee covers expert instruction in our Walsall based workshop and with limited places available, you’ll enjoy:
- Personalised attention from an award-winning instructor
- A supportive, collaborative learning environment
- Access to professional-grade equipment and workspaces
- The satisfaction of completing a high-quality leather bag in just two days
Why Handmade Leather Bags Are Worth Learning to Create
In today’s world of fast fashion and disposable accessories, there’s something profoundly satisfying about creating an item that’s built to last. Leather bag making combines practical skill with artistic expression—each decision about shape, colour, texture, and hardware allows you to create something uniquely yours.
Beyond the finished product, creating your own leather bag offers a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship and quality. You’ll never look at a leather bag the same way again once you understand the work that goes into creating one from scratch.
Secure Your Spot Today
With only limited places remaining in this class, we recommend booking your place soon to avoid disappointment. This exclusive first session takes place on 9th & 10th August at our Walsall workshop.
To reserve your spot, simply click here or view all upcoming course dates here.
This isn’t just a class—it’s the development of skills you’ll treasure for life and an opportunity to create an heirloom-quality piece under expert guidance. We look forward to welcoming you to the Centre!
Have questions about whether this course is right for you? Contact us at info@walsall-leather.org and we’ll be happy to help.
