Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

Lynn reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"The bag making course with Wendy & Clive was fantastic! Learnt some great skills that will help me in the future. The whole weekend was excellent and very well structured, organised and fun! Thank you Wendy and Clive. I will be back! Thank you Lynn xxx :-)"

SHEILAGH MARY MAY reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"Top quality leather and training (English Traditional) - and very good quality, useable bag at the end of it. Would like experience working with softer leathers, so might be an idea to include a wider range of choices at the beginning of the course - just a thought. Very friendly couple with lots of guidance, hints and tips - with plenty tea and coffee and biscuits (as a corporate mgt training, I know how important tea and biscuits are!). Bonus was being able to select from a range of leathers for sale so we could go away and practise on our own. Would definitely recommend."

Jenni reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"A great course. I learnt so much. Good company and excellent teaching. Clive and Wendy were very patient and supportive 😁"

Melanie Huckle reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"Brilliant course well thought out, Trainers have the patience of saints. Love the end product Thank you"

Helen Thomson reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"Brilliant weekend. Under the expert eye of Clive and Wendy an undyed piece of leather turns into an individual bag. There is a range of bags to choose. So many helpful hints and tips along the way and as much support as you need. I’m so proud of my bag. And am hooked on leather work. I’ll be back 😀 if you ever wondered whether you to could work with leather - just give it a go, no matter what your skill level, you will achieve and have a great time. "

Thompson reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"My family and I did the two-day leather bag course. We were all able to make 3 completely different style bags and were able to choose from a range of dye colours, threads and fastenings. My husband was very unsure of himself and a bit like a fish out of water (we needed a driver). I have never seen him concentrate so hard, but he came away very proud of the bag he created. We were going to give his bag to one of his sisters, but I think not now it's mine. The course was set at a pace where we were able to make a small purse as a practice piece, before we went onto the bag. As the process continued, we were able to make design decisions my daughter decided to dye her strap red instead of brown about halfway through. We were able to finish the process within the time frame and even had time for banter. Tea and coffee was offered when we arrived and continued to flow through the two days a range of individually wrapped biscuits were also available. Clive and Wendy gave tips and tricks throughout the day and were good hosts throughout the two days making the course enjoyable even for my poor husband. Andrea, Megan, Brian Thompson "

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you for the excellent review. We are pleased all three of you enjoyed the workshop. "

Pam Barr -Davies reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"An excellent 2 days spent with Clive and Wendy. The course was very well structured with excellent instructions and hands off supervision throughout. We covered all aspects of making the bag, cutting, dying, hand sewing and fitting attachments resulting in a lovely bag and a great introduction to leatherwork. All carried out in a calm environment with fabulous views and the cats to watch for additional entertainment. Thank you very much Clive and Wendy."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"We're pleased that you enjoyed it. Luna and Oberon were on form this weekend. (We do check that people are ok with cats before we let Oberon into the work area. Luna is a feral cat that spends a lot of time on our patio.) We are pleased you later ke your new bag as well."

Ailsa reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"I had a fantastic experience on this course. Wendy and Clive made me feel very welcome and their teaching style is second to none - they are patient but really focus on letting the student do the work, even the tricky bits. This means that not only do you leave the course with a really impressive end product (I have had countless compliments on my leather handbag), but you also leave with all the knowledge and a large part of the skills required to recreate the work yourself at home. This course is challenging for a complete beginner, but Wendy and Clive broke down all of the elements and none of the course felt rushed. You will learn how to cut leather for a pattern, mark it, hand stitch it and dye it. You can choose from a range of colours to dye your leather and there are different styles of bag to choose from. Wendy and Clive are also eco-conscious, and shared a lot of the knowledge they have on the industry and types of leather. I have attended workshops before (for other craft activities such as sewing) and this is by far the best course I have been on for (a) value for money, (b) the quality of the teaching and (c) for the end product (I wear my handmade bag with pride). I could not recommend this course more, its a great experience and you will learn so much."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"We are really pleased you enjoyed the bag workshop and that you are proud of the bag."

Barbara Fishwick reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"Having completed the leather Possibles Pouch last week, I was straight back this weekend for the two day bag-making course. Obviously passionate about their craft, Wendy & Clive are enthusiastic about passing on their leather-making knowledge. Instructions were clearly and patiently explained at every stage and although there is a lot to pack in over the two days, I never felt rushed at any point. Because of their clear teaching methods and the good quality raw materials they use, I left Evancliffe with a bag that I’m truly proud of, customised to fit my iPad. You don’t just “make a bag” on the course. You learn about the tools used, the different types of leather and their uses and gain an understanding of how to get the best result from your materials. It has encouraged me to learn more about working with leather in the future. Book a workshop with Clive & Wendy, you won’t be disappointed!"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Great to see you again Barbara. We're really pleased you enjoyed the bag workshop and for booking up to come back only a week after making your pouch!"

Andrew McQuillen reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"I had only made one thing with leather (a wallet) before going on this course I walked out of Clive and Wendy's home on Sunday night with a fantastic handbag my wife loves. Let's backtrack a bit though. The course should have been in July and was cancelled due to covid. But all through I was kept up to date from Clive or Wendy and never thought for one minute the course wasn't going to happen. From the moment you draw up outside their house their attention to covid requirements is fantastic. It also never dropped over both days. Enough on that. Safe to say you are well looked after. The course itself is very well structured and takes you step by step in bite sized chunks through the bag making process. From doing a test stitching piece (a purse for the bag) through cutting out dying leather, cutting straps, attaching straps, decorative sewing. The list goes on. This course is no picnic you work hard for two days, but with the good humour, dedication, great teaching and obvious love of leather making from both Clive and Wendy the weekend flies by, and you leave with a beautiful piece you can truly be proud to have made."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Hi Andrew, Really pleased you enjoyed the workshop. Thanks for commenting on the Covid-19 measures. We have put a lot of thought into how we run the workshops with this issue in mind, including reducing the student numbers, our new demonstration area with screen etc. etc. We're also really pleased that your wife likes the bag. It's a new bag of our own design offered for the first time on last weekend's workshop so you're the first student to complete it. We're hoping to add some of the photos we took of your bag to the Craft Courses listing later today. Great to meet you and enjoy your future leatherwork."

Michelle reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"I have attended a course with Clive and Wendy. From the minute I walked through the door I felt comfortable and relaxed with them both. Because of the covid situation I was a little nervous of what to expect but in my opinion they couldn't of done anymore from wearing the mask, to taking my temperature before entering. There was a screen to separate us for tutoring and all tools were cleaned continously, and social distancing when the screen was not been used 10/10. The bag I made with the help of the couple was lovely, I enjoyed it that much I've enrolled in another course for wet moulding and stamping, so see you guys soon, thanks for teaching me some great skills."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"As this was the first workshop since the Covid-19 lockdown and gaining our Visit England "We're Good to Go" accreditation we are really pleased to hear that we did so well with the extra measures. The bag you produced was excellent and we're really pleased that you enjoyed it. There is no better recommendation than someone booking a place on another of our workshops. Thank you."

Ruth C reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"I have just attended the bag making course. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone. Clive and Wendy are excellent at imparting information to their students. The course is split into manageable sections and because of this you never feel overwhelmed. They are always there to help you if you need it. The bag I produced is really beautiful and it is nice that you can choose what style you want and the colour as well. An excellent course which teaches you a traditional skill which has been around for centuries."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"We are really pleased to hear that you enjoyed the workshop!"

Maggie reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"I thoroughly enjoyed my two day bag making course. It was a completely different approach from my recent course in Florence and feel it really rounded out my skills. Clive and Wendy are a great team, and run the course with skill and patience, keeping a close eye on us as we acquired and practiced new techniques. I would highly recommend it, and the setting, overlooking the North Pennines is amazing"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you for the review. We are really pleased you enjoyed the workshop."

Dorothy Lilico reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"Excellent tuition in a lovely setting. Clive and Wendy are tireless in their support, making sure you are comfortable with your work- very positive. I had no experience at all, but came away with something I feel proud of. I recommend this course wholeheartedly."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Dorothy, Thank you for your review! It was great to see your new bag take shape over the weekend. We are really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop."

Elizabeth Grisdale reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"This course was amazing. I was a complete beginner and achieved a beautiful bag under expert guidance. Wendy and Clive, have such good knowledge and really instil confidence. The spacious work room has a stunning view, and coupled with the peace and tranquility, you come away feeling renewed and rewarded. I can not recommend this course enough, you will learn so many new skills, meet interesting people. The biscuits and coffee are good too."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you for the review. We are really pleased you enjoyed tbe bag workshop."

Sarah reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"I spent a thorougly enjoyable two days making a leather handbag from scratch. This is now going to be my every day bag and I will be using it with pride. The tuition was excellent. Both tutors are very experienced leather workers. We were guided through every aspect of the process of making our bags and using the various tools. Through demonstration, gentle advice and lots of encouragement we all produced a very professional-looking bag. I recommend this course very highly"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you for the review Sarah. Great to know you enjoyed the workshop."