Here you’ll review the structure of the program, how to submit progress to Jim for review, and what happens step-by step along the way.

Download printable PDF patterns, templates, and guides that will be used throughout the lessons.

The swivel knife has been one of most challenging leather tools for many generations of leather workers. This leather class module teaches you basic techniques that, once learned, can help you overcome most of these challenges and become good using it. Jim Linnell teaches the secrets that lead to mastering the swivel knife.

You’ll walk through different styles of swivel knives, how to make your swivel knife work better, habits that can improve the effectiveness of your carving, and practice tips to continue to develop your skillset.

The Camouflage and Pear Shading tools are essential for carving with realistic results. Here, Jim Linnell thoroughly explains how these tools can add color and dimension to your leather carving, and how to get the best results from these tools to enhance the aesthetic of your work.

Beveling is one of the most important stamping steps in the creation of three dimensional leather stamped items. It helps provide the depth and angles of the pieces creating compelling and realistic pieces. Jim Linnell will review the basics of how to bevel correctly, share tips on how to get the best results, and walk through the different types and functions of popular beveling tools.

The veiner tool adds flow and depth to a floral carving, really bringing it to life. Along with the stop, mules foot, and seeder tools, these core stamps are essential to creating beautiful pieces. Jim Linnell shows traditional, as well as new and innovative ways to use floral stamping tools to add dimension and texture to leather floral carving. He shares tips and tricks for getting the best results with these stamping tools, to add life, vibrancy, and realism to your floral designs.

The backgrounding step in tooling any design is what elevates your carving from seemingly 2D to 3D. Just like lighting impacts photography, backgrounding and shading makes your carving stand out and appear more lifelike and realistic.

Jim Linnell covers a wide variety of techniques on how to do this creatively, and effectively. Bar Grounders, Pebble Grounders, Birdseye Grounders, Matting Textures, Seeders, and Filigree are just a few of the techniques covered in this class that is sure to be exciting and eye-opening.

For many, the leather dyeing process seems like a magical mix of alchemy and sorcery, where luck plays a major role in how it all turns out. In my 39 years working in the corporate leather world, I’ve probably answered more questions about why customer’s dye, finish, antique, coloring, etc. didn’t turn out right more than any other topic.
So in this leather class module, I’ll reveal the truth behind the magic, and demonstrate proven techniques that will work really well for your dyeing and finishing. We’ll go through the tools, methods, and examples so you can see it first-hand.

This leather class module will start to combine the skills you have developed in the previous ones, and we’ll make a notebook case cover project. In this Part 1, we’ll apply the carving techniques we’ve learned to create a Texas Style pattern.

It will be a really nice experience to see things coming together, and to see your skills becoming more second-nature.

We will apply dyeing and finishing techniques we learned, and give vibrancy and character to our Texas Style notebook cover. We will then assemble the project with step-by-step guidance, resulting in an incredible finished piece.
This will also be the final project in the program, and upon successful completion, you’ll earn your certification.

Here you have earned your certification, the result of exciting learning and progress! Time go go celebrate! 🙂