PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE
The Upcycled Tote
Welcome to our free online bag making course! In this course, you will learn how to create a stylish and unique leather tote bag using upcycled materials.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE
Welcome to our free online bag making course! In this course, you will learn how to create a stylish and unique leather tote bag using upcycled materials.
Access to ~2 hours of detailed video instruction across 14 individual lessons – easily viewable on common digital devices. Students should have internet access.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, this course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to upcycle beautiful and functional leather handbags.
Welcome to our free online bag making course! In this course, you will learn how to create a stylish and unique tote bag using upcycled materials.
Whether you are just starting out on your leather crafting journey or are looking to add some new skills to your toolkit, this course is perfect for you.
In this comprehensive video playlist, you will learn everything you need to know to create your own upcycled tote bag from start to finish. From sourcing materials to adding the finishing touches, we will guide you through the entire process.
Not only will you be creating something truly beautiful and one-of-a-kind, but you will also be doing your part to reduce waste and make a positive impact on the environment.
We believe that anyone can be creative, and we are excited to be able to share our love of upcycling with you. We hope that this course will inspire you to discover your own creativity and to explore the endless possibilities of leather crafting.
Once you sign up for the course, you will have access to a streaming link, and you will be able to watch the videos at your pace, as many times as you wish.
During the videos, the teacher will explain and show the techniques in easy to understand English.
New methodologies and terminology will be explained to you so that they are clear and easy to understand even if this is the first time you approach the topic.
My name is Bex, and I am a leather working designer and educator.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design and have been in the fashion industry for about 20 years. I’ve worked in many fashion houses in Europe and the U.K. and really enjoy sharing my knowledge with others. Leather handbags are something I’ve always adored. They’re like mini sculptures in which the leather can be shaped into many different silhouettes and styles. I also have a passion for upcycling and bringing out new beauty in preexisting garments.
To inspire others, I started RJ Leather Studio in 2008, the world’s first membership-based online learning platform where you can master the art of crafting high-end leather handbags on your domestic sewing machine. Our online and in-person courses and community have helped launch over a hundred small fashion businesses, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive in a highly competitive industry.
I absolutely love seeing your creations so please send pictures to me on my socials.
Have fun!
Get inspired to start your bag making journey. Here, you’ll review the course curriculum, including some fundamentals of bag making and upcycling with things you already have around your home.
This lesson will review deconstruction techniques for leather garments and the tools and materials needed to make an upcycled tote bag.
In this lesson, you will learn how to make your pattern and the basic pattern-cutting skills needed to start making your tote bag.
This lesson includes how to pin your pattern together to make the lining for your tote bag and tips for cutting the iron on interfacings.
Here, you will learn how to make and prepare shoulder and crossbody straps to make strong leather handles for your tote bag.
In this lesson, you will learn how to lay out your leather panels and clip them together to prepare your bag for sewing.
This lesson explains the important elements needed for sewing leather and how to get your sewing machine ready to stitch your tote bag.
In this lesson, you will begin sewing your leather pattern pieces together and learn tips for strengthening the seams of your tote bag.
Here, you will learn techniques for preparing and gluing your leather panels to make flat, smooth seams.
In this lesson, you will begin putting your bag together by sewing the main panels, pocket, and long leather handle.
This lesson explains how to place and sew your inner pocket, stitch along the top edge of the bag lining, and prepare the side seam.
In this lesson, you will learn how to attach the leather handles and box off the corners of your bag and lining to create the shape of the base.
This lesson will show you how to bring the inner lining together with the outer leather and sew your final seams.
In this final lesson, you will learn how to adjust the length and attach the long leather strap to finish your upcycled leather tote bag.
Here are some screenshots from lessons in the course.
To complete this course you will need the following:
This course is designed for aspiring designers seeking professional advice from industry experts or for those who are simply looking to develop new techniques for their own enjoyment. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, this course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to upcycle beautiful and functional leather handbags. No previous experience is required.
Once you sign up for the course and are logged in, you will see a menu option appear for this course under “My Courses”. There, you can click to enter the course, view the lessons, and then progress through each one at your own pace.
As a digital item where all assets are delivered instantly, there are generally no returns. We think you’ll find a lot of value in this course and what you can learn from it.
The course is on our responsively-designed platform, so it can be easily viewed and enjoyed on most common digital devices such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices that have an internet connection.
You’ll have instant and continuous access to the course from the day you first sign up.
Sure, you can email me at:
info@rebecca-jane.com
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