Jürgen Volbach

Rozet – Lokaal 4.11

Wednesday-Thursday 21.10 – 22.10 09.00 – 18.00

Intermediate

Workshop Description: In this workshop, you will create a 2-part work with a 3D modeled skull in the first layer and a frame in the Acanthus style in the second layer. Different techniques, from embossing to filigree and detailed tooling will be taught, as well as modeling and wet-shaping the Acanthus leaves. This is a beautiful workshop to level-up your skills!

Materials to bring: Graphite mechanical pencil 05 B, soft eraser, plastic ruler, water bowl and sponge, headlamp and/or magnifier, cutting board, tooling stone, mallet, bone folder, swivel knife, strop, steep beveler (different sizes), veiner, camouflage, pear shader, thumbprints (different sizes, checkered or smooth), modeling spoons and ball-end modelers (different sizes), scalpel with medical blades, and a fine artist’s spatula.

Workshop Instructor: Jürgen Volbach is a leatherworker from Cologne, Germany, who had his first lessons 30 years ago with the famous boot and saddle maker, Don Atkinson in Kerrville/Ingram, Texas. He worked with leather every day, making leather designs and toolings and carvings for clients using old and new leather skills. In recent years, he has used modeling tools more and more in his leatherwork, especially with 3-dimensional pieces. Jürgen teaches many workshops in his work space in Cologne and other countries/towns to teach students the different techniques. He is the 2020 recipient of the Al Stohlman Award for Achievement in Leathercraft. Jürgen speaks German and English.

Workshop Sponsors: Hermann Oak Leather Co., The Fiebing Company, and Renia GmbH

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, 9 October, 2026.

Rozet – Lokaal 3.16

Wednesday 21.10. 09.00 – 12.00

Beginner

Workshop Description: Dive into the world of leather with this informative and practical workshop. This workshop will guide you through the art of analyzing and identifying various leather types and tanning methods. Through visual inspection and practical exercises, you will learn how to recognize key characteristics, understand the impact of tanning processes on durability and texture, and appreciate the unique qualities of each leather type. This workshop offers insights to elevate your knowledge and skills in leather recognition, helping you make informed decisions when selecting leather for your various projects. No hands-on activities required—just a curious mind and a desire to learn!

Materials to bring: Note taking materials and a magnifier (10x).

Workshop Instructor: Danielle Roossien has always been fascinated by leather. In 2010, she discovered the wonderful world of leather crafting and started working with leather, jumping in with “both feet”. She travels quite a bit, giving demonstrations about the art of leather crafting, while also teaching and administering a year-long course for students of leatherwork. Danielle has been instrumental in organizing the ELWATS show in her home country with the Leather Crafter’s Journal. Daniëlle is currently exploring and working on future plans as Robert Beard’s protogé at Pro Series Tools. www.proseriesleathertools.com; danielle@proseriesleathertools.com; info@danielleroossien.nl. Danielle speaks Dutch, English, and German.

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, 9 October, 2026.

Eamonn Townsend

Rozet – Lokaal 3.07

Saturday 24.10. 09.00 – 17.00

Beginner

Workshop Description: Make a multi-use pouch that can be attached to your belt or have a cross-body strap attached. It’s just big enough to hold a few essentials when you’re out and about or to hold a few small items when you’re in the garden. Someone I know uses this pouch when cleaning the children’s toy room – to hold those little pieces of Lego to prevent stepping on them!

Materials to bring: A sharp knife.

Workshop Instructor: Eamonn Townsend spent over 40 years in the I.T. industry, then sought a fulfilling activity for retirement. With a long-standing interest in leatherwork, he took an introductory course in the UK to learn the essential skills and has since been practicing the craft. Regular participation in ELWATS since 2019 has broadened his techniques and experience. Committed to lifelong learning through both practice and talking to the craft experts. Eamonn will present his workshop in English.

Workshop Sponsors: Renia GmbH

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, 9 October, 2026.

Rozet – Lokaal 3.05

Wednesday 21.10. 09.00 – 18.00

Advanced

Workshop Description: In this workshop, participants will create an 8-strand herringbone braided leather bracelet while learning key braiding techniques. The class focuses on the structure and sequence of the herringbone braid, helping participants understand how to manage multiple strands and maintain consistency throughout the process. Two additional braiding variations will be practiced using a single strand to cover specific areas of the bracelet, such as the closure button, and to manage transitions where strands are added, reduced, or where the braid changes from one pattern to another. This workshop is designed to build confidence in complex braiding, while completing a clean and well-finished bracelet.

Materials to bring: Lacing fid, rolling sticks (https://leatherartisanlab.com/product/gfeller-button-rolling-sticks/) or similar, and a bowl for water and sponge.

Workshop Instructor: Isaac started with leather as a hobbyist around 1994. He studied at the Arts and Crafts Leather School in Cordoba (Spain) and Loewe´s Leather Design, receiving a Master’s Degree. He has been a full-time leather worker since 2003. Since 2018, he’s been sharing his knowledge, offering classes in different countries. In 2020, he started his business, Leather Artisan Lab, selling carefully selected premium leather tools. Isaac speaks Spanish and English.

Workshop Sponsors: The Fiebing Company, Duffs Leathercare, and Bee Natural Leathercare

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, 9 October, 2026.

Rozet – Lokaal 3.05

Saturday 24.10. 09.00 – 17.00

All skill levels welcome!

Workshop Description: In this workshop, you will learn how to make a small purse with a geometric pattern of your choice. This project will introduce you to useful skills like buck stitching, setting snaps and rivets by hand, and installing a bag clasp. You will go home with a cute purse, the pattern for the purse, and the knowledge to make more. If you don’t have all the tools, Gesa will have some to loan.

Materials to bring: Pencil, short ruler, tracing stylus, wing divider, your favorite geometric stamping tool and matching border stamp, stamping stone, cutting board, swivel knife, maul/mallet, water spray bottle or sponge and water dish, edger no.1 or 0 , and a sharp knife.

Workshop Instructor: Gesa Thiessen found her love for leathercraft while making model horse tack during her teen years. Her love of horses and leathercraft let her start a three-year apprenticeship at Passier & Sohn, a traditional German saddlery, where she is still employed. During her apprenticeship, she met other young saddle makers and was introduced to leather carving, which started her passion for any kind of artistic leatherwork. Gesa speaks German and English.

Workshop Sponsors: The Fiebing Company

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, 9 October, 2026.

Rozet – Lokaal 3.09

Saturday 24.10. 14.00 – 16.00

Beginner

Workshop Description: This workshop begins with an introduction to Olivenleder’s revolutionary tanning agent, made from organic olive leaves. You will actually get to taste the tanning agent and compare that to olive oil as well! We will then proceed to carve and stamp/tool some vegetable tanned leather coasters made with Olivenleder’s tanning agent, carving the “Jesse” motif. The motif comes from an inspiring story of Mike and Thomas’ journey through South Dakota, USA, after the Sheridan show in 2025. All participants will leave with their coaster and a souvenir of their experience.

Materials to bring: Small stamping stone, mallet, basic carving/stamping tools (swivel knife, pebble backgrounder, mulesfoot, thumbprint, flower center, smooth bevelers – all stamping tools small in size), water and sponge/water spray bottle. Optional: If you would like to add color to your leather, please bring along any antique, dyes, or colors of your choosing. Some basic tools will be on hand as well.

Workshop Instructor: Thomas Lamparter is a Managing Partner of Olivenleder by wet-green GmbH and co-owner of Richard‘s Boots. Thomas comes from a family that has been in the tanning trade for ten generations. He grew up around leather — his grandfather and father ran a Chevreau tannery in Germany. He studied Leather and Shoe Technology in Pirmasens and holds an MBA from SIBE Berlin. His career spans the automotive leather value chain, including roles at Eagle Ottawa, Mercedes-AMG, and Bader Leather. In 2014, he joined wet-green GmbH as Head of Sales and became Managing Partner in 2024 following Silvateam’s acquisition. wet-green developed Olivenleder® — a patented tanning technology based on olive cultivation by-products, now used across fashion, accessories, automotive, upholstery, and for shoes.

Mike Rubinovitz is a 7th-generation leather professional with global experience across tanneries, footwear, and leather goods. He is a leading advocate for natural and vegetable-tanned leather and promotes Olivenleder as a next-generation solution. Based in the Netherlands, Mike supports tanneries and maker communities in transitioning toward more sustainable leather production.

Workshop Sponsors: Olivenleder and Hab-To Leather House

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, 9 October, 2026.

Kathy Flanagan

Rozet – Lokaal 3.14

Wednesday-Thursday 21.10 – 22.10 09.00 – 18.00

All skill levels welcome!

Workshop Description: This class is more about painting in black and white than it is about the leopard itself. Kathy found the photo on a free site and saw a great opportunity. Painting in black and white allows the artist to concentrate on the contrast, ignoring all the efforts of producing the correct colors. Find out how deep, deliberate tooling is vital to the method of adding paint. Walk away with a frameable piece of art, 8” x 10” in size. The clouded leopard is embossed.

Materials to bring: Tooling stone, mallet, stylus, modeling spoon, swivel knife, matting tools (smooth and checkered), small steep beveler (smooth), bevelers, pear shaders (smooth, large), ball modelers, texture tool for background, paint brushes (1-inch flat, various sizes of round, a stiff brush for dry brushing), and a fine felt tip pen.

Workshop Instructor: When she was very young, Kathy started her leathercraft career as a 4-H project, not knowing what it would lead to many years later. She has become the recipient of prestigious awards, such as the coveted Al Stohlman Award and Master Leather Artisan of the Year from the Academy of Western Artists. Figure carving has become her primary focus, and she is determined to share everything she has learned. Kathy will teach in English.

Workshop Sponsors: Hermann Oak Leather Co., Renia GmbH, Silver Creek Leather/Realeather

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, 9 October, 2026.

Rozet – Lokaal 3.16

Wednesday 21.10. 14.00 – 18.00

All skill levels welcome!

Workshop Description: Ready to turn your ideas into reality? Join Danielle for an exciting, hands-on journey into the world of bag design and pattern-making. You’ll go home with your own custom-designed bag and a deeper understanding of pattern-making. We’ll explore the balance between creativity and practicality, guiding you through the process of turning sketches into functional, well-structured designs. You’ll learn how to think critically about measurements, proportions, and the structural elements that make a bag both stylish and functional. Along the way we’ll make decisions about techniques and materials to finally create a precise, functional pattern that will give you confidence to construct your project. No prior experience needed – just bring your imagination and let’s make something special together.

Materials to bring: Inspiration pictures/sketches, cutting mat, scissors/knife, set square, ruler, circle ruler if you have one, sticky tape, stapler, and note taking materials.

Workshop Instructor: Danielle Roossien has always been fascinated by leather. In 2010, she discovered the wonderful world of leather crafting and started working with leather, jumping in with “both feet”. She travels quite a bit, giving demonstrations about the art of leather crafting, while also teaching and administering a year-long course for students of leatherwork. Danielle has been instrumental in organizing the ELWATS show in her home country with the Leather Crafter’s Journal. Daniëlle is currently exploring and working on future plans as Robert Beard’s protogé at Pro Series Tools. www.proseriesleathertools.com; danielle@proseriesleathertools.com; info@danielleroossien.nl. Danielle speaks Dutch, English, and German.

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, 9 October, 2026.

Ralf Meisel

Rozet – Lokaal 3.09

Friday 23.10. 09.00 – 15.00

Beginner

Workshop Description: In this hands-on beginner workshop, you’ll learn how to bring tooled leather designs to life with color. We’ll explore essential dyeing techniques: even and multicolor dyeing, highlighting reliefs, using antique pastes, acrylic painting for accents, and blocking colors for layered effects. You’ll also learn how to finish and protect your work. You will practice on various tooled leather pieces, such as coasters, using the techniques step-by-step. Plenty of material is provided for experimenting, and all pieces can be taken home. The small number of participants allows for intensive support and working at your own pace. You are also welcome to bring your own leather projects – we’ll discuss them together and develop ideas for coloring. The techniques presented aren’t just for traditional floral patterns – they work with any style. This course provides a solid foundation you can build on for years to come. Let color and structure work together – and discover your personal expression in leathercraft.

Materials to bring: Bring whatever helps you take notes – and a few helpful extras: Notebook or sketchbook, pens, markers, or pencils, brushes (sizes 0–3, for detail work with acrylics – if you prefer to use your own), cleaning cloths and paper towels, and a water container for rinsing brushes. Optional: smartphone or tablet for taking photos. All other materials – including dyes, antique pastes, finishes, cleaners, and a selection of brushes – will be fully provided. You’ll have everything you need to explore and experiment with all techniques during the workshop. These items will help you stay organized and make the most of your workshop experience – both creatively and practically.

Workshop Instructor: Ralf Meisel, also known as Rabom, is a leather artist, author, teacher, and the creative mind behind Rabomslederkiste.de. For more than fifteen years, he has passionately dedicated himself to leatherworking. His goal is to inspire people for this traditional craft. On his website and YouTube channel, he shares numerous videos about techniques, tools, and creative ideas—reaching a steadily growing community of viewers, subscribers, and readers. In his courses and workshops, Ralf places great emphasis on intensive, personalized guidance and encourages thinking out of the box—creative, unconventional, and full of heart. With him, traditional craftsmanship meets fresh inspiration. Ralf speaks German and English.

Workshop Sponsors: Hermann Oak Leather Co. and The Fiebing Company

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, 9 October, 2026.

Rozet – Lokaal 3.07

Thursday 22.10. 09.00 – 18.00

All skill levels welcome!

Workshop Description: Come and build a cell phone case with Steffen that will include some fancy floral carving. Learn how to size and mold the leather to encase and your style of phone and secure it properly. You’ll get the opportunity to use a powerful leather sewing machine to stitch the case, and finish it off with some beautiful antique that will really highlight your tooling and give the piece movement and depth.

Materials to bring: Your preferred cutting knife, cutting board, edge beveler, wing dividers, carving tools, swivel knife, maul, tracing paper, pencil, ball-end modeler, bone folder, piece of sheep wool, piece of canvas for edge polishing, sponge, and a stamping stone.

Workshop Instructor: Steffen Wuertz completed his saddle maker’s education in 2001. Since that time, he has operated his own saddle shop in southern Germany. In addition to building western saddles and making tack, Steffen is no stranger to many types of saddle repairs, which has helped to further develop his skills as a leather worker and saddle maker. Steffen speaks German and English.

Workshop Sponsors: Frank Brunnet GmbH

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, 9 October, 2026.