GDH Leatherwork Courses 2025 – In-person and Online
Welcome to GDH, Pembrokeshire’s original leatherwork course provider. Since May 2025 we have changed the way we work; our leatherwork tuition is now only delivered on a 1-to-1 basis for in-person students. We offer either half, or full days.
We also offer online small-group tuition via live, tutor-present courses. We’re making updates to our website which will reflect these changes so please bear with us. In the meantime, you can learn more about how our tuition is delivered by visiting the About page.
But if you’re really keen to get started, you can still learn leatherwork by working through our popular beginner’s leatherwork magazine series, Waxing the Thread. Available in print, the magazines are informative and absorbing workbench companions filled with step-by-step projects, patterns and how to’s to get you started.
Learn Traditional Leatherwork Skills
Beginner’s Guide to Leatherwork – Live Online
If you’re thinking about taking up leatherwork then this short course is for you! When attending this online, introductory course you can be assured of professional advice to ensure that you get started on a professional footing… Find out more
Basic Tool Sharpening – Live Online
Learning to sharpen and maintain your leather-working tools is a valuable skill. Keeping your Shoemaker’s cutting knife sharp will ensure that you have cleaner edges to your projects; the Paring or skiving knife will always be ready to neatly skive the leather and the harness awl will need little more than a quick polish if maintained properly. Find out more
Publications
Waxing the Thread – Issue 10
Issue 10 of Waxing The Thread has 36 pages of leatherwork articles, tips, how to’s and easy-to-follow projects, patterns, techniques and leatherwork related articles to help you develop your skills… so, plenty of helpful information for beginners. This, the final issue of WTT, also includes a helpful guide, Where to Find it; Contents of WTT Issues 1-9
Waxing the Thread – Issue 9
Issue #9 of Waxing The Thread has 36 pages of leatherwork articles, tips, how to’s and easy-to-follow step-by-step Projects. This issue has a hobby theme and there are useful patterns for gardening tool covers as well as a storage tube and a very handy Ditty Bag. The made-to-measure binocular case is slightly challenging but we think you’ll enjoy it all the same. We’ve included step-by-step guides for butt and baseball stitch and have dedicated a page to those who are considering buying a sewing machine. There’s also some useful advice when starting a new design and we hope you’ll enjoy the Interview With… Williams Handmade who makes beautiful leather boxes. Finally, take a minute to look at the Readers’ Workbench page and stop a while to ponder the questions in this issue’s quiz.
Waxing the Thread – Issue 8
Issue #8 of Waxing The Thread has 36 pages of leatherwork articles, tips, how to’s and easy-to-follow step-by-step Projects all focused entirely around the topic of traditional hand-stitched leatherwork. There are patterns too, including one for a watch strap – an ideal gift! There’s also a step-by-step guide for making your own strop plus other helpful information for those still learning the craft. This issue introduces the beginner to dyeing leather and there are ’Tips from the Dye Bench’ to get you started. For those keen on photography, you’ll be pleased to see that Project 2 is a Camera Bag, plus we’ve included a pattern for a leather camera strap – another perfect gift! We hope you’ll enjoy the Interview With… Identity Leather Craft as much as we did and hope you’ll enjoy reading about some of our favourite, vintage, leather-working books. And finally, when you’ve worked through some of the Projects or Patterns in issue #8 we’re crossing fingers that you’ll send us some pics of your work.
Waxing the Thread – Issue 7
Issue #7 of Waxing The Thread has 36 pages of leatherwork articles, tips, how to’s and easy-to-follow step-by-step Projects all centred of course, around the topic of traditional hand-stitched leatherwork. There are Pattern Pages too, plus a useful ‘Stitch Marker’ tool guide and other helpful information for beginners of the craft. This issue introduces the concept of wet-moulding leather, making basic formers, and offers help with Back and Cross stitch in order for you to complete the projects within. For more accomplished leather-workers there are interviews; the first, with shoemaker Ruth-Emily Davey and the second with a well known leatherworker – and author – Nigel Armitage. We hope you’ll also enjoy the fascinating article about traditional leather-covered coracles. When you’ve read through #7 turn to the popular Just For Fun page and have a go at the crossword competition …good luck!
Waxing the Thread – Issue 6
Issue 6 of Waxing The Thread has 40 pages of leatherwork articles, tips, how to’s and easy-to-follow step-by-step Projects. There are Pattern Pages too, plus a helpful ‘channel’ tool guide and other leatherwork related info’ for beginners. This issue also introduces a new skill; fitting a zip, offers advice on edge finishing, what to do with surplus leather, and if you’re not too busy with all of that, there’s also a few double-page features and finally, the popular Just For Fun page!
Waxing the Thread – Issue 5
Issue 5 of Waxing The Thread has 36 pages of leatherwork articles, tips, how to’s and easy-to-follow projects and patterns. With plenty of helpful information for beginners, this issue also introduces a new skill and offers advice on pattern making and tool maintenance.
Waxing the Thread – Issue 4
The fourth issue of Waxing The Thread. A UK leatherwork magazine for hobbyists of the craft. 40 pages filled with easy-to-follow projects, patterns, tips, techniques and leatherwork related articles, there’s plenty inside to help you develop your skills…
Waxing the Thread – Issue 3
The third issue of Waxing The Thread. A UK leatherwork magazine for hobbyists of the craft. 36 pages filled with easy-to-follow projects, patterns, tips, techniques and leatherwork related articles, there’s plenty inside to help you develop your skills…
Waxing the Thread – Issues 1 & 2 Combined
‘Waxing the Thread (WTT)’ is an independent UK magazine for hobbyists of traditional leatherwork. It is a practical, workshop magazine filled with easy-to-follow projects, patterns, tips, techniques and leatherwork related articles and features. The first two issues have been combined to create this 60 page magazine where, inside its pages, you’ll find plenty to help you develop your leather-working skills…. Buy Now
Waxing the Thread – Issue 1
‘Waxing the Thread’ is a practical workshop magazine for hobbyists of traditional leatherwork. The first project in issue 1 is aimed at complete novices as well as those who’d like a ‘reminder’ of basic techniques. Follow the simple step-by-step guide and colour photos as you work through the project. You’ll also find an essential introduction to pattern making as part of Project 1, plus a follow-on project which will reinforce your new pattern making and leatherwork skills…. Buy Now