Leathercraft Masterclass Reviews
What people are saying about the video courses.
See the fine leather goods students have proudly created, with the guidance of the Leathercraft Masterclass!
Catherine Vernon
I have just finished my first subscription and will definitely be returning! I just wanted to express my immense gratitude for your exceptional guidance and everything you put into each video.
I am a beginner and was struggling to learn from YouTube. But the moment I joined the Masterclass I became a REAL student with REAL lessons and proper instructions, techniques, skills, explanations and structure.. it is just so awesome.
I was scared to try things before and it has been life changing to have a proper teacher, you have given me confidence to overcome my fears.
I am restructuring my whole life around this craft because I simply can't live without it now. Thank you so much for teaching this incredible skill to people like me.
The top is before I joined the Masterclass. The bottom is after only 2 months in the class. I'm not sure if this is visible to people outside of the class, but if it is and you're thinking about joining, I have to say it is worth every penny.
Philip does an amazing job explaining everything in great detail and I couldn't be happier with the decision to join the Masterclass.
I look forward to the months and years ahead here in the Masterclass.
Jake DeBene
Philip, I have a strong urge to say a big THANK YOU!! I started leathercraft last year (August) and I got way deep into that. There were tons of YouTube videos that got me started. I did almost everything from veg tan, more to the western style. I even tried tooling leather.
I truly absorbed a ton of knowledge and I felt like I know basic principles but just needed to practice.
During the last year I came across your page but I was always hesitant to buy your courses. Over the past few months I realized that I actually don’t know about how actual finesse products are made, what type of leather to use and how they behave (apart from veg tan).
Two weeks ago I told myself I’ll give your course a shot and I am just astonished. My jaw is constantly dropping from all the tips and techniques you explain and how you go deep into the topic and not just provide surface information. You literally opened a whole new world for me and I can't express enough how grateful I am.
Your phenomenal knowledge and experience are just impressive. I wish I could just get out of my work and create and create and create. So again big thank you and please, continue the fantastic and inspirational work you do!
Peter
Wrong Stitch Leather
Yesterday I was finally able to join the Masterclass, I'm very glad I did.
I've already watched the whole 'Rue d' Adventure Jewellery Case' which is what I plan on making soon. Actually, I'm amazed at the level of detail and thought put into the construction of the jewellery case! Makes me happy to see that I can go much much further than what I initially though was possible with leathergoods.
Flavio
@fz.artigosdecouro
Andrea Lohberg
To be honest: I had no hesitations.
The return on investment on the Masterclass is so incredible!
Ramblin Leather Goods
I thought I knew more than I did & didn’t think I would learn a whole lot. However I was wrong. I realized there’s a lot I don’t know. You can only learn so much from watching YouTube videos. I’ve learned something helpful in every video I’ve watched. I made the Turenne Luxury Handbag and now I want to make more!
Noa Greenspan
I'm the creative director of PanAm Leathers.
I studied accessories design in Tel Aviv and in NYC, but I learned more practical tips from the first 20 min of your videos than all the years higher education combined, so thank you!
I’ve been bingeing your courses like they are a new Netflix sitcom! I love them!
Carswell Leather
I bought the [6 month Plan] and have been blown away by the quality and high standard of Philip's teaching, leathercraft and video making skills.
It’s the best money I ever spent!
Elense Leatherworks
Most tutorials or videos on the Internet are leaning more towards rustic/semi-elegant stuff. It's virtually impossible to find someone from the industry that's been successful and is sharing his master knowledge.
Justin Tomlin
There are things covered in every course that can be applied to any number of leather projects.
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Alan James Co
Leathercraft Masterclass is one of the very few places in existence where you will be guided through the 'head spinning' world of leather, and in great detail, learn the craft of making fine leather goods. Philip is the definition of a true craftsman and is doing his part to keep the trade alive!
Fadi /Far Leathergoods
Edge painting is probably my favorite new skill I acquired. Few can get a smooth and consistent edge all around.
There is a simple joy in holding a $600 handbag and seeing that your edge paint is better because someone took the time of teaching you the little tricks of getting it right.
Dwight Alwine
Were the results of the courses going to justify the cost?
I have taken online and facing courses before that were a complete waste of money.
I feel that this was/ is WELL worth the cost!
Daniel Wohlk
Having a teacher that loves his craft and strives to make things perfect. It elevated my skills so much!
My products are MUCH prettier than before I started on the Leathercraft Masterclass.
Fadi
Far Leathergoods
Q. What problems you were having with your leathercraft?
A. I had a somewhat narrow view/experience/understanding of leathercraft. I was solely focused on producing "rugged" products, which do not require many skills.
Q. How did it feel as you tried to solve your problems but couldn't find the answers you needed?
A. In light of the number of videos available of people "teaching" leathercraft, it was simply incomprehensible why there were no answers to my questions. And then I realised that the videos were just people with about the same level skills as myself, teaching just what they know: the basics. Just hobbyists teaching their hobby.
Q. Please give an example of a skill you have learnt from the courses. How did it feel to get it right?
A. Edge painting is probably my favorite new skill I acquired. Everyone can edge paint, but few can get a smooth and consistent edge all around.
There is a simple joy in holding a 600$ handbag your wife just bought and seeing that you edge paint better than they do because someone took the time of teaching you the little tricks of getting it right.
Martin
Carswell Leather
Q. How did it feel as you tried to solve your problems but couldn't find the answers you needed?
A. Frustrating and a little bit lost as I had so many different opinions from people on the Internet, particularly regarding edge paint finishing.
Q. What were your hesitations (if you had any) before purchasing the Masterclass? How do you feel about those hesitations now?
A. I thought it was expensive at first, but, as this is my business, I can’t spare any expense if I gain some knowledge. So I bought the subscription and have been blown away by the quality and high standard of Philips teaching, leathercraft and video making skills.
It’s the best money I ever spent on anything related to leather. Knowledge is better than any tool you can buy.
Q. Please give an example of a skill you have learnt from the courses. How did it feel to get it right?
A. The watch strap tutorial was fantastic, and I’ve been buying up all sorts of little things to make my watch straps easier and to the same high standard.
Radoslaw
Elense Leathergoods
Q. What were the problems you were having with your leathercraft?
A. Finding information about FINE leather goods is tricky, most tutorials or videos on the Internet are leaning more towards rustic/semi-elegant stuff. It's virtually impossible to find someone from the industry that's been successful and is sharing his master knowledge.
Q. How did it feel as you tried to solve your problems but couldn't find the answers you needed?
A. Frustrating obviously, and demotivated as well. I stuck to simpler leather goods.
Q. What projects has the Masterclass given you the confidence to create that you may not have had the confidence or knowledge to do before?
A. Box making definitely. It really helped me to make things that give me a ton of satisfaction. Also, In one of your podcasts you advised someone with words: "Find you niche". I feel like learning how to make boxes on your courses, plus having a great passion for highly structured leathercraft, is really my niche.
Amelia
Colectivo Leather
''Feeling more confident'' - Workshop Training
Philip has an incredible knowledge in all aspects of leather, processes as well as traditional and modern techniques.
I’ve been working with leather for 2.5 years now and felt I needed to get some professional teaching to help me progress.
I found Philip to be a brilliant teacher, he is very friendly and has a good sense of humour. He made me feel very welcome and I felt at ease straight away.
He’s happy to give you tips and encouragement, leaving you feeling more confident.
His personal work is luxury leather goods and is of a very high standard!
He’s very dedicated to his craft and is happy to share his knowledge and experience with you.
Thank you for the cracking service Philip! I hope to be back again in the future.
Paul Porter
Maker
Q. What were the problems you were having with your leathercraft?
A. I was a beginner, I had 4 days with Nigel Armitage one to one, and was looking to improve, especially in fine work and different techniques. I also still subscribe to Nigel's Vimeo channel.
Q. How did it feel as you tried to solve your problems but couldn't find the answers you needed?
A. I hadn't made any items on my own before subscribing to the channel, but I wanted to find the best and correct ways to do things. This channel, gave me new insights i.e stitching into corners. Most stuff on YouTube is very amateur and a bit rough and ready. I wanted to find how things are done properly. As I was a complete beginner, I thought it was better to start with good habits.
Q. What projects has the Masterclass given you the confidence to create that you may not have had the confidence or knowledge to do before?
A. Stitching into corners. I now start planning a job, by working out sizes depending on how corners will work etc. Takes me a while to work it out on computer, but makes the rest of the process easier and looks more professional.
Andrea Lohberg
Maker
Q. What were the problems you were having with your leathercraft?
A. Edge creasing and painting, planning projects correctly, correctly sharpening knives, all the little hidden finesses to make a work looking delicate.
Q. Please give an example of a skill you have learnt from the courses that has helped you to understand a challenging technique. How did it feel to get it right?
A. The most important skill I've learned is not to rush things and doing anything on a rampage. To make quite perfect or perfect work needs time and practice. I've learnt that practice should not start on an item on the workbench.
Q. What were your hesitations (if you had any) before purchasing the Masterclass?
A. To be honest: I had no hesitations. The return on investing on the Masterclass is so incredible. I really hope to get to a professional level sometime.
Justin Tomlin
Maker
Q. What were the problems you were having with your leathercraft?
I was having trouble finding some of the finer details of leather craft. Techniques such as getting the proper angles on stitching.
Q. How did it feel as you tried to solve your problems but couldn't find the answers you needed?
A. Before joining, I searched the Internet and YouTube for answers. Let's just say, the Internet is mostly wrong or misleading. I would find 10 different answers to 10 different problems.
Your tutorials simplify things the way they're supposed to be.
Q. What were your hesitations (if you had any) before purchasing the Masterclass?
A. Honestly, at first it was the purchase options. I was hesitant to commit to the 6 month price point. I kind of laugh about it now that I know how priceless your courses are as you really go above and beyond what I expected.
There are things covered in every course that can be applied to any number of leather projects.
Stephen O'Hare
Maker
Q. What were the problems you were having with your leathercraft?
A. 1. Edge painting thin leather
2. Installing zips
3. Cutting curves in thicker leather.
4. Understanding types and uses of different leathers.
5. Identifying high quality suppliers especially for hardware.
6. Corner stitching.
Q. Please give an example of a skill you have learnt from the courses. How did it feel to get it right?
A. Much better at edge painting now!
How to construct projects and the order of things has been a big learning point. Satisfying to get that clear in my head.
Q. What projects has the Masterclass given you the confidence to create that you may not have had the confidence or knowledge to do before?
A. More luxurious items in general- lined belt, thin lined wallet. All round higher quality finish.
Delphine Controle
Maker
Q. What were the problems you were having with your leathercraft?
A. I’m a young leathercrafter since I’m beginning. So even if I took one entire year learning leathercraft, I had to go on, to practice and still learn.
Q. How did it feel as you tried to solve your problems but couldn't find the answers you needed?
A. It was a big frustration since I had a lot of ideas but didn’t remember where to begin, how to do some things.
Q. Please give an example of a skill you have learnt from the courses that has helped you. How did it feel to get it right?
A. My favorite and more helping course is Technique Of The Edge. (Pts 1&2) My edges weren’t as nice as they should be, but with your course and all the tips, I could begin to do beautiful work, and be proud of myself.
Daniel
Daniel Woehlk
Q. What were the problems you were having with your leathercraft?
A. Sewing, I wanted to know how to make it perfect. YouTube videos did not help me understand why, only how.
Super frustrating. some problems I have Googled for hours on end.
Q. Please give an example of a skill you have learnt from the courses that has helped you to understand a challenging technique. How did it feel to get it right?
A. The watch strap video was really good! (The Making Of Luxury Watch Straps).
Q. What projects has the Masterclass given you the confidence to create that you may not have had the confidence or knowledge to do before?
A. Having a teacher that loves his craft and strives to make things perfect. It elevated my skills so much!.
My products are MUCH prettier than when I started on the Leathercraft Masterclass.
Dwight Alwine
Maker
Q. What were the problems you were having with your leathercraft?
A. 1.The backside of stitching looked horrible
2. Proper use of saddlers clam and awl
3. Getting very sharp tools
4. Skiving
Q. What were your hesitations (if you had any) before purchasing the Masterclass?
A. Were the results of the courses going to justify the cost? I have taken online and facing courses before that were a complete waste of money.
I feel that this was/is WELL worth the cost!
Q. What projects has the Masterclass given you the confidence to create that you may not have had the confidence or knowledge to do before?
A. Just about everything I do in leather craft. My skills have really improved tremendously.
Greg Cox
Maker
Q. What were the problems you were having with your leathercraft?
Still at the beginner stage, only made about 12 items. I needed a complete walk through the whole process. Some of the YouTube films were o.k but not in depth.
Q. Please give an example of a skill you have learnt from the courses that has helped you to understand a challenging technique. How did it feel to get it right?
A. With your class I finally managed to get the saddle stitch.
Q. What projects has the Masterclass given you the confidence to create that you may not have had the confidence or knowledge to do before?
A. With more experience I will be able to do fine detailed work like a watch strap.
Ben
CURU Leather
"Great video content" - Online Courses
I recently subscribed to his online lessons as I am interested in making my own high end leather goods.
So far I have only gone through the techniques in edge finishing class part 1 and already I can see a huge difference in the quality and finish of my work.
Philip's videos have great content, are well made, well shot and have excellent audio quality.
Philip himself is an excellent teacher who takes the time to explain the various techniques in a clear well thought out manner.
I would highly recommend the courses to anyone who wishes to improve their leathercraft.
Esme Klopper
Maker
''I felt inspired" - Workshop Training
I love the feel and smell of leather but knew nothing about leather craft so I asked Philip to teach me the basics.
I was really worried that I will be totally overwhelmed by it all but Philip was very professional and relaxed which set me at ease and enabled me to enjoy and take in every bit of information.
After the session I felt inspired.
I can really recommend Philip as a teacher no matter what level you are, thanks again for all your patience and an inspiring day.
Candice Johnson
Maker
''I felt relaxed straightaway" - Workshop Training
I spent the day with Philip learning about leather work. I was welcomed from the start and felt relaxed straight away.
Philip's work is truly amazing, he is a perfectionist at what he does.
He is a very good teacher, I knew nothing about leather before I came to Philip, now I know everything I need to know and have the skills to make wonderful things.
He is a great guy, easy going and knows his stuff!! I would highly recommend Philip if you wish to learn anything to do with leather work. Thank you again