Learn the tools. Earn the badge. Make the belt.

This badge class is your gateway to three essential machines in our leather studio: the Tippmann Boss Handstitcher, the leather splitter, and the leather embosser. Whether you’re crafting bags, belts, or custom gear, these tools are foundational to working with leather at Make.

In this class, you’ll get hands-on experience operating each machine safely and effectively. To tie it all together (literally), you’ll complete a leather belt project designed to help you practice and demonstrate your skills with each tool.

Tools & Skills Covered:

• Operating the Tippmann Boss Handstitcher for precise, hand-powered stitching
• Using the leather splitter to achieve consistent thickness
• Customizing leather with patterns and textures on the manual embosser
• Basic leather finishing techniques, including edge work and hardware installation

What You’ll Make:

A finished leather belt—your onboarding project to demonstrate tool proficiency.

Badge Access Granted:

Upon successful completion, you’ll be cleared to use the Tippmann Boss, splitter, and embosser independently during member hours.

Prerequisites:

No prior experience required. This class is open to all makers ready to explore leathercraft.

Your Instructor

Leon Harms