Question: How long is the course

Answer: We aim for 2 hours but if it takes a little longer that is not a problem

Question: Do I need any previous leatherworking experience?

Answer: No, the course is aimed at complete beginners and we will guide you through the whole process

Question: What is included in the course fee?

Answer: We provide all tools and materials as well as a drinks if required

Question: Will I take my belt home on the day?

Answer: Yes, we will take you thought the whole process from start to finish and you will leave with a finished belt

Question: What tools and materials are provided?

Answer: We provided everything needed for the course including the tools, leather and buckles

Question: What should I wear?

Answer: Comfortable clothing that you are happy to get dirty, although this is an indoor course we will using some dyes so there is always a risk if you leaving multi coloured

Question: Is the workshop suitable for beginners?

Answer: Yes, you need no experience of leather working for this course

Question: Is there an age limit?

Answer: No although anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

Question: Are refreshments available?

Answer: We provide tea, coffee of cold drinks only

Question: Where is the workshop located?

Answer: Unlike our woodland courses this course is run in our dedicated leather workshop in Fareham

Question: Is there parking on site?

Answer: Parking is available on site by arrangement

Question: What leather will I use?

Answer: We will be using bridal leather for this course

Question: Can I choose the buckle?

Answer: Yes, although we have a limited range available if you wish to use a custom buckle this can be arranged

Question: Is there Disabled access to your workshop?

Answer: Unfortunately due to the lay of the land our Workshop is not wheelchair accessible but don't worry as we are working with our friends at the Makers House Fareham so accessible courses are still available.

Question: Where do you run your courses?

Answer: All of our woodland based courses are run in our own piece of ancient woodland , nr the village of Clanfield in Hampshire close to the A3 and A272.

Question: Is food provided?

Answer: No, we do not provide food; however, tea and coffee are available throughout the day.

Question: Are your courses beginner friendly?

Answer: Yes, all our courses are beginner friendly, we aim to tailor our course to the person joining us to make it a truly unique experience

Question: Do I need previous experience?

Answer: No, we always aim to teach from the ground up, so no previous experience is needed on any of our courses

Question: Are the courses suitable for older attendees?

yes, we aim to carter for all ages. Some of our more physical course may require some adaptation but with notice this can be catered for. While we try and make access for all possible this has to be tempered with the natural state of the woodland so it may not be ideal for manual wheelchairs or mobility scooters. We can arrange disable accessible course space for our leather work courses by prior arrangement.

Question: Can teenagers attend?

Answer: Yes, although those under 18 require an adult to attend for insurance and safeguarding purposes

Question: What happens if it rains?

Answer: While we try to carry on as much as possible sadly sometimes rain and wind do stop play for safety reasons, because our woodland causes are run in the great outdoors the weather can affect how and if we are able to run, gale force winds and trees are not a good combination, if we have to postpone a course we will try and give as much notice as possible and arrange an alternative date.

Question: Can I buy gift vouchers?

Answer: Yes, we regularly send out gift vouchers to participants where a relative wishes to give a gift. Please use our contact us page to ask for more details.

Question: Is there parking on site?

Answer: yes, generally park course attendees in an area just of the road as access to our work and training area is by 4x4 only. For our leather work course over road parking is available

Question: Can I take photos during the course?

Answer: yes, we encourage our participants to take photo’s and share the love on social media, the only time this may change is if there are safeguarding issues with under 18’s present.

Question: Are tools and materials included?

Answer: Yes, we provide all tools and materials for our courses although if you have you own tools you are welcome to bring them along.

Question: Where can I stay?

Answer: There are a good number of local hotels and b and b’s in the area for which we can give you detail on application.

Question: What should I wear?

Answer: Please wear sturdy outdoor clothing suitable for the weather and strong footwear. Avoid loose clothing, jewellery, or anything that could become caught in machinery.

Make a belt course - Traditional Leather Belt Making Course

Make a belt course

Traditional Leather Belt Making Course

Join us in our purpose-built workshop and discover the traditional craft of leatherworking by making your own handcrafted leather belt.

This hands-on course is the perfect introduction to working with leather, giving you the opportunity to learn practical skills while creating a durable, high-quality belt to take home. Whether for everyday wear or as a unique handmade gift, you’ll leave with a finished product you can be proud of.

Guided throughout by the Three Copse team, you will learn:

Basic leatherworking tool safety and correct workshop practice
How to measure, mark out and cut a belt accurately
Traditional saddle stitching techniques
How to edge, finish and fit your belt hardware
Tips and techniques for achieving a professional finish

At around two hours long, this is one of our shorter courses, making it ideal for complete beginners or anyone looking to try their hand at a traditional heritage craft. Despite its length, the course is packed with practical learning and plenty of opportunities to develop new skills in a relaxed and friendly woodland setting.

During the course you will:

Learn the safe use of traditional leatherworking tools
Measure and mark out your own belt
Practise traditional saddle stitching
Fit your buckle and hardware
Finish and burnish the leather for a professional appearance
Take home your completed handcrafted belt

Important course information

Question: How much is the course?
Answer: £70
Question: How long is the course
Answer: We aim for 2 hours but if it takes a little longer that is not a problem
Question: Do I need any previous leatherworking experience?
Answer: No, the course is aimed at complete beginners and we will guide you through the whole process
Question: What is included in the course fee?
Answer: We provide all tools and materials as well as a drinks if required
Question: Will I take my belt home on the day?
Answer: Yes, we will take you thought the whole process from start to finish and you will leave with a finished belt
Question: What tools and materials are provided?
Answer: We provided everything needed for the course including the tools, leather and buckles
Question: What should I wear?
Answer: Comfortable clothing that you are happy to get dirty, although this is an indoor course we will using some dyes so there is always a risk if you leaving multi coloured
Question: Is the workshop suitable for beginners?
Answer: Yes, you need no experience of leather working for this course
Question: Is there an age limit?
Answer: No although anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Question: Are refreshments available?
Answer: We provide tea, coffee of cold drinks only
Question: Where is the workshop located?
Answer: Unlike our woodland courses this course is run in our dedicated leather workshop in Fareham
Question: Is there parking on site?
Answer: Parking is available on site by arrangement
Question: What leather will I use?
Answer: We will be using bridal leather for this course
Question: Can I choose the buckle?
Answer: Yes, although we have a limited range available if you wish to use a custom buckle this can be arranged
Question: Is there Disabled access to your workshop?
Answer: Unfortunately due to the lay of the land our Workshop is not wheelchair accessible but don't worry as we are working with our friends at the Makers House Fareham so accessible courses are still available.

General course questions

Question: Where do you run your courses?
Answer: All of our woodland based courses are run in our own piece of ancient woodland, nr the village of Clanfield in Hampshire close to the A3 and A272.
Question: Is food provided?
Answer: No, we do not provide food; however, tea and coffee are available throughout the day.
Question: Are your courses beginner friendly?
Answer: Yes, all our courses are beginner friendly, we aim to tailor our course to the person joining us to make it a truly unique experience
Question: Do I need previous experience?
Answer: No, we always aim to teach from the ground up, so no previous experience is needed on any of our courses
Question: Are the courses suitable for older attendees?
yes, we aim to carter for all ages. Some of our more physical course may require some adaptation but with notice this can be catered for. While we try and make access for all possible this has to be tempered with the natural state of the woodland so it may not be ideal for manual wheelchairs or mobility scooters. We can arrange disable accessible course space for our leather work courses by prior arrangement.
Question: Can teenagers attend?
Answer: Yes, although those under 18 require an adult to attend for insurance and safeguarding purposes
Question: What happens if it rains?
Answer: While we try to carry on as much as possible sadly sometimes rain and wind do stop play for safety reasons, because our woodland causes are run in the great outdoors the weather can affect how and if we are able to run, gale force winds and trees are not a good combination, if we have to postpone a course we will try and give as much notice as possible and arrange an alternative date.
Question: Can I buy gift vouchers?
Answer: Yes, we regularly send out gift vouchers to participants where a relative wishes to give a gift. Please use our contact us page to ask for more details.
Question: Is there parking on site?
Answer: yes, generally park course attendees in an area just of the road as access to our work and training area is by 4x4 only.

For our leather work course over road parking is available
Question: Can I take photos during the course?
Answer: yes, we encourage our participants to take photo’s and share the love on social media, the only time this may change is if there are safeguarding issues with under 18’s present.
Question: Are tools and materials included?
Answer: Yes, we provide all tools and materials for our courses although if you have you own tools you are welcome to bring them along.
Question: Where can I stay?
Answer: There are a good number of local hotels and b and b’s in the area for which we can give you detail on application.
Question: What should I wear?
Answer: Please wear sturdy outdoor clothing suitable for the weather and strong footwear. Avoid loose clothing, jewellery, or anything that could become caught in machinery.