Looking to treat yourself to a late Christmas gift? Only a few spots remain in Tim Mills’ Leathercraft Secrets workshop at The Learning Connexion in January.
The Kāpiti Coast based artisan has been crafting leather since 1974, when he carved his first leather belt. He now creates more complex projects including wall hangings, decorative projects, artworks, chessboards, and furniture.
"My art is tactile. I love the fact that people can touch my art, feel the material. There is a primal attraction to the medium," says Tim, who has been a regular at TLC’s Summer Skills.
Tim is a natural teacher, with a passionate communication style. He says he feels a very real responsibility and joy in offering leatherworking skills and tuition to others.
“The art of leathercraft has changed my life and given me a calm focus, identity, and purpose which I’m humbled to share with others.”
He says the most rewarding part of sharing that passion is watching others “catch the fire of leathercrafting that runs through my veins. My workshops and skills come alive when others are sharing that moment with me.”
Tim says this workshop will differ from previous ones at TLC, and suit both beginners and those who want to upskill in quick time.
“This class provides for a wider range of leathers. We will be using both dyed and undyed vegetable-tanned leather. Rather than a whole week, this workshop will be two days, and will be focused, efficient, and goal-oriented.”
Tim’s work has appeared in many art exhibitions within New Zealand, and he is the Wellington area representative of the Association of New Zealand Leather Artisans.
One last question. Why leather?
“I love the smell, the feel and the way that leather responds to my manipulation. I love the fact that leather lasts for a long time and that it is environmentally sustainable, unlike most of the vegan and plastic coated faux leathers that ultimately end up in landfill.”
Sound like you? Book for Leathercraft Secrets with Tim Mills here, or click the banner below.
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