BELT MAKING WORKSHOP

COURSE : LEATHER WORKING : THE BELT

DATE : MARCH 22 or 23, 2025

HOURS : 3:00 - 7:00 PM

LOCATION : PROMETHEUS STORE & WORKSHOP - VIA GIOVANNI SELVI N.18, SORANO (GR)

PRICE : € 69.90 ON OFFER

LECTURER : ANDREA PAPINI

TRANSLATOR : CIARA BUTTERFIELD (ENGLISH)

PLACES AVAILABLE 1ST DAY : 5 OUT OF 6

PLACES AVAILABLE 2ND DAY : 4 OUT OF 6

STATUS : AVAILABLE

The course will be conducted in two languages, Italian and English, using our official translator

In the enchanted heart of Sorano, a medieval village carved out of volcanic tuff, down stone alleys steeped in history, lies the PROMETHEUS Store & Workshop. Here, where time seems to be suspended, we welcome you to an exclusive experience: our Beginners Leathercraft Course.

During this extraordinary journey through the timeless art of leatherworking and its ancient techniques and knowledge that have been passed down through the centuries, you will transform a simple material into an eternal object, full of charm and authenticity, and glean a new appreciation for the magic of the handmade.

PROMETHEUS Store & Workshop: a place where art meets nature in a harmonious fusion of wildness and refinement. Here you can immerse yourself in a permanent exhibition of the extraordinary and unique clay sculptures of local artist Lucia Olivieri. ( www.olivierilucia.com )

Each of Olivieri's creations draws inspiration from the magic of the forest and the purity of unspoiled nature, transforming matter into poetic and evocative works of art. Be captivated by the timeless elegance of these sculptures, capable of eliciting deep emotions and transporting you to a world where art merges with the primordial essence of the earth.

A sensory and artistic experience awaits you in an intimate and refined setting designed for those who appreciate the uniqueness of excellent craftsmanship.

At the conclusion of the course a moment of pure pleasure awaits you: a classic Italian aperitif! A glass of fine wine, selected by an award-winning local winery, LA BIAGIOLA, accompanied by a tasting of typical local products, carefully prepared by local farm THE BIO AGRITURISMO AIA DEL TUFO . You will enjoy bread made from ancient grains topped with organic, zero-mile sauces, all made with fresh and honest ingredients — a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the famous flavours and traditions of this extraordinary region.

THE LEATHER BELT: A wonderful accessory whose origin dates back to 3000 B.C., and which, over the centuries, has undergone very few changes in design. Many of us wear one every day, yet few people really know how it is made!

Spend an afternoon in our workshop discovering the secrets of leatherworking, and take home a unique piece made with your own hands, for your own body. A special keepsake that will stay with you every day!

A belt made from vegetable-tanned Tuscan cowhide leather is synonymous with uncompromising quality and durability. This type of leather is made using ancient artisanal techniques and treated with natural tannins extracted from plants, making it incredibly strong and durable.

Unlike synthetic materials or leathers processed with aggressive chemicals, vegetable-tanned leather does not deteriorate rapidly, but rather improves over the years. With use, it develops a unique patina that makes it even more beautiful and distinctive, without losing its structural integrity.

This belt defies every law of planned obsolescence: it is built to last, not to wear out prematurely, forcing you to replace it. If well cared for, it can last over 30 years, accompanying you through every stage of life with the same reliability as on day one. It is a true investment in quality and authentic craftsmanship.

OUR MATERIALS ARE CERTIFIED AND OUR COMPANY ADHERES TO THE

GENUINE ITALIAN VEGETABLE-TANNED LEATHER CONSORTIUM

Leather Workmanship Course: THE BELT

Course Presentation

This course is designed for all those who wish to learn the basic techniques of leather craftsmanship. Through a hands-on, progressive approach, participants will acquire the skills needed to make a leather belt of the highest quality.

The lectures are divided into an introductory lesson followed by a practical section, during which students will have the chance to familiarise themselves with the previously illustrated tools and techniques.

During the course, we will cover the fundamentals of leather processing, such as:

Cutting and shaping
Engraving and decorating (tooling)
Manual assembly and stitching
Colouring and finishing

Students will start with simple exercises to become familiar with the tools before trying their hand at creating more complex objects, such as everyday leather accessories.

Course Schedule

- Introduction to Leather and Tools

History and tradition of leather processing
Types of leather and tanning methods: vegetable, chrome and other techniques
Analysis of fundamental tools and their use
Practical test: use of the basic kit and preliminary practice on raw leather

- Sewing Leather and Creating an Accessory

Types of hand stitching: double needle and saddle stitch
Tools needed for stitching and punching techniques
Design and crafting of a leather belt:

Measuring and cutting the leather strip
Preliminary treatments for finishing and preparation for stitching

- Colouring, Finishing and Completing the Project

The main types of dyes and finishes for leather
Color application techniques for professional effects
Leather care and maintenance for durability
Belt completion: colouring, assembling and final sewing

Objectives and Benefits of the Course

Learn the basic techniques of leather working
Acquire the manual dexterity needed to create unique and customised leather objects
Correctly use tools and materials for precision machining
Take home your own personalised and handcrafted creation (belt)
Develop a knowledge base that will allow you to continue with more advanced work

This course is ideal for crafters, designers, hobbyists and anyone who wants to get closer to one of the most fascinating traditions of craftsmanship.

TO REGISTER for the course, send an email to : info@prometheus-leatherwork.com

or send a WhatsApp message to 320 964 6817

The course will be held at PROMETHEUS STORE & WORKSHOP, Via Giovanni Selvi n. 18 - SORANO (GR)

THE COURSE HAS A LIMITED NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

Do you want to gift the course to someone else, or have an exclusive and fully personalised experience?

Discover the allure of a PRIVATE 1:1 COURSE, an immersive journey into the art of leather crafting, where every moment is dedicated to you. Under the careful guidance of our master craftsman, you will learn the finest techniques, tap into your own creativity, and make a unique piece — the fruit of your vision and talent. All in the charming atmosphere of our workshop, located in the heart of the medieval Tuscan village of Sorano.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those who wish to deepen, experiment with and hone their skills in an intimate and inspiring environment where craft meets art.

Contact us now to lock in your customised experience: info@prometheus-leatherwork.com

"With a thriving career on Etsy, Andrea Papini has established himself as a highly successful international STAR SELLER, with his handcrafted leather products reaching customers in over 30 countries. He stands out for the exceptional quality of his work and outstanding customer service. Through meticulous management and a deep passion for his craft, he has reached an impressive milestone of nearly 5,000 sales worldwide in just a few years. His keen market insight and ability to create tailored shopping experiences have made him a go-to artisan for those seeking unique, high-quality pieces. His reputation on Etsy is built on reliability, professionalism, and an unwavering dedication to refining every aspect of his online business."

https://www.etsy.com/it/shop/PrometheusBushcraft

As well as being a leather craftsman, Andrea is a National Survival Instructor for E.N.D.A.S., an expert in primitive survival techniques, and a primitive bushcraft instructor.

He is the founder and owner of PROMETHEUS Bushcraft Equipment and CAMPOBASE Workshop, a student of self-sufficiency and OFF-GRID living strategies, and collaborates with various national and international organisations in the field of Bushcraft and Survival.