Custom holsters from start to finish.
Learn pattern layout, wet molding, edge finishing, and stitching so you can make professional-grade holsters that actually fit and function.
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Still trying to piece it together on your own?
Real Leathercraft Training Taught by Pros
Illume is a yearly membership that gives you step-by-step courses across many skills such as tooling, holsters, bags, and more. Start with a 14-day free trial and learn with clear instruction, not guesswork.
Where Hobby Turns Into Mastery...
Why Choose Learn with Illume?
If you’ve been piecing things together from YouTube and feel you're not progressing, you’re not alone. Illume is built for makers who want clear instruction, better results, and a faster path to confidence at the bench.
Here’s why Illume works:
- Taught by Industry Pros – Learn directly from leathercraft legends with decades of experience. No guesswork, just pro-level technique.
- Crystal-Clear Videos – No shaky YouTube tutorials. Every lesson is professionally filmed, step-by-step, and easy to follow.
- Learn on Your Time – Watch anytime, anywhere. Pick the projects/skills you're interested in, and follow the course for helpful tips & techniques.
- You’re Never Alone – Get help and feedback in our private member community with fellow crafters and instructors.
“The fundamentals shared on the Illume platform really made things click.”
What you get inside
What’s Included in the Membership
When you join Illume’s membership, you get immediate access to courses, project walkthroughs, discounts, and a clear path to real progress.
Course Library
150+ Step-by-Step Courses
Learn everything from tooling to saddle-making with our pro-taught video library. Courses are clear, structured, and cover every skill level. (Course Library value: $12,800)
Expert Instructors
Taught by Proven Craftsmen
Get hands-on guidance from expert leatherworkers with decades at the bench. Learn the “why,” not just the “how.”
Downloadables
Patterns, Checklists, and Guides
No more trial and error; Use printable patterns and build guides to stay organized and repeat your wins.
Community
Member Community Support
Get feedback, answers, and helpful tips from fellow leatherworkers and instructors, 24/7.
Monthly Drops
New Training Added Monthly
Keep improving your leatherworking with fresh lessons and projects added every month.
Live Q and A
Monthly Live Q and A
Get real answers from expert instructors in our live sessions. Replays included so you never miss out.
What you'll make
Projects you can learn inside Illume.
Pick a project, follow the steps, and build something real. New lessons drop regularly, and you can work at your own pace.
Duffel Bags & Leather Bags
From rugged duffels to everyday carry bags, you’ll learn construction techniques, zipper installs, strap making, and clean assembly from raw leather to finished piece.
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Furniture Upholstery
Build confidence with upholstery fundamentals like foam shaping, fabric fitting, and staple techniques to bring tired furniture back to life.
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How the trial works
Three Simple Steps to Start Learning
Start your free trial, pick a course, and follow a proven path to better leatherwork.
Start your 14-day free trial
Get instant access to every course, pattern, and community feature. Cancel anytime—no questions asked.
Choose what you want to learn
Pick what excites you: tooling, holsters, bags, finishing, or business skills. Beginner to pro, we’ve got a course for it.
Follow step-by-step lessons
Build real projects with clear instruction in the right order. Learn faster and feel proud when it’s done.
Meet your instructors
Thirty-eight makers from across the country teach inside Illume.
Saddle makers, bootmakers, bag builders, tooling artists and business owners - all of them working professionals, all of them chosen because they can teach.
Matt Wanner
Aaron Heizer
Odin Clack
Trevor Alexander
Sarah Garvey
Ryan King
Noa Greenspan
Jurgen Volbach
Eric Larsen
Cindy Judd
Mark Barcus
George Cubic
Sheryl Katzke
Jacee Albrecht
Sarah Burns
Angie Shaw
Zachery Holyoak
Ty Skiver
Tina Hancock
Annie Libertini
Broderick Vaughan
Lexi Brunson
Chuck Dorsett
Ed LaBarre
Paul Zalesak
George Canfield
Skyler Duckworth
Sierra Rogers
Gordon Andrus
Hermann Oak Leather
Chezney Lindsay
Tim Alden
Dusty Smith
Brandon Corral
Braydan Shaw
Rachel McHardy
Jim Linnell
Derek Dowsett
Pricing
Try Illume free for 14 days, then pick the plan that fits.
Get full access to every course, every download, and the member community. Cancel before day 14 if it’s not for you.
Monthly
$50
per month
A simple way to start learning right away.
- Full course library (150+ step-by-step courses)
- Monthly live Q and A (replays included)
- Cancel anytime
- Member community support
- Downloadable patterns, checklists, and guides
14 day free trial.
You won’t be charged until your trial ends.
Best value
Yearly
$500
per year
Best value if you’re serious about improving your leatherwork.
- Full course library (150+ step-by-step courses)
- New training added monthly
- Monthly live Q and A (replays included)
- Member community support
- Downloadable patterns, checklists, and guides
- Best value!
14 day free trial.
You won’t be charged until your trial ends.
What members say
Real results from real craftsmen.
If you're tired of guessing, this is the faster way to level up.
“I have had a subscription since they first came out. I feel it is definitely worth the money. The videos are good and you get the patterns to download.”
“Simple, easy, quick — this project is perfect for both beginners and seasoned pros. The template makes cutting easy and the simplicity makes it fun.”
“Having spent the last 8 years only hand sewing, this course gave me the confidence to start using my machine. The principles apply perfectly.”
FAQ
Common Membership Questions
How is Illume different from YouTube?
YouTube gives scattered information. Illume gives structured learning, professional instructors, community support, and content designed to actually help you improve instead of bouncing between 30 tabs.
Is this for beginner or advanced leatherworkers?
Both! There’s content for complete beginners, intermediate makers, and experienced professionals.
What happens after the 14 days?
If you love it, your membership continues automatically. If not, cancel before day 14 and you won’t pay anything.
Can I access the courses anywhere?
Yep. Everything is online and accessible worldwide.
Do I get full access during the trial?
Yes. You get full access to all courses, patterns and tutorials during the trial. You can cancel anytime.
Ready to get started?
Start your 14-day trial today!
Full access to classes, community, and step-by-step skill building. Cancel anytime during the trial.
Cancel anytime • Full access during trial • Instant login