Master Belt Tooling and Tap-Off Techniques

Instructor: Lexi Brunson
Course Length: 7.5 hours | Lessons: 207
Skill Level: Intermediate

Master belt-making with professional patterns and tooling.
Belts are a classic showcase for leather tooling—and this series gives you everything you need to create designs that stand out. In this course, Lexi Brunson walks you through more than a dozen unique belt patterns, teaching you how to use tap-offs, master swivel knife techniques, and add depth and detail with shading, stamping, and decorative cuts.

With clear instruction and repeatable patterns, you’ll not only build beautiful belts but also develop a library of skills and techniques you can apply across your leatherwork.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to use tap-offs to speed up your workflow and maintain consistency
• Swivel knife techniques for clean, precise cuts
• Tooling methods including pear shading, beveling, stamping, and backgrounding
• How to create and finish patterns like sunflowers, acanthus, feathers, scrollwork, and more
• Tips for clean detail work that makes your belts professional-quality

Inside the Course:

• Supplies & Tap-Off Overview
• Swivel Knife & Tooling Foundations
• Sunflower, Acanthus, Feather & Oak Leaf Patterns
• Geometric, Scrollwork & Decorative Borders
• Advanced Variations: Turnback, Wyoming Rose, First Frost Acanthus, and more
• Pattern Library with 20+ Designs and counting!

Included with Membership:
✅ 140+ professionally filmed courses
✅ Downloadable patterns & checklists
✅ Monthly live Q&As with expert instructors
✅ Supportive artisan community
✅ Ongoing new course drops

About the Instructor:
Lexi Brunson began tooling for Burns Saddlery in 2019 and became Tooling Foreman by 2021. She is also a contributor to ShopTalk! magazine, sharing her expertise with the wider leathercraft community. A lifelong horsewoman and outdoor enthusiast, Lexi brings a passion for Western artistry and practical craftsmanship to her teaching, helping makers refine their skills and create work they’re proud of.