Foundations of Leather Tooling: Master the Core Techniques

Instructor: Matt Wanner
Course Length: 1.5 hours | Lessons: 28
Skill Level: Beginner–Intermediate

Master the fundamentals of leather tooling and build the skills every leathercrafter needs.
In this foundational course, Matt Wanner walks you through the core techniques that give leatherwork depth, dimension, and professional polish. From handling the swivel knife to using bevelers, pear shaders, backgrounders, and decorative tools, you’ll get clear instruction and hands-on practice to bring your patterns to life.

With each lesson, you’ll gain confidence in your tools and your technique, setting a solid groundwork for more advanced designs and projects down the road.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to transfer and prepare patterns for tooling
• Proper swivel knife techniques for smooth, sharp cuts
• Step-by-step guidance on flower centers, leaves, and decorative elements
• Pear shading and beveling for depth and definition
• Backgrounding, decorative stamping, and deco cuts
• How to finish with edging, oiling, antiquing, and top coats for a professional result

Inside the Course:

• Downloadable tooling pattern
• Live demonstrations of each major tool technique
• Progress checks to help refine your skills
• Full finishing process to bring your design to life

Included with Membership:
✅ Access to 140+ professionally filmed courses
✅ Downloadable patterns, guides, and checklists
✅ Monthly live Q&A sessions with master artisans
✅ A supportive artisan community
✅ Fresh courses released every month

About the Instructor:
Matt Wanner, President of Production for Burns Saddlery, has over 15 years of experience and has built more than 100 saddles. A master craftsman and respected teacher, Matt is passionate about passing on the time-honored traditions of leather tooling while making them accessible for today’s leatherworkers. His expertise ensures you’ll learn the techniques the right way—so you can build your craft on a strong foundation.