Fundamentals of Quality Tooling

Instructor: Mark Barcus
Course Length: 3.5 hours | Lessons: 45
Skill Level: Beginner Friendly

Lay the foundation for professional tooling.
The secret to crisp, detailed tooling isn’t just in the tools—it’s in the preparation. In this course, master leatherworker Mark Barcus teaches the art of casing, showing you how to properly prepare leather with the right moisture and temper for the best possible results.

Through step-by-step instruction and practice projects, you’ll learn how proper casing enhances depth, clarity, and flow, and how to maintain the right conditions throughout your work. Then, you’ll put those principles into action with real tooling demonstrations, building confidence and skill as you go.

What You’ll Learn:

• Fundamentals of casing and moisture control
• Methods for preparing leather (dunk, dip, wool vs. bag, and more)
• How moisture impacts swivel knife cuts and tool impressions
• Techniques for maintaining leather condition throughout a project
• Practice projects to reinforce swivel knife, beveling, shading, stamping, and backgrounding

Inside the Course:

• Supplies & Casing Methods Overview
• Understanding Moisture, Temper & Tool Interaction
• Practice Project 1: Borders, Beveling & Basket Stamping
• Practice Project 2: Shading, Stamping & Decorative Cuts
• Tool Reviews, Tips & Key Takeaways

⭐️ Recent Reviews:
“Fantastic! Great starter course was just what I needed… answered so many of my questions, I feel a lot less confused. Thank you SOOO much.” — Robert
“Very well described the purpose and techniques of the various tools in the basic kit. Very helpful.” — Ronald

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:
With over 40 years of experience, Wyoming leatherworker Mark Barcus has crafted saddles, chaps, and countless custom projects while working ranches across the West. A recognized craftsman and instructor, Mark has taught at his Cow Camp Saddlery Shop, judged competitions at Sheridan and Pendleton, and mentored through the Wyoming Arts Council. His passion is preserving and passing down the tradition of handmade leatherwork to the next generation.