Tool Like a Master: Ed LaBarre’s Signature Method

Instructor: Ed LaBarre
Course Length: 2.5 hours | Lessons: 33
Skill Level: Advanced

Transform a single piece of leather into a work of art.
In this advanced course, award-winning leather artist Ed LaBarre teaches you how to bring extraordinary depth and realism to your tooling. From mastering the swivel knife to adding micro details, shading, and rich color, Ed breaks down his signature techniques so you can push the limits of what’s possible in leathercraft.

If you’re ready to move beyond the basics and refine your artistry, this project is your next challenge.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to properly case and prep leather for advanced tooling
• Swivel knife techniques for smooth, flowing cuts
• Beveling, shading, and petal lifting for depth and realism
• Using matting and backgrounding to create dimension
• Professional dye formulas and color layering for a striking finish

Inside the Course:

• Preparing and tracing the Three Oaks pattern
• Step-by-step tooling demonstrations (Part 1 & Part 2)
• Detailed dye and finishing process with custom color formulas
• Tips to elevate every detail of your tooling work

Included with Membership:
✅ 140+ professionally filmed courses
✅ Downloadable patterns, guides, and checklists
✅ Monthly live Q&As with expert artisans
✅ Access to a supportive leathercraft community
✅ Fresh courses added every month

About the Instructor:
Ed LaBarre began leatherworking at 14, ambitiously taking on a Paladin holster as his very first project—a piece he still has today. Over the years, he honed his skills at McLelland’s Saddle Shop in Florida, eventually becoming Head Tooler under the mentorship of Bob Dellis. Since reigniting his craft through online communities, Ed has gone on to win numerous competitions, publish pattern books, and create highly sought-after tools. His philosophy: learn from artists who inspire you, master their techniques, and keep pushing your craft forward.