FAQs

Which is the best course to do for a complete beginner?

All the courses are designed to suit beginners but my most popular course to learn the basics of hand and machine stitching is the FULL DAY course. This is a good way to try out both techniques and provides enough information for you to go away and continue at home (see course description for more detail about what you will learn and options of what you can make). Most people make between 3-5 items on the day. For bag courses I would suggest you have some experience working with leather before booking the SADDLE BAG or CAMERA BAG courses but this is not essential.

What do you learn in the Half/Full Day Craft Workshop

You will learn how to mark, cut, hole punch and saddle stitch leather using traditional saddlery techniques. In the Half Day class you will get to choose from a range of items and make up to 3 items. The Full Day is very similar except you get more time to make up to 5 items and try using the industrial sewing machine if you would like to. For both classes, you will also have the option to personalise your items by embossing your initials on them.

What is the difference between the 1 and 2 day bag course?

On the 1 day course you will choose from 2-3 different handbag shapes which are all pre-prepared patterns. Then you get to choose the leather colour, fastenings and lining and then you cut and construct the bag. On the 2 day course you can design a handbag from scratch, creating the design, doing the pattern cutting and then constructing of the bag. So the main difference between the 1 and 2 day is that the 2 day course means you get to experience pattern cutting.

What happens if my bag is not finished by the end of the course? 

During the course of the day(s), based on your progress, I will let you know if I think the day will over-run, if so we can either simplify the design, I give you some help in order to finish on time or you can book another half or full day in order to complete it.

If I have never had any experience of handbag making which course should I do?

It doesn’t matter if you have no previous sewing experience as all my courses are designed to suit beginners (although it is helpful to have some experience working with leather for a couple of the bag courses as mentioned above), however, if you do have some experience I can cater the course to be more challenging for you if you wish.

Can I remake the products from your course at home?

You are more than welcome to make the same or similar products at home to keep for yourself or give away to friends or family. However, I do kindly ask that you do NOT copy designs to sell for profit. If you are wishing to learn the skills to make your own items to sell, which many people who come on my courses are, use my designs as a starting point, then add your own style, alter the size and shape and features to make it your own. I have worked hard to create and hone the patterns used in my courses so ask that you do the same for yours. Thank you for your understanding.

What time does the course run from? 

Most courses run from 10am-5pm with approximately 45mins break for lunch. Half day courses are 3 hours long and either in the morning from 10 am – 1pm or afternoon from 2pm to 5pm. The rucksack course is from 10am - 6pm as there is a lot to do on this course.

Do I need to bring anything?

For the course, no. But please bring your own packed lunch. I will provide all the tools and materials (unless otherwise arranged) and I also provide tea & coffee throughout the day, free of charge (and I have a microwave if you wish to heat up your lunch!).

What is the address?

Unit 16 Ardleigh Studios, Station Road, Ardleigh, Essex, CO7 7RT.

The studio is on the left as you drive north into Ardleigh and is JUST before the level crossing on Station Road. Park in front of the building when you arrive and then call buzzer 16 and I will let you in. If there are no spaces, call me and I will open up the gate to the left of the building where there is extra parking space.

PLEASE ADD STATION ROAD INTO YOUR SAT NAV AS JUST THE POSTCODE MAY TAKE YOU NEXT TO THE CHURCH INSTEAD!

Is there free parking?

Yes there is free parking on site at the front of the building (although it says private parking). Please park here and ring buzzer 16 once you have arrived so I can come and let you in. My studio is at the back of the building so I may take a minute to get to the door.

Can I get there via public transport?

You can get a train into Colchester or Manning Tree and then a short taxi ride to the studios which is 6 miles from either station.

What about accommodation?

If you need to stay overnight there are many nice BnBs or hotels to choose from nearby. Please see Accommodation under ‘COURSE INFO’ for a few suggestions.

What dates do the courses run? 

I currently have a calendar of dates for each course next to the workshop description. Courses are run throughout the week and Saturdays but NOT Sundays or Bank Holidays. If none of the dates suit you, please do get in touch as I can be fairly flexible.

How do I book my place?

Go to ‘Workshops’ and click on the chosen course. There will be a list of available dates on the right. Click on your chosen date and select the number of people you are booking for. Then click on ‘bag’ logo on the top corner of the screen to take you to the payment page. You can pay via Paypal or Direct Bank Transfer. If none of the dates on the calendar suit you then drop me an email and I will send you a list of other possible dates. Once one is agreed upon I can send you an invoice for the full cost of the course and will confirm your booking once payment has been received.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

What if I change my mind?

Upon booking your course you have 14 days thereafter in which you can cancel and receive a full refund.

What if I cannot attend the course?

The scheduled date can be transferred to another, available date up to 7 days before the event when given written notice via email to info@rosannaclare.com. You may change the date once within this allotted time period. Any subsequent date changes will be considered at our discretion in extenuating circumstances. Partial refunds or credit cannot be applied to an unattended booking. If you are unable to attend we are more happy for a different person to use the booking, just let us know of the change in writing up to 24 hours before the date the course takes place.

Should Rosanna Clare Leather Workshops need to cancel an event all bookings will be offered a new date.  We reserve the right to make changes to the schedule including the venue and date should circumstances arise beyond our control.