Brocksden School Museum workshop introduces participants to the art of leather crafting

Participants in the afternoon leather journal workshop included (clockwise from left) Brenda Atkin, Judy Johnston, Barb Myers, Taylor Bridhagen, Cindy Stewart, Bonnie Zylstra, Adrian Rhodes, Leela Pereira, Andrew Zylstra, Erica Zylstra, David Crompton, Angela Zola, Cindy Brown and David Campbell. Contributed photo

By Gary West

A leatherworking workshop drew participants from across the region to the Brocksden School Museum on Aug. 8, giving both experienced crafters and newcomers an opportunity to learn traditional skills inside the historic one-room schoolhouse.

Hosted by Margot White, owner of Squirrel Crafts in Dundas, the workshop featured two hands-on sessions.

During the morning session, four participants crafted leather pouches suitable for carrying credit cards or loose change. White, an experienced leatherworker, offers a variety of Squirrel Crafts kits that include pre-cut materials, step-by-step photo instructions, technique guides and the specialized tools needed to complete each project in less than four hours.

In the afternoon, 14 participants created hand-bound leather journals under White's instruction.

In addition to learning a new craft, many participants enjoyed the opportunity to visit the Brocksden School Museum, with several seeing the restored one-room schoolhouse for the first time.

More information about White's leatherworking kits is available at www.squirrelcrafts.com.

The Brocksden School Museum's next event will be its "Blacksmith on Site" demonstration on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors will have the opportunity to watch a skilled blacksmith bring history to life through live forge demonstrations, showing how raw metal is heated, hammered and shaped using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Guests will hear the ring of the anvil, feel the warmth of the forge and learn about the essential role blacksmiths once played in supporting farmers, horse owners, merchants and rural families.

The interactive demonstration is suitable for all ages and offers a unique glimpse into one of history's most important trades.