OPEN STUDIO WORKSHOP HOURS w/ Nina

We are excited to introduce our new Open Studio Program at Lonsdale Leather!

This program is crafted to bring together makers, artists, and enthusiasts in a dynamic, collaborative environment. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just beginning your creative journey, our open studio provides the perfect space to connect with fellow creatives, work on your projects, and find inspiration.

This is not a workshop or class, we will have staff on hand to answer questions and give advice when needed, but will not be teaching any skills or fundamentals.

Program Highlights:

• Flexible Studio Hours: We offer both morning and evening sessions to fit your schedule.
• Collaborative Environment: Engage with other makers in the community and expand your network.
• Access to Tools and Machines: Utilize our studio resources, including industrial sewing machines and a skiver, to bring your ideas to life.

We are committed to fostering a vibrant and supportive community where creativity thrives.

How It Works:

• Fee: Pay per session.
• Session Duration: Each session lasts 3 hours (morning or evening).
• Flexible Attendance: Use the full 3 hours or drop in for part of the session (the fee remains the same).
• Materials: Bring your own materials, glue, thread, and ideas; we provide the space and equipment. Materials are available for purchase during store hours.
• Instructor Support: Our shoemaking instructor Nina will be available for questions (please note this is not a lesson, and private tutoring is not offered during open studio hours).

Join Us!

• Location: Lonsdale Leather, 76 West 6th Street, Vancouver
• Schedule: The current open studio schedule is posted below.
• Cost:
• Single session: $75
• 5-session pack: $300
• 10-session pack: $500

To participate:

Purchase your preferred session card online, check out the posted drop-in dates below, and book your visit in advance by emailing nina@lonsdaleleather.com to secure your spot.*

PLEASE NOTE

Participants who want to use techsew macines, sanders, and power tools must have prior experience in a Shoemaking course with Nina, or need to demonstrate their abilities to use the machines comfortably. 

All first time participants (those who have not taken a course with Nina) to the Open Studio hours will be required to spend the first hour doing a crash course with Nina on how to use the machines properly. 

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Available Tools:

Sewing Machines

Dremels

Sanders

Rotary Punches

End Punches

Diamond Chisels

Hole Punches

Strap Cutters

Beveler's

Awls

Hammers and Mallets

Knives

Lighters

Burnishers 

Skivers

Snap Setters

Alphabet Sets

Items not available:

Hot Stamp Machines

Clicker Presses

Western-Style Stamps (Beveler's, Seeders, Shaders, etc)

Thread, glue, tape, and other construction materials.

Leather

All leathers, materials, hardware, thread, etc, must be supplied and brought by the individual who is renting space. We will not have any thread, rivets, glue, tape, leather, hardware, or other items available to use. 

You are welcome to bring your own hand tools to use at our studio but please make sure you are comfortable using them.

- With the exception of electric tools, such as dremels. We want to keep a clean space, and do not want excess dust in the studio.

- You may bring sand paper or sanding blocks.

All attendees must be 16 years or older to access the Open Studio. 

Studio Etiquette 

-               Please respect our space by being mindful and careful when using tools, these are meant to be shared, and are used by other students in our classes. Willful or negligent destruction of Lonsdale Leather tools may result in attendees being asked to purchase or replace the tool(s) or equipment.

-               Please respect the space of the other attendees at Open Studio. Our studio is small, so keeping a tidy station and not encroaching on others space is appreciated. 

-               We encourage collaboration and conversation amongst attendees, however please keep all conversations appropriate. We value the safety and comfort of all staff, attendees, and visitors to the space. We are a zero tolerance space, and those using harmful or disrespectful language may be asked to leave.

-               We ask all attendees to clean up their space, and any messes they've accumulated, before leaving the studio.

POLICIES

Waiver

All attendees will be required to sign a waiver prior to taking part in their Open Studio Hours time-slot.

Cancellation Policy:

- Cancellations or rescheduling must be made at least 7 days in advance. Refunds will not be given if cancellation or rescheduling happens within that window.

Sick Policy:

- We can appreciate and respect that sickness/illness happens unexpectedly, in the case of becoming ill within 7 days of your open studio hour time-slot attendees will be refunded half of the cost of their time slot. 

Admin Fee:

There is a non-refundable $10 admin fee for Open Studio Hour time slots. This helps us cover the cost of charges accrued from cancellations.

Rescheduling Policy:

Rescheduling is allowed, if done at least 7 days prior to the start of the scheduled workshop. If rescheduling occurs more than 3 times you will be automatically refunded less the cost of the admin fee and you will have to get in touch with us to book any future time slots.