In-person leatherworking class

Maker's Leather Supply

Learn From Aaron. In Person.

Aaron is back on the road this summer with a new project worth the trip. Over two days, he'll walk you through every step of building a leather backpack you'll use forever. Real leather, real tools, real instruction.

Only 12 seats per location (14 in Waco)
We supply the kit, the pattern, and lunch both days
Also includes Lifetime Access to the Learn with Illume Course
Two full days, 8am – 5pm, three locations this Summer

What to Expect

Two Days. One Backpack You'll Actually Carry.

This isn't the kind of class where you sit back and watch someone else do the work. You'll be at the bench from the jump, building alongside Aaron, with hands-on help every step of the way. By Saturday evening, you'll have a finished leather backpack and a real understanding of how it came together.

Aaron has spent years making leather goods and taught thousands of folks through his videos on YouTube and Learn with Illume. The in-person classes are a different animal though. Twelve students (14 in Waco), two days, and the kind of feedback you can only get when someone's standing right next to you.

No experience needed. If you're patient enough to follow along and curious enough to try, you'll do just fine. We'll handle the rest.

What's Included

Clicker-cut and skived kit to complete one full backpack
Straps
Foam
Complete Hardware Kit: rivets, bag clasp, cart buckles, d-ring, zippers
$495
Aaron teaching leatherworking class

SUMMER 2026

Class Dates & Locations

Pick the stop that works best for you. Every class runs the same proven two‑day format, complete with an identical kit, consistent instruction, and a small‑group setup. However you get there, you’ll leave with a finished backpack—and skills you’ll use on every project after.

JUN 5-6 2026

Pendleton, OR

Maker's Leather Supply (Inside Burns Saddlery)

221 S Main Street, Pendleton, OR

8am - 5pm BOTH DAYS / 12 SEATS AVAILABLE
JUN 12-13 2026

Salina, UT

Maker's Leather Supply (Inside Burns Saddlery)

79 W Main Street, Salina, UT

8am – 5pm both days / 12 seats available
JUN 26-27 2026

Waco, TX

Maker's Leather Supply

215 Cotton Dr, Waco, TX

8am – 5pm both days / 14 seats available

Come Prepared

What to Bring

We'll provide the leather kit, hardware, patterns, and instruction, you just need to bring a few of your favorite shop tools.

We provide

Leather, hardware & materials
Printed pattern
Any needed specialty tools
Lifetime Learn with Illume course access

★ Lunch is included both days.

Your tools to bring

Large ruler Quilt square recommended
Scissors
Cutting knife
#9 rivet setter With a maul or mallet
Small edge beveler Also called an edger
Pen & note-taking materials

Before You Sign Up

Good to Know

None at all. Aaron will walk you through every step. If you've never touched leather before, you're in the right place.

Full leather kit, hardware, printed pattern, lunch both days, and lifetime access to Aaron's Learn with Illume online course.

Just 12 per location with the exception of Waco which will have 14 seats available. That's intentional, a small group means more time with Aaron and a better experience for everyone.

Yes that's the goal, and we've built the schedule to make it happen. You'll leave with a finished bag.

Within 14 days of the class, refunds are no longer available, Aaron will have already begun hand-prepping each student's leather kit, which requires significant time to cut, skive, and assemble. Can't make it? You're welcome to transfer your seat to someone else at any time. If the seat can't be filled, we may offer store credit if we're able to fill your spot from the waitlist. Questions? Reach out at janiesue@illumeconnect.com. Thank you for understanding!