Dating back to prehistoric man, leather has been used to clothe, shelter, protect and transport mankind, playing a vital role in our early existence. The purpose of this lesson is to track the use of animal hides and the art of leather making back to our ancestors and explore historical uses.

Lesson 2: Raw Material

A direct by-product of the meat industry, meaning that animals are primarily raised for their meat, hides have been and continue to be a long-lasting, functional, and sustainable product. Versatile in both function and design, this raw material would otherwise be disposed of through a tedious burning process or utilize space in landfills. In this lesson, learners will learn the origins of hides what influences their nature and grain structure as well as the impact this has on the finished product.

Lesson 3: The Leather Making Process

Leather Making is the process of converting perishable animal hides into leather. In this lesson, we will learn the process. The goal is to understand how each step in the process effects the subsequent processes, distinguish between different tanning methods as well as identify end use/applications for the different methods.

Lesson 4: Leather Types

Leather is one of the most durable covers in upholstery. Confusion often lies in the different types of leather. Here we will highlight the unique and distinctive characteristics of all types of leather and what sets them apart. At the completion of this lesson, learners should understand the difference in leather types to specify the most ideal leather for projects.