Two semesters in the Cloth, Leather, and Paper Program will teach students many different textile applications and skills. The graduate will have the proficiency needed to create a pattern, cut and sew cloth and leather, dye cloth, make paper, weave cloth, work designs into leather, and upholster simple furniture. It is one of the best of the almost immediate self-employment opportunities that has unlimited design possibilities with a relatively small tool investment. The main emphasis in this course is functional art and fine art, as opposed to training to be a seamstress.

Openings: 20 students
Duration: 2 Semesters
Requirements: English verbal skills, math skills, good hand-eye coordination
Skills Taught:

• use of measurement tools
• tool safety, use, and care
• material classifications, uses, and sources
• use of alternative sustainable materials
• sewing, cutting, gluing dying, leather stamping embossing
• papermaking

Semester 1
The first task the students are required to master is the safe use of the cutters, measurement tools, and sewing machines. We will then introduce them to the different types of textiles available and experiment with their uses. The Shop Master will teach students how to incorporate naturally occurring materials such as leaves, feathers, driftwood, vine, bark, and coconut husk, into fine art. Students will be encouraged to identify and utilize the recycling of cloth, leather, and paper in many different ways to create unique designs.

Semester 2
Over two semesters we will teach many gift items, bedding, wall art, clothing, costuming, upholstery, and accessories using cloth as the medium. These skills will serve the student well as we move to making many of the same items in leather. In addition, the student will learn the method of creating hand-made paper using recycled and natural raw materials.

As we know, many graduates will choose one or two of the skills learned on which to concentrate as a business, but we will strive to spark an ever-growing need to design and create. The successful artist will work closely through the years with Way Too Cool’s graduates from our woodworking and fine arts programs in a continued effort to encourage cooperation and collaboration among art mediums.