Reviews

An amazing day in the workshop. Nigel will expertly tell you everything you need to know to get started, from how to hold a knife correctly, yes we all had it wrong, getting a template started, stitching plus so much more. Bring your tools along and he’ll tell you which ones you shouldn’t be using and which ones you should. A huge amount of information given in one day. Next course already booked.

It’s absolutely true to say that Nigel is opinionated – he has every right to be so. This course, taught with the able assistance of Sam taught me more in 7 hours than I’d managed to pick up from 6 months of YT videos. I have 10 pages of notes, an improved stitching technique and one workshop secret that’s worth every penny.

The beginners course was amazing!

We were given an indepth insight into the different leathers and how to begin working with leather in a precise and correct manner. I thought this was fantastic, it points us in the right direction from the start saving time, effort and money making mistakes. From experience, starting a new creative endeavour can be frustrating and you can quickly be put off by difficulties. I really enjoyed learning about the hand stitching and having a go.

Nigel was friendly and great at presenting the workshop, he made it fun and full of knowledge… it is clear how skilled he is with leather work and how much he has put into building an environment to teach others.

I would highly recommend this workshop to people and I’m definitely going to book more to build on my own skill set.

Had a great day at Armitage leather learning the basics of leather craft. Nigel was very generous with his knowledge and lead an informative day. Now need a beginner class part 2 to learn so much more!

I really enjoyed the 1 day beginner’s course. Nigel is a fantastic teacher, he has so much knowledge and such an easy teaching style and manner – I would definitely love to come back to do further courses. The workshop is very well equipped, and comfortable to work in, and there is so much to learn. Absolutely worth the money. Thank you

Nigel and his resources have been an absolute godsend in getting me started in leatherwork. I first stumbled across a couple of Nigel’s stitching videos on YouTube, which led me to find and subscribe to Secrets from the Workshop. I worked though a lot of the initial videos on there, before signing up to the beginners course in October 2025. I had a great day and learned so much while having a lot of fun! (and the workshop itself is incredible and well worth a look in it’s own right – proper kid in a sweet shop moment!) Nigel is a great teacher, and the day gave me the confidence in the fundamental skills to really start having a proper go at making things myself. It also gave the opportunity to see and try some of the different tools, before going away and buying, so I know that I’ve invested in the right things. Combined with the online videos, I now have the confidence to design and make my own templates, for things I actually want to make, and have so far managed to make a card holder/wallet, notebook cover, and tool roll as Christmas presents (all using Nigel’s videos as a base but adapted) – all of which have turned out so much better than I ever thought I could achieve! If you’re thinking about getting into leatherwork – stop thinking about it and get yourself on a course and signed up to Secrets from the Workshop! Thanks Nigel and Sam!

Nigel is one of the most knowledgeable and reliable sources of leatherwork tuition available at present . I have tried many other teachers of this craft- some far more expensive, but non as reliably experienced and practically knowledgeable as he is. Not only this , but if you are having a tough time, Nigel will put you on the right track, rather than allow you to flounder in the mass of information that is available to you on his tutorials.

Just returned from a 5 day box making course with Nigel at his impressive workshop in beautiful Derbyshire. As a self taught amateur of an intermediate level ability, I found it fully immersive and intense but at the same time completely enjoyable and rewarding, learning the very high level of skills required at every step of the way to produce something of such high quality.

Having been taught by a professional, I now have skills that will go a long way to enhance my leather projects going forward. Without doubt highly recommended.

I watched a YouTube video (one of many over the years) from Nigel about planning, designing and making a card holder. I was amazed at the detail and care taken in all aspects and if you don’t believe me then watch it (2 parts)

I then booked a beginners course and had a great day with Nigel and Sam and I can even say now after a very long time I understand how to sew leather. Great day, great course and a very enjoyable day. (don’t forget to take dog treats)

Nigel has a great wealth of knowledge and a fun way of showing you how to leatherwork correctly. Thanks Nigel.

If you have any doubts or questions about booking a day or more with Nigel and Sam, then throw them all aside.

I left Nigel’s workshop buzzing with confidence and eager to learn more.

It was a day full of information and technique; taught in an inspiring location, with humour and patience. You will also get to meet some lovely people on the group days. Oh and the coffee is fabulous.

Thank you Nigel and Sam for a great day.

Treated myself to a one day beginners group course and really glad I did. I had previously done a one hour leather cutting session led by Nigel and really appreciated his teaching style. He explains the reasons ‘why’ behind all the techniques and makes it all make so much more sense and hopefully far more likely to stay in my Winnie the Pooh like ‘very little brain’. Nigel and Sam are a great team and create a warm, and relaxing atmosphere and I learned so many key skills and tips. Being in a small group really helped as we could learn from each other’s mistakes and queries, meaning we picked up extra tips along the way. We ranged from virtual novices to people who had been working with leather for a few years and everyone got so much out of the day. They have built my confidence to go on and do more leatherwork and I could happily spend many days in that lovely workshop!

as above, will be returning soon.

I had the pleasure of spending four days with Nigel, Sam and Gini at the workshop. Nigel is not just a Master Craftsman, he is a gifted and experienced educator. His ability to relay not just “the how” but “the why” allowed me to acquire not just a bunch of skills, but a depth of understanding of, and appreciation for craftsmanship. Nigel’s curriculum, based on his decades of experience as a teacher, and his attention to the finest details allowed me to build a solid foundation of skills that will facilitate achieving a high level of proficiency in any project I may undertake. I left the shop inspired and encouraged, with confidence that I can produce items I am proud to display. Nigel also has a great sense of humour which made the time pass very quickly, and which nicely balanced his insistence on pushing me beyond anything I ever thought I could achieve. What a journey, well worth the trip from Canada! Thanks Nige, I hope to return again very soon.

I attended a 5-day bag making course at Armitage Leather, and it was both unforgettable and rewarding. Nigel was incredibly accommodating, which showed just how much he cares about his students’ experience.

His workshop feels like stepping back in time—warm, welcoming, and full of character. Nigel himself is a passionate perfectionist: articulate, thoughtful, and eager to share his craft. He doesn’t just teach techniques as a set of steps, but as part of a philosophy you can adapt to your own style. That approach was inspiring and something I’ll carry forward.

He blends his deep knowledge of leatherwork with a dry, sarcastic sense of humor that keeps you engaged and learning without even realizing it.

The course required travel and came at a cost, but it was worth every bit. I left with new skills, fresh inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for leather as a medium. If you’re serious about leatherwork, learning from Nigel is money well spent.

Spent an inspiring day with Nigel on a one to one pouch making course, mindblowingly good. Learned so much about how to create balanced and pleasing patterns, types of leather, the history of stitching, fixing problems before they become problems. Well worth the money and the travel. A lovely and well equipped space. Unlearning bad habits and new ways of getting much better, more aesthetically pleasing results and where to concentrate my reflection moving forward on my next steps is invaluable. I will be booking a five day course soon and I am looking forward to practicing all I have learned so far. I hope I can remember it all!