The Mobile Makerspace had a fun and busy time this past month, as we spent March learning about the science, history, and art of leather making! We visited Ophelia’s Place, as well as the libraries in Monroe, Scio, Lebanon, and Philomath. We started our visits by learning about leather- where it comes from, how it’s made, its many uses, and its ecological impact. We learned leather can even be made from sharks!
Our makerspace leaders, Kelsie and Svea, spent our time teaching the student participants how to use tools essential to the leather-crafting process. These tools included leather presses, leather cutting dies, mallets, stamping punches, and hole punches, among other instruments. We then combined our new skills and flexed our creativity to craft keychains, bookmarks, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings out of leather!
Our leather-making activities would not have been possible without the generosity and support of our community sponsors. Softstar Shoes, Tandy Leather, the Oregon Leather Company, and Artisan Custom Countertops all provided time and resources to help us make this event a reality. We are so lucky to have their businesses and support in our communities!
Interested in joining us for a Mobile Makerspace session? In April we will be roaming around the region and learning about printmaking through the Japanese art style of Gyotaku, which will help us develop a new understanding of natural history through art. Visit our events page to see where we will be, and stop by to visit us!
