Artisan Studio Programs
adult art enrichment program
These free 4 week classes meet on Thursdays and are open to adults 18+ who in Detroit, Highland Park, or Hamtramck. Each class nurtures creativity and teaches new artistic skills, and emphasizes sustainability in every lesson.
This program offers skill-building workshops led by local artists with a focus on self-expression, sustainability, and community. Designed for adults of all experience levels, the program creates a welcoming space for creative growth, connection, and healing through art. Gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and contribute to a vibrant culture of lifelong learning and collective care!
Upcoming Class
Stitched to Last: Hand-Stitched Leather Wallet
Teaching Artist: Sarah Feldman
Thursdays: October 15, 22, 29 and November 5
Session Times: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Adult Art Enrichment | 4-Week Series
Upcoming Class
Join Detroit leather artist Sarah Feldman, founder of Bespoke By Feldman, for a four-week hands-on introduction to the art of leatherworking. Working with quality leather and traditional hand-stitching techniques, participants will design and create their own fully functional leather wallet from start to finish.
Whether you're completely new to leatherworking or simply curious about learning a new craft, Sarah will guide you through each step of the process. You’ll learn how to work with leather as a material, use basic leatherworking tools, personalize your design, and construct your wallet using the durable saddle stitch, a traditional hand-sewing technique used in fine leather goods.
Over the four weeks, participants will select and personalize a wallet pattern, cut and prepare their leather, practice hand-stitching and assembly, and even have the opportunity to use an on-site laser to engrave initials or a personal design into the leather before stitching the pieces together.
The final week will focus on finishing techniques, including edge burnishing, which transforms raw leather edges into a smooth, polished finish. We’ll end with a celebration and showcase of everyone’s completed work.
This class offers more than the opportunity to make a beautiful, functional object. It’s an introduction to the principles of slow craft - taking the time to learn a skill, work carefully with your hands, and create something designed to be used and enjoyed for years.
Participants Will
- Learn about different types, weights, and characteristics of leather
- Become familiar with basic leatherworking tools and techniques
- Select and personalize a wallet design
- Learn how to safely cut and prepare leather
- Practice skiving and using a pricking iron to create precise stitch holes
- Learn and practice the traditional saddle stitch
- Construct interior card slots and pockets
- Learn edge burnishing and leather-finishing techniques
- Explore how laser engraving can complement traditional handcraft
- Create and take home a one-of-a-kind, fully functional leather wallet
Sustainability Connection
This class supports two United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production - By learning to make a durable, made-to-last object by hand, participants are encouraged to consider quality, craftsmanship, and longevity as alternatives to disposable, fast-consumption culture.
Goal 4: Quality Education - The class provides accessible, hands-on education in a traditional craft, allowing participants to develop practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and confidence through making.
Teaching Artist
Sarah Feldman is the founder of Bespoke By Feldman, a Detroit-based leather goods studio specializing in handcrafted, made-to-last pieces. Since launching in 2020, her work has been carried at Neighbor x Folk at Michigan Central Station and Detroit Metro Airport, as well as Eastern Market, and through wholesale accounts nationwide.
Sarah teaches leatherworking as a way to make a traditional, slow craft accessible to everyone. Her approach emphasizes craftsmanship, patience, and the satisfaction of creating something useful and beautiful with your own hands.
Class Dates:
Four consecutive Thursdays
October 15, 22, 29, and November 5
6:00–8:00 PM
FREE & OPEN TO DETROIT, HIGHLAND PARK AND HAMTRAMCK RESIDENTS
18 & OLDER
Maximum Enrollment: 12 Participants
No previous leatherworking experience is necessary.
Registration is required. Please register only if you are available for all four class dates.
FAQ
Who is eligible to participate in free classes at the Artisan Studio?
All Hope for Flowers Artisan Studio Programming is free for residents in Detroit, Highland Park, or Hamtramck thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and funders.
What are the classes like?
Classes are 2 hours long and meet over 4 weeks on Thursdays. Unless otherwise noted, classes are open to students of all abilities and experience levels.
Expect to meet other community members curious about art and sustainability, learn a few new skills, and end the class with a completed project.
What is the class size?
Our Detroit Artisan Studio classroom can accommodate approximately 20 students. We work with each teaching artists to determine the best class size for the medium at hand, which can range from 8 to 20 students.
Where is the classroom located?
Hope for Flowers is located at 119 Garfield Street, Suite 500, Detroit MI 48201.
Our classroom entrance is on the plaza on the west side of the Freelon building. Google Maps may be inaccurate, so look out for our sign outside on the plaza.
I have more questions about the class. Who do I contact?
Please reach out to the Artisan Studio Director Mandisa Smith at artisanstudio@hopeforflowers.com
Upcoming Classes
Previous Classes
Map
119 Garfield St, Suite 500
Detroit, MI 48201
We are located on the West side of the Freelon apartment complex building on the plaza around the corner of Cure Nailhouse.
