Handmade Leather: Learn Wet Molding Techniques

José Luis Bazán begins the course by telling you who he is and how he became the "leather alchemist." He also explains the influences, both personal and professional, that have marked his career and his own unique way of seeing the world.

Next, José Luis tells you more about his great love, leather, and how to work it. He first introduces you to the main characteristics and types that exist, then shows you what wet molding is, the materials required, and what you must take into account when cutting the piece.

Discover the process of frizing and how to treat the leather to open its pores and to soften it, starting with the inside and continuing with the outside. Join the two pieces of the bowl using starch and, once dry, cut the rim, checking that both are the same height.

Sand the piece and learn your teacher's technique for applying paint to the bowl. Then, apply the filler, sealing the edges to give them color, and put that special touch on your piece by carving a design into the bottom.

José Luis gives you some practical advice on how to properly preserve leather pieces, as well as the molds, over time. To finish, he shows you pieces he has made with different molds so you can see the infinite possibilities that leather has to offer.