Tooling leather coasters to sharpen your skills and style

Instructor: Paul Zalesak Course Length: 90 minutes | Lessons: 29 Skill Level: Beginner–Intermediate Build skills while creating custom leather coasters Small projects are one of the best ways to improve your leatherworking. In this course, Paul Zalesak walks you through tooling a set of leather coasters, using them as a hands-on way to develop control, confidence, and consistency. Working from a set of repeatable patterns, you’ll practice swivel knife work and tooling techniques while learning how to modify and expand designs into your own style. This approach not only builds skill, but also helps you create variations you can use for gifts, personal projects, or small production runs. By the end of the course, you’ll have stronger fundamentals—and a simple project you can repeat, refine, and make your own. What you’ll learn How to tool leather coasters using repeatable patterns Techniques to improve swivel knife control How to modify and expand designs into your own style Building consistency across multiple pieces Using small projects to improve efficiency and output Inside the course Coaster patterns and project setup Swivel knife practice and tooling basics Pattern variation and customization Building repeatable workflows About Your Instructor: Paul Zalesak is an award‑winning leather artist and founder of Leather Wranglers Inc., known for his work in swivel knife design and leather tooling innovation. With decades of experience since first learning the craft in 1974, Paul combines deep knowledge of metallurgy, sharpening, and technique to help leatherworkers achieve cleaner, more precise results. A longtime educator and seminar instructor, he is dedicated to equipping makers with the tools and skills to elevate both their craftsmanship and finished work.