Location: Anime Milwaukee 2026 | South Hall Room 201C - Workshop Room

Class Length: 2 hours

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In this hands-on workshop, students will learn the foundational techniques of traditional leather tooling from start to finish. The class covers how to properly prep leather, transfer a design, carve clean lines, and use basic stamping tools to create texture and depth. Each student will complete and take home a tooled leather bookmark or coaster while gaining skills that can be applied to cosplay accessories, armor accents, belts, and props. No prior leatherworking experience is required.

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In this workshop you'll learn:

• How to properly prep leather for tooling
• How to transfer a design onto leather accurately and cleanly
• Basic leather carving techniques
• How to use common stamping and tooling tools to add texture and depth
• Tips for achieving crisp lines and consistent impressions
• How to apply leather tooling techniques to cosplay accessories, props, and costume details

Prerequisite Skills:

• None, beginner friendly

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About the Instructor:

Turtle Smithy has been cosplaying for over 20 years. He has competed and won awards at many different conventions, not the least of which being the first C2E2 Crown Champion. He has also judged many competitions at shows over the years, and currently makes cosplay accessories full time for his Etsy shop. He has a wide range of expertise, including costume patterning, sewing, armor, props, leather, painting, mold making and casting. Turtle Smithy is excited to share his knowledge in this hands on workshop.

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The Nitty Gritty:

• To participate in this workshop, a liability waiver must be completed for all participants
• Anyone under 16 years of age MUST be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian
• Space is limited and all tickets are first come first serve
• Purchasing a ticket reserves one (1) seat at this class. For multiple tickets, please add more than one ticket to your cart
• All tickets are final sale. In the event of a no-show, no refunds will be available
• Tickets will be delivered digitally to the email address provided at checkout. This digital ticket will be needed to enter the event.
• All classes start promptly at the time they're scheduled for. In the event of tardiness, you may miss certain aspects of the class and may not be able to complete the scheduled project in full.

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Our Sponsors for the 2026 Anime Milwaukee Cosplay Studio: