Mastering the Leather Mask: An online course

This live course has now passed, but you can still purchase the discounted class recordings. By ordering this course, you will receive all 5 recorded classes, a digital instruction manual of leather skills and terms, and all the materials needed to craft your own mask.

The teacher of this course, Marin Cenwein Gardner, is the sole artist and leatherworker of Embercraft Creations and leather masks are her signature skill. Throughout her 10 years of professional experience, she has striven to manifest myths and magic of centuries past into wearable art. Her work is carved with runes and symbols of power designed to help the wearer channel their inner intentions. Throughout this 5 month course, she will teach you how to design, carve, sculpt, and paint your own unique leather masks. Using your new Tool Pack, outfitted with all of the tools you need, you will learn all of the basic leatherworking skills and craft your own masks from the included leather.

Additionally, Araminta Karlsson of Needfire Apothecary will be providing information for students on the mask traditions and practical applications for masking from a Nordic Folk Magic perspective. Mask traditions have a special place in the history of magic in Northern Europe, and exploring their impact leading into the dark months is a special treat! They will also provide examples of significant designs utilized in Trolldom and Nordic Folk Magic.

All levels are welcome to join us in this virtual crafting circle. As well as the included materials for the course, you will also need to purchase the Tool Pack, and have on hand the following items: 

  • Cutting board or countertop (Stone is recommended)
  • Lighter
  • Scissors
  • Bowl of water
  • Soft towel
  • Flathead Screwdriver

Class Schedule:

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 7pm - 8pm EST
Lesson #1: Designing your own pattern, Transferring the tooling lines, Cutting it out your mask

Wednesday, September 29, 2021 7pm - 8pm EST
Lesson #2: Carving and tooling your mask

Wednesday, October 27, 2021 7pm - 8pm EST
Lesson #3: Shaping and molding your mask

Wednesday, November 24, 2021 7pm - 8pm EST
Lesson #4: Dyeing, Painting, and Sealing (dye and paint not included in kit).

Wednesday, December 22, 2021 7pm - 8pm EST
Lesson #5: Presentation about mask use in Nordic Folk Magic