Sara

266 have dabbled | 36 reviews

Not Active in the last 12 months

Top rated icon TOP RATED TEACHER
Medium square dscn0671
5.0 | 36 reviews

Sara

266 have dabbled | 36 reviews

Not Active in the last 12 months

Big square dscn0671
5.0 | 36 reviews

Not Active in the last 12 months

Top rated icon Top Rated

Sara McIntosh

Sara began shoemaking and has been working with leather since 1974. She taught Tammy Stams who was the former instructor for previous Dabble classes. She founded the Chicago School of Shoemaking in 2011. Her other interests include biking, reading, making music and getting together with friends and family.

ABOUT THIS TEACHER

Sara began shoemaking and has been working with leather since 1974. She taught Tammy Stams who was the former instructor for previous Dabble classes. She founded the Chicago School of Shoemaking in 2011. Her other interests include biking, reading, making music and getting together with friends and family.

STUDENT EXPERIENCES

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    Sharon F.
    Reviewed on 02/05/20

    I learned how to stitch and apply snaps to leather properly

    I learned how to stitch and apply snaps to leather properly

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    Ghazala I.
    Reviewed on 02/04/20

    Had such a good experience, I signed up for another one! They actually offer a discount on a future class after your class. The space itself felt like Santa's workshop -- so cute and cozy, with super cool tools and projects all around. We started off braiding a leather bracelet and learning how to set snap-buttons. Then we advanced to making a snap-button wallet and hand-stitching it. A little challenging and tested my patience, but I loved the results so much it got me interested in learning more techniques and making more leather goods!

    Had such a good experience, I signed up for another one! They actually offer a discount on a future class after your class. The space itself felt like Santa's workshop -- so cute and cozy, with super cool tools and projects all around. We started off braiding a leather bracelet and learning how to set snap-buttons. Then we advanced to making a snap-button wallet and hand-stitching it. A little challenging and tested my patience, but I loved the results so much it got me interested in learning more techniques and making more leather goods!

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    Maggie H.
    Reviewed on 01/24/20

    My boyfriend and I had a great time and learned a lot from this class. Our teacher was incredibly patient working with us and helping us figure out exactly what we wanted. We will definitely be doing more classes here!

    From Teacher:

    Thank you, Maggie! We're glad you'll be coming back to our school.

    My boyfriend and I had a great time and learned a lot from this class. Our teacher was incredibly patient working with us and helping us figure out exactly what we wanted. We will definitely be doing more classes here!

    From Teacher:

    Thank you, Maggie! We're glad you'll be coming back to our school.

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    Laura D.
    Reviewed on 11/27/19

    My husband and I had a great experience here. The class was small, and the instructor, Leah, was friendly, patient, clear, and very knowledgeable. I made a clutch purse, and the whole process was a lot easier than I had anticipated thanks to Leah. Every step was broken down and demonstrated, which was great because I'm a visual learner. The atmosphere was casual and inviting, and we had a lot of fun. I'm definitely tempted to come back for another class. I'd recommend this class to anyone.

    From Teacher:

    Laura, thank you for the great feedback. We certainly hope you and your husband will be back.

    My husband and I had a great experience here. The class was small, and the instructor, Leah, was friendly, patient, clear, and very knowledgeable. I made a clutch purse, and the whole process was a lot easier than I had anticipated thanks to Leah. Every step was broken down and demonstrated, which was great because I'm a visual learner. The atmosphere was casual and inviting, and we had a lot of fun. I'm definitely tempted to come back for another class. I'd recommend this class to anyone.

    From Teacher:

    Laura, thank you for the great feedback. We certainly hope you and your husband will be back.

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    Dave S.
    Reviewed on 05/17/19

    What a great experience! This class will take you back to the shop class days of high school which are long gone...replaced by computer labs. Let's you appreciate the talent and skill that is required to work with leather. Amazing teacher who guides you along each step never just "doing it for you" but rather coaching you thru it so the experience is that much more rewarding at the end.

    What a great experience! This class will take you back to the shop class days of high school which are long gone...replaced by computer labs. Let's you appreciate the talent and skill that is required to work with leather. Amazing teacher who guides you along each step never just "doing it for you" but rather coaching you thru it so the experience is that much more rewarding at the end.

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    Katie W.
    Reviewed on 04/18/19

    a nice intro to leatherworking - looking forward to possibly taking additional classes

    a nice intro to leatherworking - looking forward to possibly taking additional classes

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    Tami C.
    Reviewed on 03/28/19

    Was a safe/no-pressure environment to get a feel for leather-working and the tools/techniques. We made a keychain and a small purse/bag which was fun and nice to have a tangible takeaway. Good "gateway" class for future training.

    Was a safe/no-pressure environment to get a feel for leather-working and the tools/techniques. We made a keychain and a small purse/bag which was fun and nice to have a tangible takeaway. Good "gateway" class for future training.

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    Haley H.
    Reviewed on 10/19/18

    Wonderful time! The teacher was patient and helpful, but allowed us to do the work ourselves and create a truly unique piece. Highly recommend for something new and fun!

    Wonderful time! The teacher was patient and helpful, but allowed us to do the work ourselves and create a truly unique piece. Highly recommend for something new and fun!

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    Jill S.
    Reviewed on 09/29/18

    This was a great experience! I am not a crafty or creative person, but they provide templates that you can follow as much or as little as you want. Our instructor was able to adjust to the learning levels of the group and ensured that no one was excluded, standing around waiting or wondering what to do. I definitely would love to go back!

    This was a great experience! I am not a crafty or creative person, but they provide templates that you can follow as much or as little as you want. Our instructor was able to adjust to the learning levels of the group and ensured that no one was excluded, standing around waiting or wondering what to do. I definitely would love to go back!

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    Melissa Y.
    Reviewed on 04/04/18

    Leah was an awesome teacher. She was very easy to understand & took her time explaining things. She was happy to go over something again if we didn't understand. I cane away from the class with such a cute pouch & bracelet. I'm excited to take another class. I signed yup for Leatherworking 101.

    Leah was an awesome teacher. She was very easy to understand & took her time explaining things. She was happy to go over something again if we didn't understand. I cane away from the class with such a cute pouch & bracelet. I'm excited to take another class. I signed yup for Leatherworking 101.

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    Jennifer G.
    Reviewed on 03/15/18

    If you have not been to the Chicago School of Shoemaking and Leather Arts, you must check it out. Very cool place, people and class. Our Teacher, Leah, did a great job helping us novice leather workers create a braided bracelet and coin purse. Once you take this class, you can move on to more creative projects of your choosing, part of what makes this class a really great deal!

    If you have not been to the Chicago School of Shoemaking and Leather Arts, you must check it out. Very cool place, people and class. Our Teacher, Leah, did a great job helping us novice leather workers create a braided bracelet and coin purse. Once you take this class, you can move on to more creative projects of your choosing, part of what makes this class a really great deal!

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    Eartha H.
    Reviewed on 12/06/17

    I was so expired by making a key chain holder and a coin purse. I register for a upper level class the same night.

    I was so expired by making a key chain holder and a coin purse. I register for a upper level class the same night.

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    Kelly E.
    Reviewed on 08/22/17

    This class was a great introductory class! I had been interested in leather working for a while, and this class was a great first look into the practice. Everyone was very nice, and the teacher was very informative - I cannot wait to take another class here!

    This class was a great introductory class! I had been interested in leather working for a while, and this class was a great first look into the practice. Everyone was very nice, and the teacher was very informative - I cannot wait to take another class here!

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    Tessa F.
    Reviewed on 08/22/17

    Fun class and great end products!

    Fun class and great end products!

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    Stephanie F.
    Reviewed on 08/05/17

    It was really cool to make a couple of things. It sparked an interest for my boyfriend and I and we look forward to taking another leather working class

    It was really cool to make a couple of things. It sparked an interest for my boyfriend and I and we look forward to taking another leather working class

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    Sue P.
    Reviewed on 07/21/17

    what a great way to dip your toe in! class was great fun (immediately signed up for another). school was very well equipped, teacher knowledgeable, atmosphere relaxed 😊

    what a great way to dip your toe in! class was great fun (immediately signed up for another). school was very well equipped, teacher knowledgeable, atmosphere relaxed 😊

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    Julia S.
    Reviewed on 07/03/17

    My friend and I were interested in leatherwork after a recent trip to Spain. Once we saw this class we had to take it. So worth it! We had a blast :)

    My friend and I were interested in leatherwork after a recent trip to Spain. Once we saw this class we had to take it. So worth it! We had a blast :)

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    Sharon M.
    Reviewed on 06/30/17

    I really enjoy taking this class and learning how to make simple fun leather items. I look forward to signing up for the next class.

    I really enjoy taking this class and learning how to make simple fun leather items. I look forward to signing up for the next class.

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    Anthony C.
    Reviewed on 06/22/17

    Class was great, perfect for beginners. Got right in to creating a braided wristband then on to a custom coin pouch. You get to choose your own colors for leather thread and clasps. Very positive experience and you bring home something made by your own hands.

    Class was great, perfect for beginners. Got right in to creating a braided wristband then on to a custom coin pouch. You get to choose your own colors for leather thread and clasps. Very positive experience and you bring home something made by your own hands.

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    Courtney M.
    Reviewed on 06/12/17

    Don't hesitate to sign up for this class! I've NEVER worked with leather before and this was a great intro. The instructor made it super easy to start—and I left class with 3 handmade items!

    Don't hesitate to sign up for this class! I've NEVER worked with leather before and this was a great intro. The instructor made it super easy to start—and I left class with 3 handmade items!

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    Amanda J.
    Reviewed on 05/03/17

    This was an incredible introductory class. It felt really great to leave with something I felt proud of making. Everyone was kind and the warm workshop environment was really nice to be in. I totally recommend this class!

    This was an incredible introductory class. It felt really great to leave with something I felt proud of making. Everyone was kind and the warm workshop environment was really nice to be in. I totally recommend this class!

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    Leesa A.
    Reviewed on 04/18/17

    Taste of Leather Work was fun and exciting. We had a chance to try various techniques and ended up making 3 different leather articles. I highly recommend this class for anyone looking to Dabble in Leather.

    Taste of Leather Work was fun and exciting. We had a chance to try various techniques and ended up making 3 different leather articles. I highly recommend this class for anyone looking to Dabble in Leather.

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    Suz K.
    Reviewed on 02/24/17

    Nice class. Nice teacher. Didn't think I'd do anything with the pouches but I threw my ear buds in them. Would suggest for a fun craft class.

    Nice class. Nice teacher. Didn't think I'd do anything with the pouches but I threw my ear buds in them. Would suggest for a fun craft class.

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    Laura M.
    Reviewed on 02/23/17

    The class was really fun, and the teacher was so sweet. We made 3 projects and learned a few basic skills, like braiding, punching, and hand stitching. We loved it!

    The class was really fun, and the teacher was so sweet. We made 3 projects and learned a few basic skills, like braiding, punching, and hand stitching. We loved it!

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    Sarah M.
    Reviewed on 02/03/17

    During the class we made a bracelet (or keychain) and a coin purse. The teachers provided great instruction and the items look great! I would love to see more leather classes offered through Dabble.

    During the class we made a bracelet (or keychain) and a coin purse. The teachers provided great instruction and the items look great! I would love to see more leather classes offered through Dabble.

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    Shayna S.
    Reviewed on 12/01/16

    Everyone was able to make two projects. There wasn't much originality involved, but it is a good class to learn some basics of leather work.

    Everyone was able to make two projects. There wasn't much originality involved, but it is a good class to learn some basics of leather work.

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    Lisa C.
    Reviewed on 11/30/16

    Excellent intro class to leather-working. After the class, you went home with 2 high quality projects - a small pouch/coin purse and a keychain. The class is very hands-on and you get to do everything from start to finish including using the tools and machinery. No prior knowledge needed either! The instructor was incredibly patient and helpful, would recommend this class to anyone with an interest in crafting!

    Excellent intro class to leather-working. After the class, you went home with 2 high quality projects - a small pouch/coin purse and a keychain. The class is very hands-on and you get to do everything from start to finish including using the tools and machinery. No prior knowledge needed either! The instructor was incredibly patient and helpful, would recommend this class to anyone with an interest in crafting!

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    Clare F.
    Reviewed on 10/06/16

    This was a fabulous class! We got to make two projects: we had the option of either a braided bracelet or a braided keychain, and then we also made a small coin purse. We practiced attaching snaps or rivets, punching holes, and also learned some gluing and stitching. Overall, a great introduction, and I can't wait to take another class!

    This was a fabulous class! We got to make two projects: we had the option of either a braided bracelet or a braided keychain, and then we also made a small coin purse. We practiced attaching snaps or rivets, punching holes, and also learned some gluing and stitching. Overall, a great introduction, and I can't wait to take another class!

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    Laura H.
    Reviewed on 09/15/16

    Perfect class! Was browsing Dabble classes during a sale, looking to sign up for at least one. Found the Chicago School of Shoemaking's website...I had no idea you could learn to make your own shoes in Chicago! Everything from simple sandals to flats to knee-high boots. However those prices are a bit scary...this class is not. You'll go home with at least two items: a braided bracelet OR keychain AND a leather pouch. You'll punch holes in leather, place snaps, and have the option to do a pouch style with stitching (don't worry, it's thick thread and super easy, no experience required). Lots of colors of leather, thread, and snaps. I went with a cognac leather pouch, brass hardware, and pink stitching.

    If you buy a voucher for any of their other classes at the end of class, you'll get a 20-50% discount. This makes the idea of working my way up to shoes a lot less daunting. I purchased Leatherwork 101 for about 40% off. I have the next 6 months to sign up- the only problem is deciding what to make. Belt? Clutch?

    Perfect class! Was browsing Dabble classes during a sale, looking to sign up for at least one. Found the Chicago School of Shoemaking's website...I had no idea you could learn to make your own shoes in Chicago! Everything from simple sandals to flats to knee-high boots. However those prices are a bit scary...this class is not. You'll go home with at least two items: a braided bracelet OR keychain AND a leather pouch. You'll punch holes in leather, place snaps, and have the option to do a pouch style with stitching (don't worry, it's thick thread and super easy, no experience required). Lots of colors of leather, thread, and snaps. I went with a cognac leather pouch, brass hardware, and pink stitching.

    If you buy a voucher for any of their other classes at the end of class, you'll get a 20-50% discount. This makes the idea of working my way up to shoes a lot less daunting. I purchased Leatherwork 101 for about 40% off. I have the next 6 months to sign up- the only problem is deciding what to make. Belt? Clutch?

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    Julie R.
    Reviewed on 08/04/16

    The class was educational and fun. I was very impressed with the level of training offered by the Chicago School of Shoemaking. The hands-on training gave me the opportunity to learn more about manufacturing my own products from leather.

    I highly recommend taking this class!

    The class was educational and fun. I was very impressed with the level of training offered by the Chicago School of Shoemaking. The hands-on training gave me the opportunity to learn more about manufacturing my own products from leather.

    I highly recommend taking this class!

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    Amy P.
    Reviewed on 02/22/15

    This class was fun. Tammy was a great teacher, working with each of us individually, at our own pace. For example, if we finished one part early, we didn't have to wait for the whole group; she would individually show us the next step. The best part was that we each got to choose our individual project. There were examples to choose from, but we could make adaptations to create exactly what we wanted. I even decided to sign up for another class. I highly recommend this class!

    This class was fun. Tammy was a great teacher, working with each of us individually, at our own pace. For example, if we finished one part early, we didn't have to wait for the whole group; she would individually show us the next step. The best part was that we each got to choose our individual project. There were examples to choose from, but we could make adaptations to create exactly what we wanted. I even decided to sign up for another class. I highly recommend this class!

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    Jenny F.
    Reviewed on 02/21/15

    Had a great time! The instructor was so professional, patient, upbeat, friendly and really helpful. The facility is lovely, too, and the entire class was really interesting. Highly recommend!!

    Had a great time! The instructor was so professional, patient, upbeat, friendly and really helpful. The facility is lovely, too, and the entire class was really interesting. Highly recommend!!

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    Jessica N.
    Reviewed on 12/26/14

    I loved the class so much, I signed up to make a clutch!
    Tammy is an awesome, patient, and knowledgeable teacher.
    I had a blast making my bracelet and card holder!

    I loved the class so much, I signed up to make a clutch!
    Tammy is an awesome, patient, and knowledgeable teacher.
    I had a blast making my bracelet and card holder!

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    Erin B.
    Reviewed on 09/02/14

    There were only three of us in this intro class but we had a blast! We each created coasters, bracelets and a wallet. I had a feeling that I was going to like it but I am hooked on leather working now!

    There were only three of us in this intro class but we had a blast! We each created coasters, bracelets and a wallet. I had a feeling that I was going to like it but I am hooked on leather working now!

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    Tina F.
    Reviewed on 08/02/14

    This was a great beginner's class to gauge your level of interest in leather working. Well, I loved it and have already signed up for a 101 class. Tammy is patient, attentive and awesome! Thanks for a great experience!

    This was a great beginner's class to gauge your level of interest in leather working. Well, I loved it and have already signed up for a 101 class. Tammy is patient, attentive and awesome! Thanks for a great experience!

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    L G.
    Reviewed on 07/23/14

    The class was a review for me getting back into making leather items and I gave the class to a niece for her birthday. She was excited and very satisfied with her experience. The class was great for me also. I will take another one.

    The class was a review for me getting back into making leather items and I gave the class to a niece for her birthday. She was excited and very satisfied with her experience. The class was great for me also. I will take another one.

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