As we are based in the TriSisters Art House, our opening hours are dependent on theirs (as we are situated behind the main doors of the Art House). Their hours are generally Wednesday to Sunday 11-5, although these may vary. However, we are present in the workshop most days, and can let you in the front doors. Please notify us in advance if you’re thinking of visiting but are unsure of whether we’ll be there.

The Art House has washroom facilities that can be used by customers or visitors of Skinner Designs.

The Art House where we are situated is wheelchair accessible.

Yes, please get in touch via email or Social Media if you’d like to book an appointment, be it private or otherwise.

We try to make custom work as approachable as possible. Custom work can be put into two categories: you can either customize standard products with a range of preset options on our website, or have something totally custom made from scratch.

Tailoring a standard product on our website is intended to be pain free and intuitive, and we’re open to feedback about how to make it easier. The pricing model we use is scalable to easily price size changes, amendments, additions, etc. If you’re unsure about something, reach out and we can help.

Completely bespoke work can be expensive. If it’s a product we need to make a template for, we need to factor in the time it takes to make those templates, figure out the construction, etc. That said, the advantage to owning a completely bespoke, custom-made item that was designed and made for you is truly unique.

For example, someone might reach out to us to have a small bag designed and made for them. The more input they provide, the better, as it results in less figuring-out for us. A small, simple bag with a non-intricate construction and a small amount of hardware may take us a day to design and build, and might cost around $500-600.

Yes, in most cases. Please reach out to us.

Yes. Currently, we do not stock a regular color range, as we are using various leathers from various suppliers on a case-by-case basis. This is due to several factors, including price, tariffs, import duties, and availability. If you have a preferred leather you’d like to use, please reach out to us and we can email you with options.

It depends. Ready-to-ship items, unless otherwise stated or discounted, can be returned so long as they are in the same condition as when they were received. Many custom items can be returned, but will incur a restocking fee. Items that are not eligible for a return may include custom items that have a very specific niche use, have been decorated with a custom design, or are otherwise unlikely to resell. If in doubt, please check with us prior to purchase.

Unless otherwise stated, lunch or a meal isn’t included in the ticket price of an event. Apart from some lunch, for most classes you won't need to bring anything with you. All the materials and tools will be provided unless the class is intended as a ‘follow-up’ class, in which case we will notify you if you need to bring anything. Please note that some classes require you to send us a size (for example a shoe size) prior to the event, to facilitate cutting out components.

Yes! Most of my classes are intended for beginners to leatherwork, unless otherwise stated. Some classes would be considered more advanced, and for those, it’s recommended either that you attend prior classes, or have some previous experience of your own doing leatherwork.

I try to focus on teaching at venues as local to the Kitchener-Waterloo area as possible. That said, I’m willing to travel if you’re interested in hosting one of our classes.

Yes, I can and have taught privately, on a one-to-one and private group basis. My fee for the day is $400 plus tax, materials, and mileage.