Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Do I need any prior experience to take a class?
No. Level 1: Foundations and all workshops are designed for complete beginners. You learn the AMBLARD Method from the ground up. Many students had never touched leather before walking in.

What is the AMBLARD Method?
Our curriculum for traditional French leatherworking. Developed by Béatrice Amblard from four decades of practice, including training at the Chambre de Commerce de Paris and years at Hermès. Precision, repeatability, mastery of fundamentals before complex construction.

Which class should I start with?
Short introduction: two-hour workshop ($175). Full commitment: Level 1: Foundations ($5,000) or Introduction to the AMBLARD Method ($800), a one-day intensive.

Class Formats & Pricing

What formats do you offer?
Five. Workshops ($175, 2 hours). Introduction to AMBLARD Method ($800, 1 day). Core Program Levels 1-4 ($5,000-$5,500/level). Individual Instruction (from $400, 1-on-1). 12-Week Artisan Training ($20,000).

Can I take levels out of order?
No. Sequential only. Each level builds on the one before.

What is the 10-Classes Card?
$1,600 for ten sessions. Flexible pay-per-session structure.

What is Open Studio?
Independent bench time (from $150). Professional tools and materials. For graduates and continuing students.

Materials & Tools

Do I need my own tools or materials?
No. Everything provided. Same caliber used in professional luxury goods production.

Location & Logistics

Where are you located?
15 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118, inside April in Paris.

How do I book?
Online at heirloomleathercraft.com. For 12-Week Program: info@heirloomleathercraft.com or (415) 750-9910.

About Our Instructors

Who teaches?
Béatrice Amblard (lead). Trained at Chambre de Commerce de Paris at 16, hired by Hermès in Paris, sent to SF in 1987, founded April in Paris in 2000, teaching since 2012. Amélie Amblard also instructs.

What makes you different?
Working atelier, first of its kind in America. Instruction and production share the same bench. Hermès tradition. Small classes. Professional method.

Hobby or professional training?
Both welcome. Method is professional regardless. Standard does not change based on intention.