The Leather Crafting Residency is the fundamental Workshop of the of The School of Leather here at ColsenKeane.

The Leather Crafting Residency (Internship) is located in our Charlotte, North Carolina studio. This Workshop is an immersive, 10-week program designed for beginners without any prior leather crafting experiences OR for students with some prior knowledge, looking to advance their skills. 

The Leather Crafting Residency will have a focus on the production of small leather goods and hand-stitching our iconic Satchels. The Leather Crafting Residency is intended for those 18 years of age and older. Everyone is welcome to apply. For university or college students, we are glad to work with you and your college counselors to help you obtain course credits for the Leather Crafting Residency.  

During the Residency, you will be guided by trained artisans that possess 33 years of combined knowledge and skill. 

A glimpse into what you will learn during this workshop: 

• Learn our unique hand stitching method

• Learn how to set a rivet 

• Learn how to affix hardware components such as buckles 

• Learn production methods for small goods such as wallets 

• Become familiar with tools of the trade such as awls, needles, and mallets 

Tools (for your use while in the studio) will be provided.

We are always looking for self-starting, problem-solving people who enjoy working with their hands, have a passion for creativity and want to learn more about the world of hand-crafted leather goods, leather tools, and working as part of a collaborative team. In our Residency, you’ll learn the basics of leather craft including basics of leather selection, and the extensive study of hand-stitching and utilization of specific tools.

The Leather Crafting Residency is an in-person opportunity located in our studio, in Charlotte, NC. It runs 10 hours per week for 10 weeks total (typically in two five-hour shifts per business week. this opportunity is not available on weekends). With very limited exceptions, your 10 weeks in our studio for the program need to run consecutively.

The Leather Crafting Residency with ColsenKeane will be an experience that adds to your professional list of skills and strengthen your resume. Upon successful completion, you will be awarded a Certification of Completion with 100 Residency Hours in Leather Crafting and the opportunity to build a No. 714 Tote or a No. 4313 Minimalist Satchel (up to a $950 value). 

. Please be prepared to tell us a little about you and your experience working with your hands, your schedule and availability, and what you most hope to gain by participating in our Residency. Upon completion of this form, a member of our team will reach out to you within 48 hours to schedule your time with us in the studio.

Our cancellation policy can be found . 

Please note that when we are actively hiring, we do first consider our current or former participants.