Instructor: Elise Michaels

Biography: Many know Elise Michaels as the voice and face of Central Oregon radio & television for many years. If you've lived in the area for long, you'll remember her from radio's "Scott & Elise Morning Show" to "Mornings with Dave & Elise", along with hosting "This Week in Central Oregon" on KTVZ.Elise is also the owner/creator of Elise Michaels Media, responsible for building many local websites, including Street Dog Hero, Deschutes Historical Museum, and Partners In Care, to name a few.But it's Elise's behind-the-scenes interest that brings her to COCC: teaching leatherworking! Elise has been a hobbyist in the craft for decades and in the past couple of years she has opened her own studio teaching the ways of creating with leather. From cuff bracelets to catchall/valet trays to the ever-popular No-Sew Crossbody Bag, Elise loves to empower folks with the knowledge and ability to make their own creations, without having to purchase all the tools and leather that are needed in this fun hobby.

Additional information can be found on her website: Bench Studio

Classes by this instructor

Leatherworking: Craft Your Own Wallet

Discover the art of leatherworking, and make your own custom wallet! In this hands-on workshop you'll learn essential leathercraft techniques including measuring, cutting, punching and stitching. With guidance throughout the process you'll transform quality leather into a functional, personalized wallet. All supplies and tools are provided, and you pick the leather color that suits your style! No previous leatherworking experience is necessary.
Saturday, January 9, 2027 | 1:00pm-4:00pm PST | Bend

Leatherworking: Craft a Cuff Bracelet and Trinket Tray

Explore the creative side of leatherworking while crafting two unique pieces to keep or gift! In this hands-on workshop you'll learn the foundations of leathercraft techniques as you design and create a one-of-a-kind cuff bracelet and functional leather trinket tray. All supplies and tools are provided, and you pick the leather color that suits your style! Come ready to work with your hands, experiment with leather and leave with two handcrafted pieces made by you! No previous leatherworking experience is necessary.
Sunday, January 10, 2027 | 1:00pm-4:00pm PST | Bend

Leatherworking: No-Sew Small Crossbody Bag and Coin Purse

Did you know you can create an entire leather bag without one stitch of sewing? In this No-Sew Small Crossbody Bag workshop, you will learn how to cut out leather, punch holes, weave leather, set rivets and add a closure. By the end of the class, you will be able to take home a fully-functional and cute-as-heck small, crossbody bag and a bonus coin purse to go with it. The crossbody bag made in this class is different than previous classes: it is smaller. All supplies and tools are provided, and you pick the leather color that suits your style! No previous leatherworking experience is necessary.
Sunday, February 7, 2027 | 1:00pm-4:00pm PST | Bend