Learn How to Design and Build Your Own Leather Armour & Costume Pieces
Discover how leather armour, costume pieces and accessories are designed and built — step-by-step under the guidance of Alex Agricola, founder of Black Raven Armoury.
Take a quick look inside the Black Raven Academy
A Practical Introduction to Designing and Building Leather Armour & Accessories
No more wondering where to start.
From day one you’ll begin learning how leather armour is actually designed and built — how to create something you can move in, how much leather you'll need, how many rivets are required, and which tools are used to make it all come together.
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It still amazes me that despite the world being at our fingertips these days — YouTube, blogs and endless tutorials — finding guidance you can actually trust is harder than ever.
Instead of piecing together fragments from dozens of different videos, the Academy simply walks you through the craft step-by-step.
Now imagine being guided through the entire process — step by step.
Using the same techniques I’ve developed over 25 years designing armour and costume pieces...
Truthfully… it’s the kind of guidance I really wish had been there when I first started learning this craft.
That’s exactly why I created the Academy the way I did.
And if questions come up along the way, you have me here to guide you, with the support of a community of fellow students alongside you.
Why Thousands of Students Have Chosen the Black Raven Academy
Over the past 10 years more than 10,000 students have learned leathercraft through the Academy.
Because instead of piecing together fragments from dozens of tutorials, they follow clear step-by-step guidance from someone who has spent decades working in the craft.
Everything is designed so you can learn at your own pace — no deadlines, no pressure.
And many people are pleasantly surprised by how accessible leathercraft can be to begin with.
Most students start their first projects using a small workbench, a handful of basic tools, and carefully sourced leather, offcuts, or reclaimed materials.
Which means that whatever your starting experience… this craft quickly becomes far more achievable than most people first imagine.
Now Imagine Building One of These Fully Functional Leather Body Armours
Created by students who started exactly where you are now..
What You’ll Learn Inside the Course
Inside the lessons I walk you through the fundamental techniques used to design and build leather armour and costume pieces.
Including:
• Understanding leather types and materials
• The essential tools used in the craft
• Armour design principles and planning your build
• Pattern layout and preparing leather
• Forming and shaping leather components
• Decorative tooling techniques
• Water forming and leather hardening
• Dyeing, colouring and finishing techniques
• Assembly methods used to construct armour pieces
All demonstrated step-by-step so you can see exactly how the craft comes together.
Over 11 hours of step-by-step demonstrations taken directly from the Black Raven Masterclass.
• Instant access
• Learn at your own pace
• 30-day guarantee
Learn the Craft Step-by-Step
Inside the course I walk you through the process of designing and building leather armour — from the first concept through to the finished piece.
Design Fundamentals
Understanding armour design and how pieces must move with the body.
Pattern Development
Turning your design into working patterns ready for building.
Choosing Leather & Materials
Understanding leather and foam types and selecting materials that suit your build.
Essential Leatherworking Tools
Learn which tools are used in the craft and how they are used properly.
Tooling & Decorative Work
Adding detail and character through carving and embossing.
Dyeing & Final Finishing
Applying dyes, stains, gilding and finishes to complete your armour.
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A Community of Makers… and What Students Say
Here’s what a few students have said about learning the craft through the Academy.
A Quick Introduction
Hey… I'm Alex Agricola
When I first started learning this craft there was no internet, so most of what I learned came from books, experimentation and plenty of mistakes along the way.
More than 20 years and thousands of projects later, it’s still surprisingly difficult to find clear information on leatherwork — especially when it comes to armour and costume pieces.
That’s a big part of why I decided to share what I’ve learned through the Black Raven Academy.
And it’s also why I’ve always kept the courses and patterns at sensible prices… because the real reward for me has always been seeing what people go on to create.
From day one you have me here to ask questions if you need help.
If it’s within my knowledge to guide you, I will.