I first met Baldwin Pui and Philip Lau when I did a leather making class in their workshop late last year. This lovely and very clever duo have been making leather goods for stores such as Harvey Nichols and private clients for quite some time now. They are a highly regarded leather making team. Fungus Workshop is a partnership between Hoiming (a leather goods designer brand) and Cowrice (a lifestyle creative unit). Not only do they run classes but they also sell their designs at Fungus Workshop, a quirky and inspiring studio space on G/F 4 Po Hing Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island, +852 2779 9003.

Baldwin and Philip started teaching leather classes in 2009 and haven’t looked back. They want people to focus on making their own handmade leather pieces, they teach students to stitch everything by hand. The main aim of Fungus Workshop is to share their passion, technique and respect for the leather craft and they encourage people to enjoy the satisfaction that comes from making something from scratch.

Classes are packed so bookings are essential and what you choose to make is completely up to you. I worked on a leather clutch; others in my class were making everything from dog collars, wallets and handbags to children’s shoes. Materials are provided but they don’t mind if you bring along your own handles or leather. I found my leather in Sham Shui Po at Luen Cheong Company, G/F 173 Tai Nan Street, Kowloon, +852 2393 5926. We’ve also been to Sun Hing Lung Leather Company, G/F 170 Ki Lung Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, +852 2391 3448. It’s definitely worth a look – they fill their bins at the front with affordable off-cuts.