This month's banner is inspired by ANZAC Day - 25th April.
Welcome to the April 2024 edition of the Bootstraps newsletter.
Here we discuss everything going on, upcoming events, welcoming new members and celebrating our love and passion for everything leather!
Welcome one and all!
Hello all and welcome to the next instalment of the news leather. To say that March was a ‘roller coaster’ on a business and emotional level, would be a massive understatement.
The decision to cancel the Gala Ball was not made lightly and whilst it was very disappointing to have to make that call, we have discovered that our team and the new direction that BOOTSTRAPS is heading in, is even stronger as a result. Life will always be there to knock us about – it’s how we dust ourselves off and keep on ‘keeping-on’ is what matters.
Over the coming weeks, you will see BOOTSTRAPS ‘product line’ begin to take shape. We are currently developing almost a dozen line-items that will make up the new look of what we will not only offer in formal classes, but also retail as existing stock. So, keep an eye out for those items and classes coming online soon. Also, a new look website is about to be rolled out – but no more spoilers on that front 😊.
We are still seeing great numbers of participants come through our doors, and we plan to grow even further. We have increased our classes and times, and the results speak for themselves.
Thank you to all the BOOTSTRAPS staff, and those who continuously support us. Please everyone be safe, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
“Train your staff so they can leave. Treat them well so they won’t” – Richard Branson
- Sam Kavanagh, CEO Bootstraps
EVENTS
LEATHERWORK CLASSES:
We have a packed schedule of upcoming classes, aiming to get as many people as possible involved in leatherwork. We have classes covering all of the basics, and some more technical small projects; classes will be run on differing days, hopefully there will be something for everyone.
Below are the classes we have for the next few weeks:
Friday 12 April - Basic leather tooling
Wednesday 17 April - Drink/Stubby cooler
Sat 20 & Sun 21 April - Wallet/Purse (2 days)
Friday 26 April - No sew pouch/purse
Friday 3 May - Leather hip flask cover
Wednesday 8 May - Basic leather tooling
Friday 17 May - Keyring & Bookmark
More information and booking of these classes can be found via our ticketing site:
SOCIAL MEDIA
We continue to show what we get up to on social media; if you haven't already, comment on our posts. We'd love to hear about the type of content that you want to see - so let us know!
Stay up to date with the latest at Bootstraps; be sure to like and follow us on socials.
Linktree is a one-stop-shop that signposts to all our socials, 500 Club members, and other important agencies. Click the banner or snap the QR code to try it today!
NETWORKING
We are always looking to expand our network within the Lockyer, and the wider Veteran and Leatherwork communities.
If you know of anyone within your personal or professional networks that would like to help us, or could use our services, then please introduce us. Feel free to drop into the centre.
BOOTSTRAPS HQ:
Our centre of operations, located in Gatton, Queensland, is open to all current and ex-military personnel,
and the local community, to drop in.
The centre is open Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am - 4:00pm.
"Feel free to drop by to say hello and introduce yourself!"
We are always welcoming new faces to volunteer their time, experience and skills. Without the tireless support of our volunteers, keeping Bootstraps going would be impossible. Regardless of your background or skillsets, every one of us can help to play a part. It doesn't need to be huge, it could be only a few hours a week through to a few days a week - really every little bit helps.
If you're in a position to offer some voluntary assistance to our organisation, then please reach out to us today by contacting us by phone 0480 239 994, or email admin@bootstraps.org.au
Also if you are in a position to assist us through monetary donations of any value, please visit our website and follow the link to: https://www.bootstraps.org.au/donations
SUPPORT:
For some of us, we're not ready to talk, as it means saying things out aloud reminds us of the issue; it may, however, be more comfortable to text how we're feeling.
As the classic song by Cold Chisel says "When the war is over, it's time to start again!" But for some of us that war internally is ongoing.
Here at Bootstraps we have all been in that situation and know what it feels like. Please remember if you need to talk you can drop in to our centre and say G'Day to some like minded folk
But for those other times, when you feel this way, know that there is support available via text on 0477 13 11 14 through Lifeline Text. They also have a live message service on their website, and a phone line 13 11 14.
This is a service openly available 24/7, and ran by Lifeline.
You can text them anything that's on your mind - no matter how overwhelming, they are there to listen. Just know, that there is someone there when you're ready!
Please feel free to share with your friends, families and colleagues!
Remember there is always someone willing to listen!
500 CLUB:
We are always so proud to promote all of our 500 Club Members that proudly support us!
The last couple of years have been really difficult for many businesses and we want to take a moment to acknowledge the continued support of all of our 500 Club members. Despite their own struggles, our valued partners have stuck with us through their dedicated support. Please make sure that you support them however you can!
Every News Leather, we aim to showcase a new 500 Club member to thank them for their support, but also to let you know about the legends that support us!
This month we acknowledge Tandy Leather.
Tandy Leather has been a huge part of the Bootstraps journey. They have not only given us considerable discounts on our continued purchases, but they have also donated several items over the years.
Hardly needing an introduction, if you know leather, you know Tandy. Since 1919, Tandy Leather has been the resource for generations of leathercrafters, providing quality leather, tools, kits and teaching resources.
Check out their site to discover their amazing range of products.
We are also really excited to welcome MacLace Leather to the 500 club. We look forward to featuring them in a future newsletter and thank Rob and Tanya for coming on board.
Their logo, which links to their website, can be found amongst the others at the end of the newsletter.
Bootstraps is really proud to have its many supporters onboard as 500 Club members.
But to keep the centre marching along we're always looking for more businesses to become 500 Club members! If you too would like find out what's in it for your business, learn a bit more and show your support for our work, click below to discover how you can become a 500 CLUB MEMBER!
We even have our own hashtag, #500club; search for it on social media to find out the amazing things our members are doing.
LEATHER LAUGHS:
They say that laughter is the best medicine... so here's your dose of giggles for this month's News Leather!
VETERANS VENUES:
Each month we like to feature a Veteran owned business or place where veterans, their families and friends can spend time and enjoy life.
If you have, or know of a business or place, why not let us know so we can feature them here!
PROJECTS:
Below are some of the items we've been working on during March.
First up are some of the products that we will be manufacturing in various colours. Shown here are a briefcase, a holdall and the Xplorer backpack. We will be adding more items to this range, so keep an eye out for updates.
Below that are stubby/can holders; a batch were created with a relatively simple design using the LASER; we also tried a prototype design for more intricate designs that incorporate military insignia.
We always welcome new faces to the centre, as well as familiar ones. If you'd like to create a unique leather piece yourself, why not visit our centre today, or contact us about class times; better still, why not take home an exclusive piece of leatherwork from our many items for sale in our display!
We look forward to bringing you more in next month's News-Leather. But in the meantime, be sure to Like and Follow us on our socials to keep up to date with what's happening with Bootstraps!
We'd really love to hear what projects you'd like to do!
Go to our Linktree to submit an expression of interest for our classes, or a custom project.
Satchel, Handbag, Photo Album, Rifle Case, Tool Case,
Binoculars Case, or perhaps something more unique!
Remember to leave us your feedback or a comment on what you would like to make at our centre or have covered in future edition of our News-Leathers!
Thank you again to our 500 Club members - click the logos to visit their websites
