Class/Workshop Policy

Studio Policies

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  • All users of the Freebird Work Studio are responsible for their own safety.  Freebird of California will not be held liable or responsible for any injury sustained by using any of the facilities or equipment in the studio.

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  • If at any time you notice any equipment and/or tools which are not functioning properly, stop using the equipment and contact a member of the Freebird of California staff. 

  • Classes unless otherwise specified are for adults 18 and up.

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Class Policies

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  • Freebird will provide each student with any equipment and/or tools needed for each class unless otherwise noted in the class description. 

  • Class fees must be paid in advance through our website. 

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  • Class fees are transferable to another class or to studio credit if cancellation is made at least 72 hours before class.  If cancellations are made after the 72 hour window, we cannot issue a refund or credit, however you may transfer the class to a friend.

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  • Please plan on arriving at least 15 minutes before the start of class to ensure that all students are given adequate attention and can make the most of every class.  Parking in Oakland can be a challenge, so please allow additional time to find a spot.. If a student arrives 15 minutes or more after the start of class, it is at the discretion of the instructor as to whether the student will be admitted. No refunds or studio credit will be given for late arrivals.

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  • For special guest instructors, we are unable to give refunds for cancelled classes unless there is a waitlist for the event. You are welcome to arrange for a friend to take your place.

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  • NO REFUNDS OR STUDIO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN FOR NO-SHOWS.​

 

  • In the event that a class does not have enough students, it may be canceled. Enrolled students will be notified at least 48 hours prior to the start of the class. In the event of a cancellation, students will be refunded. If we reschedule a class to another date, students may transfer to the new date or receive a full refund.

 

our values

Ethical Sourcing

We choose to partner with suppliers that certify fair labor practices through the supply chain and tanneries from the Leather Working Group that value following strict waste protocols, reduce energy usage and water re-treatment in the tanning process.

Sustainability

Since this is leather, in respect to the hides we believe in using as much as possible and try to produce as close to zero waste as possible. Through upcycling, handbag scraps can be remade into earrings and keychains or filling for cushions

Locally Made

A living wage is a human right. Our goods are produced locally and employees paid a living wage in a safe working environment.

Timelessness

We provide leather goods repair and reconditioning to keep your products lasting a lifetime and out of the landfill.

To learn more about our repair services.

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Our Mission

Freebird of CA creates timeless leather pieces, of uncompromising quality built to last. Skillfully handcrafted in Oakland, California.

About the Designer

Amber Washington started Freebird of California after finding an unlikely passion in leather as a designer for the leather watch strap brand, Hugel. In order to fully understand the handmade strap collector industry, Amber researched leathercraft techniques used by the finest leather goods company, Hermes, and spent time teaching herself the art of hand stitched leather.  

An Oakland native and graduate of the Academy of Art University, Amber started her career with 11 years in apparel design and production in Los Angeles, Bangladesh and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Freebird of California was created to merge the three elements of revival of fading local American production and skilled craft, sharing creative skills for community nourishment, and a passion for well made leather goods.

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@FREEBIRD.CA