SHORT COURSES IN SHOEMAKING & LEATHERCRAFT

one on one tuition from an experienced hand in a fully equipped artisan studio

Every so often, my workbench is cleared in this small garden studio to put on my teaching hat. Individual tuition - tailored to suit your skillset. 6 day, 3 day or shorter leathercraft sessions . My next availability is in November 2024. Simply email your course choice with preferred dates & if a booking is available at a time that suits, a confirmation payment can be done online - easy!!

hand lasting in a shoe design module

hand cutting - leather craft course

Tuition on a specific aspect of shoemaking

Already have some shoe making basics under your belt? Spend quality time with specialised guidance through your next project.

Specific Modules

Individual tuition sessions

in pattern cutting , closing, skiving,

last adjustinging, handsewn welting,

or any other shoemaking skill you wish to harness.

RETURNING students can book extra STUDIO TIME to get access to use of studio equipment (under supervision) at your own speed after doing a course with me.

Belt or Collar Making Course

3hrs ( half day) session

what you will learn:

cut, punch, skive, bevel,

attach buckles, edging and finishing

fees $235 pp inclusive of all materials

BOOK A SPACE

Repair & Renew

tuition sessions for anyone with an interest in learning

basic leathercraft - awl for all !

What you can learn:

cut, dye, punch, glue, hand-stitch,

choosing leathers, tools & components

3 hour sessions - excludes materials

Continue at home in your workshop, using your new skillset

repair and maintain your accessory wardrobe

Do you have a particular repair project in mind? you are welcome to discuss options with me & book a short session for one on one tuition BOOK A SPACE

Shoe making and leather supplies

various hard to find supplies are available

in small quantities, direct from my studio

LEATHER PIECES per square foot

toe puff pieces, leather stiffener pieces, zips, laces etc

There is also a large box of upcycle-able leathers and offcuts (koha)

SHOE LASTS $40 from my stocks of used lasts,

email me with size and shape to check availability

learn to design and create sustainable footwear - with repairable components

Spend some time on the beautiful island of Waiheke, honing your creative skills as you learn more about the art of leather craft and shoe design from a London trained bespoke shoemaker. A qualified teacher with years of experience using traditional equipment and methods of construction.A bit of R & R in between classes is highly recommended with great outdoors activities and a wide choice of places to stay.

making leather insoles

bottom stock construction techniques

Course Options - materials are included

Beginners to advanced - designed to suit your skill level

You are welcome to visit or call to discuss your requirements first.

SHORT : ½ to 2 day craft oriented leather workshops – sandal making, beltmaking , cuffs, collars, basic repair skills FEES from $195 (half day) to $860 (2 day sandal making)

MEDIUM : 3 to 4 day kit-set courses where patterns are provided and the emphasis is on making rather than design. FEES $1695 (3 day)

FULL INTRO: 6 days intensive introductory shoe design course - you choose a last from my student last library and a style to suit that last. Course includes aspects of pattern cutting. Upper clicking & closing , hand lasting and bottom construction - heels & soles. FEES $2450 (6 day)

ADVANCED HAND MAKING modules for returning students / studied elsewhere

3 hour sessions in any of the following -

hand sewing/ welts, pattern cutting sessions for specific styles, last building (to measure), adjusting toe shapes on the last, building heels, wedges & platforms, veldschoen & slip lasting techniques, machining guidance – sewing ,skiving, finishing machines – operating and maintenance, knife sharpening and skiving techniques. FEES from $195 (half day)

If I have dates available to suit your choices, I will send a booking form with details

Early bookings are recommended, minimum 3 or 4 months in advance required.

from start to finish creating a 3D form from a flat pattern

Sandalmaking

learn some basic leathercraft skills & make a pair of veg tanned sandals

what you will learn: cut, punch, skive, bevel, dye, glue, buckles, rivets

Starting from here ... day 1

to here ... day 2

an example from a variety simple styles of veg tanned leather sandals.