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"Introduction to Shoemaking"

5 Day Hands-on Workshop

  • Each participant makes a pair of shoes for their own feet
  • Your Hand Tool Kit is included as part of the package
  • You take the hand tools Plus the Experience
    home with you

This workshop is an Introductory Level Program that is designed to give people a simple, comprehensive and fun experience in making shoes.

Once you have a basic understanding of the principles, techniques and materials of shoe design and construction, you are only limited by your own imagination.



COURSE OUTLINE OF TOPICS:

The Foot:
The basic relationship of the foot to the rest of the body. How the foot works with an emphasis on how the foot relates to the function of the shoe.

The Shoe Last:
The solid form that a shoe is molded on is called a “Shoe Last”. The most important aspect of proper fitting footwear is the design, volume and shape of the shoe last.

Measuring & Fitting:
This is the first step to understanding the relationship of the foot and shoe.

Pattern Design & Grading:
A pattern shell for each last must be fit and graded to insure proper fit and function of the finished shoe. Style lines are applied to the pattern shell to create individual designs.

Cutting Dies:
Steel Rule Cutting Dies are an essential element in the mass production process. They are an exact copy of the pattern drawing.

Selecting Materials:
Each component is examined and analyzed, for proper application in regard to the function and style of the shoes being created. (upper & lining leather, insoles & outsoles, heel counters, toe boxes, etc.)

Insoles and Support:
One of the most important parts of a shoe is the bottom. This is the area of the foot that supports the entire weight and movement of the body.

Hand Tools & Machines:
An opportunity to gain first hand experience working with traditional hand tools and machinery used to make footwear.


Day

Morning

Afternoon

Day 1 Meet at Manresa Castle
Arrival & Orientation at ShoeSchool
Tools & Materials
Design - Findings
Stitching & Cementing Techniques
The Foot & The Shoe Last
Imprint Feet for Last Selection
Simple Sandal Patterns
Presentation: The Sensitive Foot

Day 2 Pattern Making
Drafting the Shoe Last
Pattern Design & Creation
Cutting / Steel Rule Dies
Leather Selection
Cutting Leather
Molding Heel Counters
Videos: Last Making, Leather Tanning

Day 3 Stitching Leather Uppers
Eyelets / Findings
Machine Demonstrations
Complete Upper Stitching
Hand Lasting the Lining
Inserting Heel Counters / Box Toes
Technology Presentation

Day 4 Hand Lasting the Uppers
Review Outsole / Midsole Patterns
Shanks & Heels
Material Selections
Make Outsole / Midsole Units
Bottom Unit Assembly

Day 5 Bottom Work
Building the Sole of the Shoe
Rough & Finish Sanding
Complete Shoes

Sock Linings
Lacing
Finish & Polish

Pack It Up! Ship It Home!

 

Daily Schedule 8:30 ....Workshop Opens
12:00 ....Lunch
1:00 ....Workshop Resumes
5:30 ....Workshop Closes
6:30 ....Dinner

Go!

Student Interview Videos

Watch Streaming Video

See and Hear what the students have to say about their experience...

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