Bootmaking

This is an advanced class where you actually make a pair of tall boots from start to finish.

We will schedule dates for this class upon request. Prerequisite: Beginning Shoemaking and Patternmaking.

Sandalmaking: 6 hours – $225

Many styles of sandals will be available to customize for yourself during this class. A variety of soling and strap designs will be explored and students will create a pair of sandals with a wide selection of hardware and leathers. You will learn how to create and install straps, attach buckles or other closures and decorate with the findings and hardware available. You’ll be able to wear your sandals home after class. Only 6 students per class.

Visit us at the Creative Chicago Expo!

Join us at the 2013 Creative Chicago Expo this weekend!

The Creative Chicago Expo connects Chicago’s creative community with resources they need to thrive. Through keynotes, workshops, vendors and more, get professional development expertise from top local and national providers! This event is for creative individuals and organizations in design, culinary, fashion, film, music, dance, theater, literary, and visual arts–and of course, shoemaking and leather working!

Making a bag for Mom

Great Project Story!

Searched forever to find someone who could sew leather in Chicago so I could make my mom an overnight bag from a hide I got from work. Sara, the woman behind Chicago School of Shoemaking, not only knows how to sew leather but you can take a class and learn how to be a true designer and make clutches, shoes, earings, etc etc! SO MUCH FUN!!! I didn’t know what to expect but I loved it. 5 hours on a Saturday with her and we had a beautiful finished bag.

Intermediate Leather Work: 6 week class – $350

Prerequisite: Exploring Leather Work, or advanced leather skills.

We’ll be focusing on finer skills, hand stitching and lacing, more knowledge and experience with vegetable tanned leather and formation and construction of interesting handles as well as zipper installation. Training and use of the industrial sewing machine on site as well as elaborate edging techniques make this class series a good choice for the more serious leather worker. There will be many opportunities for your own designs to be incorporated into class projects. All materials, hardware and use of tools are included.

Gift Certificate Discounts

For a limited time, a gift Certificate from us is discounted 20% at purchase. This is a good way to make your dollars go further to promote learning and skill building at the School. We wish you the Very Best this season! And if you’re in town next week, visit us at the One of a Kind Show at the Merchandise Mart downtown. Booth 7117 ( link is for comp tickets) We are displaying student projects and selling gift certificates as well as selling products that you could have made yourself in our Leather Work Classes. Come See us!!!

Exploring Leather Work: 6 week class – $295

This hands-on fundamentals course is for people who want to learn how to make items and projects out of a variety of weights and types of leather. Whether you have done some leather work on your own, have already attended a workshop at the school or have never worked with leather before, this is the best class to refine your skills and move forward to more intricate projects and advanced classes.

In 6 weeks we will cover all the basic information students need to complete 5 different projects. We explore many aspects of working with leather: cutting, gluing, shaping, dyeing, hardware, and finishing techniques. Patterns and projects are provided as well as many choices of leather types and colors. You will also have time and space to work on independent projects of your own designs as the class progresses. All materials, hardware and use of tools are included.

Feel free to download this pdf of the class syllabus.Exploring Leather Work Class Syllabus 2013

Leather Work 101: 2 hours – $75

Leather Work 101 is a solid introduction to leather work.  There are 4-6 projects to choose from and a variety of leathers and hardware. You can modify and create your own patterns as well.  This is a fun, easy class and gives you a chance to make a few things out of leather like a cuff, a clutch or a wallet you can give as gifts or just wear and enjoy yourself. Set a snap, attach a rivet, install eyelets.  All materials, hardware and use of tools are included in the tuition.

Leather Work 201 : 4 hours – $175

We schedule these classes to give students an opportunity to create more advanced leather items. 4 hours allows you to expand on the Leather Work 101 projects and add more details or create more items during class. Belts, clutches, cuffs, tote bags, necklaces, watch bands, are just the beginning. Come to class with your own ideas and select your leathers and hardware from our wide inventory.

**Dates to be determined soon **

RAVENSWOOD ART WALK Tomorow and Sunday

This is your chance to drop by the Chicago School of Shoemaking and see what we’re up to over there! Check out the leather projects and the shoe options and meet the Master Cobbler. Hope to see you!! 11-7 on Saturday and 11-6 on Sunday. Look for the school banner over the front windows and enter on the North side. 4723 N Winchester. Just South of Lawrence and East of Damen.