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.

Dreams and Schemes

Hot leather classes are not quite the same as hot yoga–for one, students wear more clothes and we encourage them to wear aprons. Luckily we cooled off with some extra fans and some new AC. We still work up a sweat making beautiful things out of leather and students continue to amaze and astound with their creativity and focus. We’re slowing down a little in August to prepare an awesome fall schedule of classes and projects. The Chicago School of Shoemaking (and leather working) is expanding and exploding with new ideas and aspirations. We just got in over 400 square feet of leathers in beautiful colors–just the perfect weight to make purses and totes. Let’s make some more stuff together!! Please send your ideas and desires for classes and projects. This is your school too. See you soon!! A few things on our list: tool kits, bench and tool time/independent study program, leather for sale by the sq ft….

New Classes

We just added a bunch of classes to the summer calendar. Since we filled the Exploring Leather Work classes on Tuesday evenings so quickly, we decided to run another 6 week class on Thursday evenings starting July 5th- Aug 9th. We’ve also got some Sandalmaking classes scheduled starting July 7th. Check out the class dates calendar and grab your spot. We’ll be showing photos of the sandal designs by July 1st.

Calling all Sandal Makers!

Ok People –this is your chance to have some input in some hand made sandal design. I’ve got some ideas I’ve been working on…but if you’re interested in making a pair of sandals for yourself, now’s the time to send photos, pictures, or drawings to us and get a 10% discount on the class for your efforts. There are only 6 spots in each class–so we’ll add classes if we get a lot of submissions. We’ll choose 3 designs from your offerings that can be made in a one day class and have the proper materials for them on hand. How about it?
We’ll be finalizing the designs by Friday, June 22. So send your ideas in asap–to info[at]chicagoschoolofshoemaking.com
Let the Sandal Designing Begin!

Busy Week Elves and All

There’s something magical about shoemaking. How many of you know the story of the Shoemaker and the Elves?

We’re not only training shoemakers at the school. We’re creating excitement about art and design and edgy decorations on leather. We’re teaching the qualities of leather and how it can be formed. We’re introducing new tools and how to use them. We’re refining skills and having fun. Come by and see us–Sign up for a class. Soon we’ll be posting a Sandalmaking class–now that’s exciting!