Description
Handcrafting leather sandals is a traditional way of shoemaking that has been practiced for centuries all around the world. This particular kind of slow fashion used to be abundant in the Bay Area but has since become more difficult to find. Come learn how to do this special craft yourself during a day of sandalmaking. Join Stace Fulwiler at Black Rock Ranch to learn how to make a pair of leather sandals that are custom fit to your feet. No experience is necessary, Stace will provide all the tools & supplies.
See photos of past workshops & student-made sandals HERE
In this workshop you will learn to make your own custom pair of sandals made from sturdy leather soles, half-inch stacked leather heels and supple leather straps and insoles. Together we will explore the sandal-making process, from cutting the straps to fitting them to your own feet. Over the course of making your sandals, you will also learn the basics of leather crafting and you will become familiar with the essential tools and supplies of shoemaking.
You will choose from a handful of different sandal design that are simple and easy for beginners to master. I’ll bring four different leather colors for you to choose from: black, espresso, caramel, and natural vegetable tanned leather.
At the end of the day we will sand down the edges of your sandals, refining the fit and finish of your sandals. You will be able to walk away from the workshop wearing your new custom, self-made sandals!
What to bring: working hands and outfits! We will be cutting, kneeling, bending and standing during the sandal making process so wear something comfortable to work in. It’s best to wear sandals as we will be getting barefoot during the fitting process. Bring a water bottle and snacks to keep you going. It’s a good idea to bring a face mask if you would like to try using the belt sander at the end of class, or if you are sensitive to strong fumes (the glue we use is strong; we will be using it outside with plenty of ventilation).
Potluck lunch: Please bring something to share for the potluck lunch that will take place on our patio, with a stunning view overlooking Stinson Beach and the Pacific Ocean, giving everyone time to socialize with the instructor and fellow students.
Take Away: handmade sandals; made with a round-toe leather sole, leather heels and leather uppers. You’ll also take home an outline of the sandal making process that includes ‘care and feeding’ of your new sandals and a list of local leather and shoe supply resources, should you wish to continue sandal making after the workshop.
About the instructor: Based in LA, Stace Fulwiler creates sandals inspired by Mediterranean sandal ateliers, beatnik sandal-wearers of yesteryear, and California culture. Stace began making sandals in 2013 and immediately realized that working with her hands was essential to her emotional health and vitality. She fell in love with the sandal making process; working with the body, leather, patterns and tools to create something sublime, personal, and evolving. Stace began teaching sandal making workshops to demystify the process of making one’s own footwear, and to enable others to reclaim the joy of using their own two hands (and two feet) to finish a project in one day. Sandal making is a very learnable craft and Stace absolutely loves teaching it: anyone can experience the magic of shoemaking with the necessary tools, supplies and a little guidance.