Sandal-Making (Postponed)

NOTE: This event has been postponed.

Learn to make your own pair of handmade leather sandals in this two-part workshop led by Stace Fulwiler Wood. No previous experience necessary, and this class is open to women, men, and children as young as Age 12.

Leather sandals have been worn for centuries, and for good reason: they are durable, breathable, comfortable, repairable, and grow more beautiful with wear and age. Sandalmaking shops once dotted coastal towns throughout California, though this craft has become rare as shoe production has moved away from artisan methods and materials. Stace has been working to revive this craft by teaching sandal making workshops, showing others that they can make their own shoes in one day.

You will start by choosing from a handful of simple, versatile sandal designs. You will learn how to modify the design to fit your unique feet, taking into consideration your bone structure and arch height. You will learn how to shape the leather soles to your arch, attach a stacked leather heel, and use leather-working tools to cut your insoles and straps.

Stace will bring a selection of neutral leather colors (browns, black, tan, caramel) as well as more colorful pieces to accent your sandals. Mixing and matching is encouraged! You will learn how to strategically place your sandal straps to create the most comfortable sandal for your unique foot, and how to select the correct weight of leather for your specific sandal design.

In addition to your handmade sandals, you will also take home an outline of the sandal making process, including a list of local resources for shoemaking if you want to replicate the process at home. Stace will also provide instructions for ‘care and feeding’ of your sandals.

Note: This workshop requires you to kneel, bend, and use arm and hand strength. You will be asked for your sandal size and width upon checkout so Stace can cut your sandal soles ahead of time.