Shoemaking Workshop: Leather Sandals

A two-day intensive in handmade leather sandals — cut, shape, and stitch your own pair on a contoured footbed and molded sole.

Duration
2 Days
Cost
$50
Subsidized by the Wilding Foundation
Class Size
3 Students

Ever wanted to make your own leather sandals? Here is your chance. Following our popular Oxfords course, the Wilding Foundation is bringing its shoemaking program back to Salt Spring Island with a warm-weather favourite: the handmade leather sandal. Designed for artists, craftspeople, and curious makers, this workshop trades the welted dress shoe for a slip-on built on a contoured footbed — the kind of everyday pair you reach for all summer. Each session is kept to just 3 participants, so you get close mentorship and hands-on attention from start to finish. Apply now and we will be in contact about upcoming dates and availability.

Over two hands-on days, you will learn the fundamentals of building footwear by hand: drafting your pattern, selecting and cutting the leather upper, shaping it over a sandal form, building it onto a sculpted cork-and-leather footbed, and attaching the sole. You will fit the hardware too — finishing with either clean closed-toe clogs, slides, open toe, or a strap and closure model.

By the end of the workshop you will have a working foundation in hand shoemaking, and walk away in your own pair of leather sandals.

Handmade black leather sandals, one slip-on and one with a buckled slingback strap, on a stone wall Black leather sandal worn with the slingback strap and buckle fastened around the ankle Side profile of a slip-on black leather sandal with a soft collar and molded sole A pair of handmade black leather sandals worn with rolled khaki trousers on a rock Olive-green oiled-leather closed-toe clog sandal with a buckle strap on a cork footbed Pink nubuck-leather single-strap slide sandal on a cork footbed Grey suede single-strap slide sandal on a cork footbed White leather two-strap slide sandal with buckles on a cork footbed
Who should apply: We are looking for artists, makers, and creative practitioners. This opportunity is especially suited to people with experience in craft disciplines such as woodworking, textiles, leatherwork, metalwork, sculpture, or other material-based practices. No prior shoemaking experience is required. Curiosity, patience, and an interest in learning a new craft are the most important qualifications.

Your shoemaker

Amy Slosky is a bespoke shoemaker, artisan, and instructor with over a decade of experience designing and making handmade footwear. Dedicated to preserving the craft of traditional shoemaking, she combines contemporary design sensibilities with time-honored techniques passed down through generations of master makers.

As an instructor, Amy is passionate about making the complex art of shoemaking approachable for beginners. Her workshops focus on understanding the complete shoemaking process—from last modification and pattern development to lasting, soling, and finishing—while fostering confidence, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Students leave not only with a completed pair of shoes, but with a deeper appreciation for the craft, a strong foundation in traditional shoemaking techniques, and the confidence to continue developing their skills independently.

Apply

Applications are now open. With limited spots, demand is high. Tell us about yourself and your interest in the workshop. Selected participants will be notified as seats become available.

What kind of art, craft, or creative work do you do? Tell us about projects you've been involved in.
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Application received. Thank you for your interest. We will review your application and be in touch by email.
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