Leather Shoemaking: Oxfords

A six-day intensive workshop covering pattern cutting, lasting, and leather sole construction. Leave with your own pair of handmade shoes.

Duration
6 Days
Cost
$2,800 $300
Subsidized by the Wilding Foundation
Class Size
3 Students

Have you ever wanted to make your own pair of leather shoes? Now is your chance. The Wilding Foundation is offering shoemaking workshops on Salt Spring Island designed for artists, craftspeople, and creative individuals interested in learning the craft of traditional shoemaking. Classes run twice a month with just 3 participants each, ensuring close mentorship and hands-on attention throughout the course. Each day runs from 9am to 5pm. This program is done in collaboration with the Salt Spring Island Public Library. Registration for this round of workshops is now closed — thank you to everyone who applied.

Over six intensive days, participants will learn the fundamentals of handmade footwear, including pattern drafting, leather selection and cutting, lasting and shaping, leather sewing, and finishing techniques.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have gained a solid foundation in traditional shoemaking, and leave with their own pair of handmade shoes!

* A half day before the course starts may be required so you can come in to have your foot measured and your shoe form customized. We won’t have time to do this during the week of classes.

Handmade black and silver leather oxford shoes Handmade brown and olive leather saddle shoes Handmade black and silver oxford shoes worn with dark jeans Handmade black leather cap-toe oxford shoes Handmade black leather wholecut oxford shoes Handmade cream leather slip-on shoes
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.

Registration closed

Thank you to everyone who signed up — these workshops are now at capacity. We're grateful for the incredible response, and we will be offering more workshops in the future. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to hear when new dates open up.

← All workshops