To order products
send credit card information, name and address via telephone or fax or send check to address below:
Simple Shoemaking
145 Baker Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Tel: 413.259.1748
Fax: 413.259.3773
Learn how to make shoes in a class customized to your needs
Purchase toddler shoes
Purchase outdoor soling and patterns for felted footwear
Purchase hard-to-find shoemaking materials
Welcome to simple shoemaking! Making simple footwear has been my passion since I lived in the south of England several decades ago, where there were shops selling handmade shoes. Realizing I was self-sufficent in many ways, but couldn't cover my own feet, I decided to correct that situation. I primarily use and teach the "stitchdown" shoemaking process, in which the bottom edge of the upper part of the shoe is turned out, then is cemented and stitched to the topsole. Finally, a rugged outdoor sole is cemented in place. Very simple!
On this website I offer a description of my shoemaking workshops, available to individuals, to be scheduled at your convenience. I also sell outdoor soling for felted footwear and shoes for toddlers - find them on the "Handmade Sandals" page.
Please check out the "blank slate" sandals on the Shoemaking Collaborations page. They are undecorated sandals ready for your embellishment - you can also get the parts of the sandals to decorate before they are assembled if that would be your preference (It's a lot easier sewing beads, for instance, on an unattached piece of leather.) For decorating ideas, see www.sassyfeet.com.
REPRINTS OF CRAFTING HANDMADE SHOES AVAILABLE
The two shoemaking books I have written are out of print. However, I offer reprints of Crafting Handmade Shoes in black and white for $20.00 plus $5.00 shipping. (Please make out any check to Sharon Raymond). I no longer shape shoes over feet, as is described in the book, but instead only shape shoes over lasts (plastic models of feet with various toe-shapes added). However, some people have had success with the "over feet" technique so I would like the book to remain available. A supplement describing how to make footwear over lasts is included with the book.
Please email me at: Sharon"at"simpleshoemaking.com
SANDALMAKING IN HAITI
Recently I sent a sample of a 'fisherman"-style sandal to an orphanage in Haiti, for the older boys to make for the children. I have received a photo of the first pair of sandals made there, and would like to share it with you. If anyone knows of another orphanage or other organization where there might be an interest in making shoes, please contact me.
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Contents Copyright ©2005 Sharon Raymond, All Rights Reserved