Students in the Workshop ~ Naomi

Introducing Naomi, our second shoemaking student in our 'Students in the Workshop' series.

Name: Naomi Clarke

Age: 25

Occupation: Apprenctice shoe maker

Hometown: Blue Mountains

Date of course: 14th- 19th Nov

• Why did you want to do the course?

I wanted a hands-on course that would indroduce me to all the steps of shoemaking, rather than a theoretical overview- plus, finishing with a pair of shoes was very appealing!

• How did you find out about it?

Google search, blogs.

• What shoes have you made?

Tan oxfords with a brogue detial, fringed tongue and tassled laces.

• Why this style/ leather finish?

I wanted to make a 1920's-30's vintage style that was unisex and classic.

• What’s the best thing you've learned/ heard from Andrew

Description of the whole shoemaking process: from taking an illustration, converting this into a pattern and transforming this into a wearable shoe was very rewarding. Having Andrew's brain to pick from concept to object was a fantastic learning experience.

• Most difficult technique you've had to do?

I found skivving a difficult process, scraping off a thin layer but not cutting into the leather!

• Will you continue to do shoemaking?

Absolutely

• Any words of advice for others?

I would highly recommend the course to anyone interested in the art of shoemaking. 

The finished product: Tan Tassled Oxfords 

More information on our shoemaking courses can be found here.