If you have ever ogled a pair of handcrafted shoes and wondered at the intricacy of their construction, then perhaps Andrew MacDonald’s shoe-making course is for you. MacDonald takes artisanal approach to men’s and women’s footwear, and occasionally offers summer shoe-making courses for true enthusiasts.
Perfecting the art of making shoes since for 15 years, Andrew’s skill and artistry were recognised in 1996 when he won the Churchill Fellowship. This award sent him to study in the UK under shoe-making masters including John Lobb of London and Paul Harnden. His online business, operated from his William Street location in Paddington, NSW sells 70% of his stock overseas. Still ambling shoppers may stumble on his little atelier and request of him a bespoke pair. His leather women’s shoes retail for around $800, but if you venture to his shoe-making course, the cost involves constructing your dream shoe.
The five-day shoe-making courses allows students to construct any style of shoe they bring a sketch or image of. Andrew MacDonald’s Christmas courses run for five days 10am – 4pm from 5-9 December and 12-16 December, 2011. The course fee is $2,800 and includes all materials.
“My students can design their shoes, build their shoes and walk out wearing them,” says MacDonald who admits he gets a thrill out of seeing people participate in the process. The course includes pattern making and design, cutting and clicking, upper stitching, lasting and finishing.
“Sometimes I have a really great student, who gets finished with the first pair quickly and gets started on the second pair. When that happens I always say they can come back for an extra day in the workshop to finish them off,” he says.
For more information about Andrew MacDonald shoes and courses call (+612) 9358 6793 or visit the site
