Rough Sketches

The last few days have been filled with doing last minute things before my trip to Hong Kong and Japan. But I managed to grab a couple hours where I could sit and roughly sketch out some of the ideas I've had for shoes the last few days. Often when I get the urge to sketch, though it can be very rough I tend to go to my screenshots in my phone of shoes I've loved while scrolling through my social media. In some cases sketching can be for me a way of refining my drawing style (which I have been working on a little more everyday) or about conveying an idea that I don't want to forget. So here is what I was able to quickly sketch out while I had a couple hours spare! 

Progress on the Tassel Shoe

I had been busy all weekend and only found time yesterday to work on these tassel shoes. I managed to make up the tassels and get the front strap in place. I also managed to cover the heels, and since the style of the shoe is very simple this process didn't take very long either. Im hoping to have these shoes finished by the end of the week so I can hopefully make use of them in this lovely weather!

The Traveling Notebook of Shoe Makers

Chapter 3: Yuji

I was fortunate enough to meet Yuji on my recent trip to NYC when I meet Elizabeth Dunn at the Brooklyn Shoe Space studio, I had been following him on social media for quite some time so it was nice to finally meet him in person, and see how he works too. In short I was blown away by his skill and workmanship. A Japanese native Yuji finds comfort working on low tables as he did while working as a shoe maker in Japan so much so that he has a small set up in the studio too. At the time I was at the studio he was hand welting a private commission that he had been working on for a while, - it was a true piece of art work. I can't wait to see what he will be making next - be sure to keep up to date with his work via Instagram, there are some stunning work in progress images to feast your eyes on.

The Traveling Notebook of Shoe Makers

Chapter 2: Elizabeth Dunn

I first met Elizabeth when I took on a design course at the I Can Make Shoes studio about a year and a half ago, I was eager to learn and completely immerse myself into the footwear world. I asked her endless questions about the industry and how she got into footwear I was mesmerised by all she had achieved so far. (Making shoes to be later worn by Lady Gaga is a huge acomplishment) Low and behold  a couple months later, I was interning in the very studio she worked from and I was able to see her process from design to an actual pair of shoes. I enjoyed coming into to the studio because there would always be a new product on the horizon that we could all admire. Her design skill and craftsmanship was inspiring,  so when she said she was leaving for NYC I was filled with joy and sadness at the same time, she was so lovely to be around, her personality brightened up the room instantly but I was SO excited for her to be able to fulfil her dreams of moving to NYC to carry on with her own brand and label. (My life long goal too - ONE DAY!!!) So on my trip to NYC I obviously jumped at the opportunity to be able to catch up with her in Williamsburg which is where she now lives and works. The Brooklyn Shoe space based in Williamsburg too, is where Elizabeth produces most of her creations now and I always look forward to seeing her new collections, it makes it all the more worth while knowing she has made each piece herself. Head to her website for more.

Elizabeth's latest collection.

I loved these!

A commission Elizabeth made for a client

Gorgeous handmade Wedding shoes!

Lizzy making a pair of her sandals from her latest collection

Walking around the Studio! I loved this space!

You can imagine what caught my eye! MERMAID LEATHER

The first time Ive seen a skiving machine! 

Lizzy wearing her handmade handbag and sandals!

LOVE!!