This weeks handmade Project

I bought some gorgeous leathers while I was in Hong Kong and in attempt to just use them I've decided to design and make a pair of shoes that I've had in my head for ages. So here are my initial sketches - I like showing my draft sketches because they show development and just how difficult it is to get the design spot on especially on your first go. I managed to get to the pattern making stage and Im aiming to get these shoes finished by the end of the week. Stay tuned for updates on this project through out the week.

Handmade Pointy Lace up Flats

I finally got around to finishing up the pointed lace up flats I made for my sister before I set off for holiday. I wanted to get some great shots outside of the apartment we stayed in especially because of the gorgeous weather and thought she'd actually get the chance of wearing them out there. I put the progress up on my snapchat for every one to see and suddenly realised I had forgotten to save some of them for a process video at the end, so the story is a pretty broken. The last few steps of making these shoes were adding the gold rivets to the uppers, adding the soles and corkfiller then attaching the lace, though it didn't quite go in that order. My first challenge was inserting the gold rivets, in retrospect I should have attached them while the upper was still a pattern piece as I was unable to attach a rivet at the front. Attaching the rivets to the inside of the shoe was difficult but at least manageable, I opted for a small hole punch at the front which doesn't offend me as much as I first thought it might. Funnily enough the easier part of completing these shoes was attaching the soles, which I've started to feel a lot more confident with though I'm still in need of practice. If i do manage to find some process shots of this pairs progress I'll try and get a process video organised, if not please do add me on snapchat to get a more instant update of what shoes I'm making. Im looking into a periscope, one of my good friends insists I should get one so if thats something you guys would prefer please do let me know! xxx

The Little Shoe Maker

Since taking on a new career path in handmade footwear my eyes and ears have become attuned to hunting out great bespoke shoe makers. The Little Shoe Maker is just that. As his Instagram name suggests Kevin Rowley (a.k.a The Little Shoe Maker) makes shoes for little people and uses his gorgeous kids as inspiration - the tiny shoes are just as beautiful! I've always loved great shoes whether they're on kids, women and men and these hand made beauties add that little extra touch of something special. His Instagram is nothing short of inspirational (I'm hoping one day my feed will look as creative as his) with progress shots of the tiny shoes  that he is currently making (little teasers if you ask me, I can't wait to see what the shoes turn out like) His recent designs have used some wonderful metallic leathers, this along with his distinctive vintage style lasts and contemporary design overall make for some seriously cute shoes - I'm trying to find any excuse to buy a pair. Head to his website for information on whats available, or if its more the process that interests you then head to his Instagram where you will be left inspired!