Katie from the team joined us with absolutely zero shoemaking experience - she's the gal in charge of all our socials and fun emailers (sign up HERE if you're not already a VIP). She also edits all the masterclass content, meaning she's now very familiar with the shoemaking process - SO she wanted to put her skills to the test!
She chose to do a pair of platform wedges in bright orange leather - she loves a pop of colour so this was no surprise!
Here's a little video of how the orange platform mules came together:
Let's break down the process:
Step 1: Gather all the components for the project. Katie used the square toe platform soles from our supply shop. These come with their own padded insoles which are a dream to walk on!
Step 2: Katie started by tracing out her upper pattern. She used our slider sandal pattern to create a mule type upper.
Step 3: Katie then cut out her uppers and linings out of the same leather - she decided she wanted every part of the shoe to be orange!
Step 4: She then coated both the lining and upper with water based glue. She folded the topline of the upper before gluing it down to the lining.
Step 5: Once the linings and uppers were glued together, she set them aside whilst she covered her insoles. She came back to these later to stitch them together.
Step 6: She then traced around the insoles, leaving around 1cm excess around the outside.
Step 7: She then stitched the uppers and linings together.
Step 8: Then Katie glued the lining leather and insole leather with solvent based glue ready to cover the insoles.
Step 9: Then she cut out the same orange leather to cover the platform unit.
Step 10: She then covered the platform unit and leather with strong solvent based glue. After the glue had dried to become tacky, she covered the platform with the leather.
Step 11: Katie then glue the upper to the insole and then glued the insole to the platform unit. As well as this, Katie glued some 2mm thick resin soling to the base of the platforms.
Step 12: Once the glue had all dried, they were ready to wear! I always recommend leaving your shoes for a day or two to let the glue really set.
Here are the finished shoes:
