Tag: Appalachian

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The Knee-High Goth Wedding Boots

 

What an incredible and amazing  journey it has been to make these boots. My client asked for knee-high black wedding boots. I took to calling them the goth wedding boots. I don’t know if they’re goth or if they’re steam punk but it has been my pleasure and a delight to make these beauties. I have learned so much and I thank my fellow shoemakers for their tips via Footwear Makers Forum, text and email. I had not yet made a breasted heel before I started these boots. I also learned about ordering supplies from Germany. Thankful as well for YouTube. 

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I got into the Guild!!

 

Excellent news arrived yesterday. I got my acceptance letter to the Southern Highlands Craft Guild! I have been working towards this goal for more than a year. You see, for the Object Jury one needs to submit five items that show their very best work. As a bespoke shoemaker I don’t keep five pairs of shoes lying around since I have shipped them off one at a time to the clients. I borrowed back a few pairs of shoes. I happened to have on hand a few additional pairs of shoes that I had made in demonstration for my students.

I am so pleased and honored to now be counted among the card-carrying guild members. So grateful to have found my tribe.

Last night one of my fellow folk dancers announced my achievement to the group. Another fellow folk dancers said, It’s like getting your PhD!

 

 

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Sparkly and Pink

newborn baby girl shoes with pointy toes

Newborn baby girl shoes with pointy toes 

I am soon to be a great-aunt! I was pouring over the baby shower wish list and soon realized that I can make the baby girl some footwear! I can make her shoes all the time! She will be learning and growing and so will I (learning only, no growing). Next year I can teach myself how to make little baby walking shoes. For now the shoes are a lot like slippers. The possibilities are endless. What a fun job.

This leather is dark pink and sparkly. I bought it 10 years ago on my first buying trip to NY.

 

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Spirit Guide

 

This summer I went Out West. I was visited at my campsite in Cloudcroft, NM, by a young bull elk. His antlers were still in velvet. I quietly spoke to him and explained how handsome he is. It was a magical moment and one of my favorites from the trip. How enchanting that he spoke back to me with a soft, quiet bugle. 

Fast forward to yesterday when I learned the article on me and my school is out in WNC Magazine. Imagine my surprise to find my spirit guide on the front cover. See the story which begins on page 39.  https://wncmagazine.com/digitaledition

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Healing Shoes

 

In kindergarten I had a pair of red and white saddle oxfords. The saddle was red patent leather. I wore them everyday. One day the teacher asked us all to stand in the middle of the room. Then she said “all of the people wearing black shoes, go stand over there,” and then “all of the people wearing brown shoes, go stand over there.” There I was, standing alone in the middle of the classroom in my red and white shoes. I was embarrassed and shamed. I made these shoes for the little girl in me, the little one who the teacher tried to quash the artist out of. I don’t know where that teacher is, if she’s living or dead. I don’t remember her name, but I thumb my nose at her!!! I’m going to wear these shoes with pride and confidence. She did not succeed in making me conform.

 

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Enrolling now for January shoemaking classes

Toe River Studio Tour advertisement
See page 10 of the Autumn 2022 Toe River Studio Tour booklet

Reserve your spot now for my beginner shoemaking classes that start in January. See the Toe River Studio Tour booklet that is out now for the Autumn tour. My ad is on page 10.

Class size is limited to five. Let me know if you have availability for other days of the week. I will open additional sections for the class as the seats fill. Early registration recommended.

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Open House

Open House for Deborah’s School of Shoemaking

Come by on Sunday, May 1, 2022, 2-4 pm

Bring your dream shoes to life

121 Montana Avenue, West Asheville

There will be a drawing for fabulous prizes!

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The Madonna of the Lasts

I got some publicity in Mountain Xpress for Deborah’s School of Shoemaking. I recently dreamt up this image of me posing as the Virgin of the Guadalupe and using lasts as the light rays from my halo. I’m so pleased Mountain Xpress used my photo and what an honor for my new school to be featured. Check out my School page because classes are forming all the time. Gather some friends together and we can have a class time whenever works for you.

Around Town: Local workshops teach shoemaking skills