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Beginner Shoemaking Intensive Workshop | 4 Days

The Beginner Shoemaking Workshop introduces the core techniques, materials, and processes used in shoemaking through guided studio practice. The focus is on learning practical skills used across classic footwear.

Participants complete one full pair of shoes while developing a clear understanding of how footwear is designed, patterned, constructed, and finished.

The course is taught using cement construction, a modern method that enables the efficient creation of various footwear styles.

$2,400 CAD+ applicable taxes

Upcoming dates

  • 4 consecutive days
  • 10 AM – 6 PM daily
  • Small-group instruction
  • All materials included
  • A finished pair of shoes to take home

Course Enrollment Request

Beginner Shoemaking Intensive Workshop$2,400 CAD + applicable taxes

This is an enrollment request, not a confirmed booking or payment. We'll be in touch to confirm your place.

The course

What you'll learn.

  1. 01Pattern making, choosing a shoe last, developing a design, and creating patterns for each shoe part
  2. 02Clicking, cutting leather and preparing materials for assembly
  3. 03Sewing leather on industrial sewing machines
  4. 04Lasting, shaping and attaching the upper to the shoe last
  5. 05Cement construction, bonding uppers and soles using modern adhesives
  6. 06Finishing, final assembly, edge work, cleaning, and leather treatment
Outcome

By the end of the course, participants complete one pair of shoes and gain a clear understanding of the full shoemaking process, with skills that can be used for future projects.

Who it's for

This course is suitable for beginners with no previous shoemaking experience, as well as designers, makers, and creatives who want a clear introduction to footwear construction. Participants with prior experience may add more complex design details.

What's included

All materials required to complete the course project are supplied during the workshop.

Tools and equipment are shared and provided for use in the studio throughout the class.

Your instructor

Nina Rozin

Nina Rozin is a footwear designer, shoemaker, and educator with over 20 years of experience.

She studied footwear design and technology at Cordwainers, London College of Fashion. She is a member of The Guild of Master Craftsmen in England and founded The Guild School of Footwear and Accessory Design in 2007. Since 2018, she has taught shoemaking workshops internationally.

Student stories

In their words.

From students of our shoemaking courses.

  • I am still thrilled with my shoes and the confidence and skills this workshop gave me — Beginner course
  • This was the best creative class I have taken in years and I am deeply grateful for it. — Advanced course
  • I felt lucky to learn from someone so skilled, warm, and genuinely inspiring. — Beginner course
  • Nina is an outstanding teacher and every day in her class feels like a discovery. — Sneaker course
  • The class was unforgettable and left me excited to keep learning and making — Beginner course

Up close

Take a closer look.

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Good to know

Workshop policies.

Please read these before you book.

Admin Fee

The course price includes a $120 admin fee, which is non-refundable. This helps us cover the cost of charges accrued from cancellations.

Cancellation

Cancellations or rescheduling must be made at least 14 days in advance. Refunds will not be given if cancellation or rescheduling happens within that window.

Sick

In the case of a student becoming sick for this course, please get in touch with us as soon as possible, and our instructor will get in contact with you to figure out an alternative make-up session.

Rescheduling

If you need to reschedule, please email us no sooner than 14 days prior to the start of the course. Rescheduling may not be possible if notice is not given at least 2 weeks out.

Age

Participants must be 16 years of age or older to take this class.

Waiver

All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon entry to the studio.

By signing up for L.L. workshops you acknowledge that you've read and understand the above policies.

Questions

Questions, answered.

All FAQs
Do I need shoemaking experience?

No. The Beginner Shoemaking and Sneaker courses are open to everyone, with no previous experience needed.

Can I cancel or reschedule?

Yes, if you let us know at least 14 days before the course starts. Within 14 days, refunds aren't given. The full policies are on this page.

Where are workshops held?

At our studio, 76 W 6th Ave, Vancouver.

Can I give a workshop as a gift?

Yes. A Lonsdale Leather gift card can be used to book workshops online.

Can I book for a group?

Yes. For groups of 6 or more we run corporate and team-building workshops, at our studio or yours. Email info@lonsdaleleather.com to plan one.

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